The 3-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Cocktail I'm Making All Autumn Long

This easy cocktail is an ideal transition drink between summer and winter and features one of my all-time favorite seasonal TJ's products, sparkling apple cider.

Oct 4, 2024 - 16:00

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The 3-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Cocktail I'm Making All Autumn Long

Three glasses of 3-Ingredient Sparkling Apple Margarita with slices of apple inside and salt and lime on the rim against a speckled blue background — Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph

Fall is a magical time at Trader Joe’s. Pumpkins line the entrance, colorful foliage adorns the signage, and scents of cinnamon waft through the air. The specialty grocer has a long list of returning fall items that customers look forward to every year. Some favorites of mine include the Pumpkin Kringle, Maple Spiced Nuts, Triple Ginger Brew, and the Honeycrisp Granola.

One of my all-time favorite autumnal Trader Joe’s items is its Sparkling Apple Cider ($3.49). It tastes remarkably like Martinelli’s but at a slightly lower price point. It’s incredibly apple-y, just sweet enough, and perfectly bubbly. I always pick up a bottle or two once they show up on shelves.

Because I tend to be well-stocked with sparkling apple cider this time of year, I naturally turn it into the occasional cocktail. And while it tastes great paired with bourbon and spice, it also makes a killer three-ingredient margarita.

Overhead view of a green apple, lime and bottles of Trader Joe's Sparkling Apple Cider and Arette Tequila — Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph

Why You Should Make This Fall-tastic Cocktail

This is an ideal fall cocktail for a few reasons. First, it’s easy and low-key. Fall is the ramp that leads us into the holidays, with more and more obligations and events crowding everyone’s schedules. Sometimes during this busy season I want a festive drink, but I don’t want to work for it.

Second, it’s full of delicious apple cider flavor. ‘Nuff said. Finally, it’s an ideal transition drink between summer and winter. It’s a margarita so it’s refreshing, but the apple and optional spiced rim make it solidly fall.

A hand holding a glass of 3-Ingredient Sparkling Apple Margarita with slices of apple inside and salt and lime on the rim against an off-white background — Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph

How To Make My 3-Ingredient Sparkling Apple Margarita

For one cocktail, you’ll need:

2 ounces blanco tequila
3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
3 to 4 ounces Trader Joe’s Sparkling Apple Cider, to taste
Lime wedge and slices of apple, for garnish, optional

Combine the tequila and lime juice in a glass. Top with plenty of ice. Add 3 to 4 ounces of sparkling apple cider (to taste). Gently stir, garnish, and serve.

How To Upgrade This Cocktail

If you like a sweet cocktail: This margarita is perfect for me—the sweetness comes entirely from the apple cider, so it’s balanced and not too sweet. If you like your margaritas on the sweeter side, add up to 1 teaspoon of agave or simple syrup to the tequila and lime juice and stir until dissolved.

For a party-worthy finish: Add a fun rim! Combine one part kosher or sea salt with two parts sugar and a few dashes of cinnamon in a shallow bowl or small plate. Stir to combine. Before you pour the drink(s) or add ice to the glasses, rub a slice of lime around the edge of the glass. Flip the glass upside down and press the rim into the sugar-salt mixture so it adheres.