As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like sipping on a seasonal cocktail that captures the essence of autumn. The Apple Cider Moscow Mule is a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule that combines the tangy goodness of apple cider with the zesty kick of ginger beer and vodka.
Once you try it, you’ll want to stock up on apple cider so you can have it on repeat!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
The Apple Cider Moscow Mule is fall in a glass! It combines the crispness of apple cider with the spiciness of ginger beer and the smoothness of vodka, creating a flavor that tingles your taste buds. So perfect for sipping on a sunny autumn afternoon or as a prelude to a cozy evening by the fireplace.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this cocktail is easy to make, ensuring you can enjoy it without spending hours in the kitchen. The apple cider mule lets you celebrate the fall season in style.
Ingredients Needed
**Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for detailed quantities and directions**
How to Make an Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Fill a copper mug or lowball glass with ice cubes.
Measure and pour the ingredients over the ice: vodka, lime juice, apple cider, and ginger beer. Stir to combine.
Now, give the Moscow Mule a quick taste. I want a balance of sweet and tart, and this balance is highly dependent on the apple cider you find. Adjust with a little more cider or ginger beer and lime juice to find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
I always end up topping the glass all the way with more ginger beer.
Garnish with apple slices and/or a lime wedge. Enjoy. 😁
Substitutions and Variations
Don't be afraid to get creative with this recipe. Here are some variations to consider:
Make it a Caramel Apple Cider Moscow Mule by using caramel flavored vodka. When I make this variation, I reduce the amount of apple cider and vodka to 1½ ounces instead of 2, because the caramel flavor really does increase the sweetness profile of the drink. But if you like things sweet, that might be just what you’re craving!
You could swap vodka for bourbon or whiskey for a richer, smokier flavor.
Experiment with different apple cider varieties, from sweet to tart. If I can find some Granny Smith apple cider, I’m trying that!
Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar or garnish with a cinnamon stick for an extra autumnal touch.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Mix the vodka, apple cider, and lime juice in a pitcher and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the mixture and ginger beer to each glass filled with ice.
It's a matter of personal preference, but many enjoy using a semi-sweet or slightly tart apple cider for balance.
Yes, simply omit the vodka and use non-alcoholic ginger beer for a delightful mocktail. Note that most ginger beer contains about 0.5% alcohol, which is technically considered non-alcoholic.
📖 Recipe
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces apple cider
- 1 ounce lime juice fresh squeezed
- 2 ounces ginger beer plus more as needed to top
- Lime wedge and apple slices for garnish as desired
Instructions
- Fill a glass or copper mug with ice.
- Add the vodka, apple cider, ginger beer, and lime juice. Stir to mix.
- Taste and adjust taste as needed with more cider, lime, or ginger beer.
- Garnish and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Emilie
Yes! An excuse to use those gorgeous copper mugs I have! Thanks for the perfect cocktail recipe for fall!
Sula
LOL we all need to use those mugs more often!
Rachna
This was so delicious. I love Moscow mule and this addition of apple cider really made it yummy. Perfect for Fall.
Sula
Its a great combo - my new favorite fall drink!
Jenn
This was the perfect fall twist on a Moscow mule! The flavors tied together are amazing!
Sula
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I love apple cider and look forward to fall all year so I can get it fresh!
Pat
These apple cider mules were awesome! We made them for my father in laws birthday dinner this weekend and they were a hit.
Sula
So glad you enjoyed them, it sounds like you had a wonderful celebration!
Jennifer Osborn
Love ginger beer with rum, so I was excited to try it with vodka and apple cider and I really enjoyed it. This is a perfect for cocktail.
Sula
Excellent, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Blaine
Refreshing drink indeed. Perfect for Friday night or just regular days that you want to chill.
Sula
Its one of my favorite ways to chill!