Pomegranate Apple Margarita Recipe – Chili Salt Rim Cocktail

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Pomegranate Apple Margarita Recipe – Chili Salt Rim Cocktail

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a cocktail that’s a little bit different, a little bit festive, and totally delicious. Well, look no further! This Pomegranate Apple Margarita is exactly that. I first whipped this up last fall when I had some extra pomegranate juice and apple cider after a Diwali celebration, and it was an instant hit. The sweet-tart flavors combined with a spicy kick? Seriously addictive. Let’s get mixing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average margarita. The blend of pomegranate and apple creates a beautiful autumnal flavor profile that’s both refreshing and warming. Plus, that chili-salt rim? It adds a playful little zing that takes everything to the next level. It’s perfect for cozy nights in, festive gatherings, or just when you need a little something special to brighten your day. And honestly, it’s so easy to make – you’ll be sipping on this gorgeous cocktail in under 10 minutes!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• 1 ounce Stirrings Simple margarita mix (or homemade sweet-sour mix) – about 30ml
• 2 ounces tequila – about 60ml
• 2 ounces pomegranate juice – about 60ml
• 4 ounces apple cider – about 120ml

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips to make sure your margarita is perfect:

• Pomegranate Juice: Pomegranate is a huge deal in Indian cuisine, often used in raitas and desserts. You can find bottled pomegranate juice pretty easily these days, but if you’re feeling ambitious, fresh-pressed is amazing! It’s also packed with antioxidants – a little health boost with your happy hour!
• Apple Cider: This is best when in season, usually from late summer through fall. Look for a good quality cider, not just apple juice. The richer flavor really shines through.
• Tequila: The type of tequila you use makes a difference. Blanco (silver) tequila is the most traditional for margaritas, offering a crisp, clean taste. Reposado tequila, aged in oak barrels, adds a subtle vanilla note if you prefer something a bit smoother. Don’t feel you need to break the bank, but a decent quality tequila will definitely elevate your drink.
• Chili Powder: This is where you can really customize things! I like using a blend of chili powder and cayenne for a good kick, but you can adjust the amount to your liking. Kashmiri chili powder is a great option for color and mild heat – it’s a staple in many Indian dishes.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make this happen!

1. First, let’s get that rim ready. Take your margarita glass and run a lime wedge around the rim.
2. Pour a mix of kosher salt and red chili powder onto a small plate. Gently dip the rim of the glass into the mixture, coating it evenly.
3. Now for the fun part! In a shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila, margarita mix, pomegranate juice, and apple cider.
4. Shake it up really well – about 15-20 seconds. You want everything nicely chilled and combined.
5. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
6. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds or a thin apple slice, if you’re feeling fancy. And then… enjoy!

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t skimp on the ice! A well-chilled margarita is a happy margarita.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the margarita mix or pomegranate juice to get the perfect balance of sweet and tart for your palate.
• For a smoother texture, double strain the margarita through a fine-mesh sieve.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level:
  • Mild: Reduce the chili powder in the rim.
  • Medium: Use a pinch of cayenne pepper in addition to the chili powder.
  • Hot: Add a slice of jalapeño to the shaker!
• Vegan: Most margarita mixes contain honey. Simply substitute with agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version.
• Festival Adaptations: For Diwali, garnish with edible gold leaf or a sprinkle of cardamom. During Holi, use colorful sugar sprinkles on the rim for a vibrant touch! My friend Priya always adds a rose petal garnish for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

This margarita is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Spicy Indian snacks like samosas or pakoras.
• Tacos or nachos – a classic pairing!
• Grilled shrimp or fish.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this margarita is best enjoyed immediately. But if you absolutely need to prep ahead, you can mix the tequila, pomegranate juice, apple cider, and margarita mix (without the ice) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake and add ice when you’re ready to serve.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I make this margarita ahead of time? You can pre-mix the liquid ingredients, but it’s best to add the ice and shake just before serving.
• What’s the best type of tequila to use for margaritas? Blanco tequila is traditional, but reposado works beautifully too!
• Can I use fresh pomegranate juice instead of bottled? Absolutely! Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice will give you the most vibrant flavor.
• How do I make a chili salt rim? Simply mix kosher salt with your favorite chili powder. I usually do about 2 tablespoons of salt to 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
• Can I adjust the sweetness of this margarita? Definitely! Add a little more margarita mix for a sweeter drink, or a squeeze of lime juice for a tarter one.