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!
We 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.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Don’t miss my best Moscow Mule recipes and more delicious cocktails featuring apple cider to celebrate the season!
What Is a Moscow Mule?
Did you know the Moscow Mule wasn’t created in Russia but in Manhattan during the 1940s? Traditionally made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime, it’s served icy cold in a copper mug for an extra refreshing experience.
Over the years, creative twists have turned the original into fun variations, like this fall-inspired Apple Cider Moscow Mule.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fall in a Cup: Apple cider and cinnamon bring cozy autumn vibes to every sip.
- Served Icy Cold: Copper mugs keep your drink chilled to perfection.
- Quick & Easy: No shaking, muddling, or fancy tools required!
- Customizable: Make it sweeter, swap out the vodka, or even turn it into a mocktail.
Apple Cider Moscow Mule Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to whip up this seasonal favorite:
Ginger Vodka: Infused vodka adds extra warmth, but regular vodka works just as well.
Apple Cider: Use store-bought or homemade for fresh fall flavor.
Lime Juice: Always go for freshly squeezed!
Ginger Beer: The star of any Moscow Mule. Choose a brand you love (see my favorites below).
Cinnamon: A dash of ground cinnamon enhances the fall aroma and flavor.
Optional Garnishes: Apple slices, cinnamon sticks, lime wedges, or candied ginger.
Homemade Ginger Vodka
Making ginger vodka at home is super easy and adds a bold, spicy kick to your mule.
- Peel the ginger to remove the skin, then slice it into thin or thick pieces – either work!
- Add the ginger to a clean jar and pour vodka over it until the ginger is fully covered.
- Let it sit for 2–5 days, giving the jar a gentle shake each day.
- Once the flavor is just right, strain the vodka to remove the ginger pieces.
How to Make an Apple Cider Moscow Mule
This cocktail comes together in just minutes:
- Fill Your Mug: Add vodka, apple cider, and lime juice to a copper mug. Fill the mug with ice.
- Add Spice: Sprinkle a little cinnamon over the ice for that warm fall flavor.
- Top It Off: Pour in ginger beer until the mug is full.
- Stir & Garnish: Quickly stir and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Moscow Mule
- Use Copper Mugs: These aren’t just for looks! Copper mugs keep your drink icy cold and elevate the experience.
- Pick a Quality Ginger Beer: The ginger beer you choose can make or break this cocktail. (See my recommendations below!)
- Serve Fresh: Don’t make these beforehand—ginger beer will lose its fizz.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Try caramel drizzle for a caramel apple twist, or add candied ginger for extra zing.
Make It Your Own
- Mocktail Version: Swap the vodka for a zero-proof spirit or leave it out for a family-friendly drink.
- Caramel Apple Mule: Drizzle caramel inside the mug and over the top for added sweetness.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for extra warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
While not required, copper mugs keep the drink colder for longer and make the experience more authentic.
Yes! Regular vodka works just fine if you don’t have ginger-flavored vodka.
Add a splash of simple syrup or drizzle caramel over the top for a sweeter mule.
More Moscow Mule Variations
- Lemon and Sage Moscow Mules
- A Refreshing Kombucha Mule
- Tokyo Mule Recipe
- Cranberry Moscow Mule
- Gingerbread Moscow Mule
- Pineapple and Ginger Moscow Mule
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!
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Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces ginger flavored vodka
- 2 ounce apple cider (store bought or homemade)
- 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
- In a copper mug, add the vodka, apple cider and lime juice.
- Fill the glass with ice, sprinkle cinnamon over the ice, then top off with ginger beer.
- Stir well and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
So Good!!
We had this last night for Halloween at a friends house and it was a BIG hit! I didn’t have Ginger Vodka handy, so we just used plain. It was GREAT. Everyone asked for the recipe – thank you!!
Yay! Thank you Sarah! We love hearing this!!
Good recipe. The question is have you ever tried to do a warm version of this…would be perfect around the holidays (not that an icy cold delicious cocktail isn’t but you get the point ;).
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