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This Apple Cider Moscow Mule is about to become your go-to! It’s a cozy twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with a splash of crisp apple cider, warm cinnamon, tangy lime, and zesty ginger beer. It’s also effortless to make, which is always lovely!
Looking for more Moscow Mule Recipes? Try my Cranberry Moscow Mule and Gingerbread Moscow Mule!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItI had to find the perfect way to use the half-gallon of apple cider we brought back from our apple-picking adventure, and what better way than crafting delicious Moscow Mules!
While I adore a classic Moscow Mule and my popular Blueberry Moscow Mule, I wanted to give it a cozy, fall-inspired twist and this Apple Cider Moscow Mule has officially become my favorite!
Made with crisp apple cider, a splash of lime, ginger vodka, ginger beer, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this cocktail is everything you love about fall in a mug. It’s my go-to drink until our hand-pressed apple cider runs out.
Check out all of my delicious cocktails featuring apple cider to celebrate the season!
Ingredient Notes
Ginger Vodka – This adds a spicy, warm kick that makes the mule feel extra special. You can infuse your own (I’ll show you how below!) or use regular vodka if you’re short on time.
Apple Cider – The heart of the drink! Fresh-pressed or store-bought both work—just make sure it’s good and apple-y.
Fresh Lime Juice – Don’t skip this! A little tartness keeps the drink balanced and bright.
Ginger Beer – The fizzy backbone of every Moscow Mule. Choose a bold, zesty brand you love (I list my faves below).
Cinnamon – A tiny dash gives it that cozy fall aroma and just the right touch of spice.
Garnishes – Have fun with it! Think apple slices, cinnamon sticks, lime wedges, or even candied ginger if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Mix Up a Cozy Apple Cider Mule
This fall cocktail comes together in minutes:
- Fill Your Mug – Add vodka, apple cider, and fresh lime juice to a copper mug. Fill it to the top with ice.
- Add a Dash of Cozy – Sprinkle a little cinnamon over the ice for that warm fall vibe.
- Top with Fizz – Pour in the ginger beer until the mug is full and bubbly.
- Stir & Garnish – Give it a quick stir, then garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick. Serve right away and sip while it’s ice-cold and full of charm!
Recipe Tips & Variations
Always serve in a copper mug – Not just for looks, friends! Copper keeps your drink icy cold and makes it feel extra special. It’s the little things.
Use a good ginger beer – This is not the time for a flat, overly sweet one. Go for something bold and spicy—it brings the whole drink to life.
Make it fresh, always – Ginger beer loses its fizz fast, so mix it just before serving. You want that crisp, bubbly magic in every sip.
Dress it up! – Add a caramel drizzle inside the mug for a caramel apple vibe, toss in a cinnamon stick, or garnish with a slice of fresh apple and a sprig of thyme. Bonus points for candied ginger!
Frequently Asked Questions
While not required, copper mugs keep the drink colder for longer and make the experience more authentic.
Add a splash of simple syrup or drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the top for a sweeter mule.
Absolutely! While vodka is traditional in a mule, you can totally switch it up. Bourbon adds a warm, cozy depth that pairs beautifully with the apple cider (hello, fall in a glass!). Dark rum is another great option if you want something a little sweeter and richer. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—I always say the best cocktail is the one you actually want to drink!
You can—but it won’t have quite the same bold, spicy kick as one made with ginger beer. Ginger ale is sweeter and much milder, so your mule will be lighter and less zingy. That said, if it’s what you have on hand, go for it! Just know it’ll be more of a cozy apple fizz than a traditional Moscow Mule. Still delicious, just a little different.
More Moscow Mule Recipes
Also, check out more great cocktail recipes, our favorite brunch recipes, the best-mixed drinks, tequila cocktails, gin cocktails, vodka cocktails, and cheap drinks to make at home!
If you mix one up, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below or tag me @sugarandcharm so I can toast you from afar!
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Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka, ginger vodka recommended
- 2 ounce apple cider
- 1/2 ounce lime juice, a little more if you like it tart
- 4 ounces ginger beer, good quality
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, for the top
Instructions
- Pour the base – In a copper mug, add the vodka (or ginger vodka), apple cider, and fresh lime juice.
- Add ice – Fill the mug to the top with ice to keep it icy-cold.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon – Lightly dust cinnamon over the ice for a cozy fall touch.
- Top it off – Pour in the ginger beer until the mug is full and bubbly.
- Stir + garnish – Give it a quick stir, then garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick. Serve immediately and enjoy every autumn-y sip!
Notes
Peel and slice 3–4 inches of fresh ginger (no need to be perfect—thin or thick slices work!). Add the ginger to a clean jar and pour in 1 cup of vodka until fully covered. Seal and let it infuse at room temp for 2–5 days, shaking gently once a day. Taste it after a couple of days—once it’s nice and spicy, strain out the ginger and store the infused vodka in a sealed jar. It adds a cozy, zesty kick to your mule!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Ginger vodka has been very hard for me to find. Everywhere I go/call, they either don’t sell it, or they’re out! Is there a good substitute to use in case I can’t find it at all? And has anyone successfully made this into a big batch/pitcher drink?
I brought these to a dinner party & while I’m sure the original is amazing, I made a few tweaks to taste. I used plain vodka & added apple Brandy. If you fancy trying a variation if this, I highly recommend the changes. Everyone loved them and it’s an awesome cocktail for this time of year. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Hi! This sounds so delicious. I was hoping to make it for a party and wondered if you’ve had experience making a big batch of it?
Thanks!
Hi Meredith! I haven’t made a big batch! Maybe multiply this recipe and then taste test… add more apple cider or lime or whatever you think it needs! Let me know if it’s a success!! Cheers!
Couldn’t get enough of these last holiday season. They got me hooked on cinnamon too – I was adding cinnamon to everything! Can’t wait to make some more this year!
Mmmmm– this seems like a perfect version of the moscow mule for the colder months. This would probably also be a good take on the Kentucky Mule too (bourbon instead of vodka)!
Oh great idea!! I need to try a Kentucky Mule!! Sounds amazing 🙂
Where are those copper mugs from? LOVE!!
YUMMY!!
These are the BEST!!!! My friends and I had a pinterest cocktail party and I bought all of the necessary items for 4 cocktails. We started with this one and stayed with it because it was so delish!!! TRY THIS ASAP!
I love the apple ginger combination. I bet these are incredible.
Such a fun fall twist to a classic cocktail! The apple and ginger combo sounds perfect.
XX,
S. Roderick