Apple Cider Margarita

 On TODAY show -this was easy and very good. Fun fall cocktail. The flavors of fall impart a subtle sweetness on everyone's favorite classic cocktail: the margarita! Reducing apple cider concentrates the sweetness and helps amplify the spices. If you want to make this a smoky version, try it with mezcal instead of tequila. I skipped the rimmer as I find it too sweet.

 FOR THE MARGARITAS: 

For individual portions: 

Combine 4 ounces reduced apple cider

1½ ounces tequila

1/4 ounce Cointreau 

1 ounce lime juice

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake to combine, about 20 to 30 seconds. 

TO GARNISH: Combine cinnamon and sugar. Rim glasses with caramel and roll in cinnamon sugar.

For large batch of 8 servings combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Serve over ice. 

1/2 gallon apple cider, reduced by half (should yield about 4 cups) 

1½ cups blanco tequila

2 ounces orange liqueur,such as Cointreau 

1 cup lime juice 

2 tablespoons cinnamon 1/4 cup granulated sugar and caramel, for rimming glasses