Apple Cider Mule (Fall Moscow Mule)

Easy Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Sweet cinnamon blends with fruity apple cider and spicy ginger beer in this fresh and zesty apple cider mule. This recipe is an autumn version of a classic cocktail, and it’s about to become a seasonal classic in your home, too! If you’re looking for a fun, easy cocktail to make for the festive season, an apple cider Moscow mule is it!

A fall spin on a classic. The marriage of apple cider, ginger beer, and vodka is bright, fresh, and perfect for fall. The sweet, spiced flavors always remind me a bit of this apple crisp with ginger.

Not too boozy. Once all the ingredients are combined, a classic Moscow mule has about the same alcoholic strength as a glass of wine (11-12%). This apple cider mule falls in the same range. Feel free to adapt the strength to your preference.

Quick to make. Simply combine all the ingredients in a glass over ice. This drink is ready in 3 minutes or less!

Adapt the recipe to taste. Scale this apple cider mule recipe up or down and customize the strength and flavors. Check out further in the post for easy ways to make this cocktail your own!

What Is a Moscow Mule?

A mule is a kind of drink, also called a buck, made with liquor, ginger beer, and lime juice. You’ll find other mule drinks made with different types of alcohol, such as gin, rum, whisky, tequila, or brandy, but a Moscow mule is made with vodka. This apple cider mule recipe is made with apple cider instead of lime juice to give the cocktail autumn flavor.

Fun fact: Despite the name, a Moscow mule is an American invention. “Moscow” is a reference to the vodka in the recipe (which is popular in Russia), with ginger beer giving it a kick, “like a mule”.

Ingredient Notes

You need only 3 ingredients to make this easy fall cocktail. Refer to the recipe card below for specific instructions.

• Apple cider – In the U.S., apple cider is pressed, unfiltered apple juice. Make sure that you aren’t using hard apple cider, which is alcoholic.
• Vodka – A classic Moscow mule calls for your favorite brand of regular (not flavored) vodka. However, you can make an apple cider mule with any type of liquor you’d like (see above), it just technically won’t be a Moscow mule.
• Ginger beer – You’ll find ginger beer in the soda aisle at most major supermarkets, or you can check your local convenience store. Despite the name, it’s not actually beer (see below). We love Fever-Tree Ginger Beer, which uses a blend of 3 different kinds of ginger but feel free to choose your favorite brand.
• Lots of ice
• Garnish – An apple slice and a cinnamon stick make this drink all sorts of festive.

Is there any alcohol in ginger beer?

Nowadays, most ginger beer is non-alcoholic. It’s more like a soft drink than actual beer, with a bold, sweet-spicy flavor. Ginger beer originated in the 18th century when it was made from fermented ginger root, sugar, and water. Ginger ale is somewhat similar to ginger beer but is not a good substitute in this cocktail because the ginger flavor is much weaker in ginger ale.

How to Make an Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Making this fall twist on a classic couldn’t be easier! Here’s a quick step-by-step on how to make an apple cider mule in 3 minutes or less:

Combine the vodka and apple cider. Start by adding vodka and apple cider to a copper mug with crushed ice.

Add ginger beer. Top up the mug with ginger beer to taste.

Finish and serve. Garnish your glass with apple slices and a cinnamon stick, and get sipping.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with these fun variation ideas:

• Intensify the apple flavor. Boil the cider in a saucepan to reduce it by half, almost like a simple syrup. Allow the syrup to cool and use it in place of regular apple cider.
• Caramel apple mule: Substitute caramel vodka instead of traditional vodka. The drink will be a bit sweeter and is reminiscent of a caramel apple. Another option is to stir a spoonful of warmed caramel sauce into the apple cider.
• Garnishes. Add a cinnamon stick or another whole spice such as star anise, cloves, or even peppercorns.
• Flavor enhancers: A pinch of sea salt smooths out the alcoholic taste of the vodka. Add a squeeze of lime juice with the cider if you like.
• No alcohol: If yoiu’re looking for a non-alcoholic drink for fall, check out my easy apple cider mocktail instead. Another popular fall party option is crockpot hot chocolate.

Can I Make This in a Pitcher?

Absolutely! This recipe makes a single serving, but you can easily scale this recipe up or down. To make a large batch for a party, combine 4 cups of apple cider, 2 bottles of ginger beer, and 1 cup of vodka in a pitcher, and serve in ice-filled glasses with your guests’ choice of garnish.

Serving Suggestions

If you’re hosting a harvest party, serve apple cider mules while you and your guests nosh on fall-themed apps. Try butternut squash crostini with ricotta or wild mushroom crostini with goat cheese, or baked brie next to a bowl of candied bacon. We also love these sweet-savory sausage pinwheels and bacon-wrapped cheese stuffed dates. An apple cider cocktail makes a refreshing after-dinner treat paired with fall desserts like this cranberry clafoutis, a slice of pumpkin pie, or homemade gingersnaps.

How to Store

This apple cider mule is best made right before serving. It’s easy to make (it takes only 2 minutes!) and you don’t want the ginger beer to go flat. Make sure everything is chilled and you have plenty of fresh ice.