This fall twist on the classic mule cocktail creates a refreshing sipper great any time! Apple Cider Moscow Mules are easy to prepare and even those who don’t love mixed cocktails will love this due to its light, crisp flavors. Mocktail version included.
If you love the refreshing flavors of a classic Moscow Mule cocktail, this fall spin will become another favorite. Flavors of apple and ginger in a light, fizzy drink are always a win.
It’s an easy fall cocktail to prepare with simple ingredients and no cocktail shaker required.
An apple moscow mule is a perfect fall cocktail that is a perfect way to celebrate the season.
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What is a Moscow Mule?
This refreshing cocktail has become widely popular. The traditional version is a combination of vodka, lime juice and ginger beer (which is non-alcoholic).
They are traditionally consumed in a chilled copper mug which is related to an original partnership between a vodka maker, ginger beer maker and coppersmith.
For holiday sipping this Cranberry Moscow Mules is another festive cocktail.
Unlike the heavy, creamy spiked Egg Nog or Hot Buttered Rums, Moscow Mules really are light and fresh-tasting making them a great seasonal bright point on the cocktail horizon.
Apple Cider Mule
As well loved as the standard Moscow Mule is, this apple cider cocktail is one of the favorite fall cocktail recipes.
This apple cider moscow mule recipe is actually made with hard cider instead of fresh apple cider.
It’s a fresh and fizzy version of an apple drink. Combined with the traditional Moscow Mule ingredients the cocktails become a refreshing choice, and one that is not overly boozy (so those who are not so into cocktails might take a fancy to them as well).
Hard cider is usually naturally gluten-free too but always check the ingredients of the brand being used if this is important for your needs.
Recipe Ingredients + Notes
Vodka. We use regular plain vodka not flavored vodka. We recommend using a decent quality.
Hard Apple Cider. This fizzy alcoholic apple cider gives the cocktail its signature apple flavor.
Lime Juice. Always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Squeeze by hand or use a hand held juicer which does a great job extracting the most juice.
Ginger beer. Non-alcoholic ginger beer is a carbonated ginger drink. It gives the traditional ginger flavor and some fizz. Spicy ginger beer has a far stronger ginger flavor than ginger ale which is why it’s used. Ginger ale can be substituted if desired.
Ice cubes.
Garnish: serve with an apple slice (we love honeycrisp apples and cinnamon stick (optional). A lime wheel or lime wedge is good too!
Moscow Mule Variations
Add some cinnamon. Consider a splash of Fireball whiskey for a delicious autumn twist. Fireball cinnamon whisky is always a favorite!
Use apple vodka. If you want a stronger apple flavor try apple vodka instead of regular vodka.
Caramel vodka. Another complimentary flavor that will turn this into a Caramel Apple Mule.
How to Make a delicious Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Divide the vodka, hard cider and lime juice between two 16-ounce copper mugs or glasses.
Fill with ice and ginger beer. Garnish with a lime slice and fresh apples as desired.
How to Make a Mocktail Moscow Mule
If you’d like to make a true apple cider version of this apple cocktail for younger sippers or holiday parties, that’s easy!
Substitute real apple cider for the vodka and hard cider (so 3 1/2 ounces), and make the rest the same (including the great copper mugs)!
Copper Moscow Mule Mugs
A frosty copper mug are not required for Moscow Mules but are traditional (a regular glass can be used). I purchased the mugs in this post on Amazon.com.
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Recipe
Apple Cider Moscow Mules
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Vodka divided
- 4 ounces Hard Cider divided
- 1 ounce Lime Juice divided
- 12-16 ounces Ginger Beer
- Ice to fill
Instructions
- Divide the vodka, hard cider and lime juice between two 16-ounce copper mugs (or equivalent).
- Fill with ice and with ginger beer. Garnish with lime wedges or apple slices if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published: November 4, 2016
Marcie W. says
Confession of the day: I have never had a traditional Moscow Mule. While I am not sure if I would be a fan of the classic version, this apple cider twist sounds totally perfect.
Seattle Travel Blogger says
These look tasty and a nice variation away from the traditional Egg Nog.
I had no idea why they were poured into a copper mug before – always nice to learn something.
Toni Dash says
I thought the copper mug had some significance to the drink, like that it did something to the drink or made it taste differently or something. I was intrigued to learn the cocktail AND the mug we a collaboration for dwindling businesses and now how popular the cocktail with mug is!
Mandy Carter says
A good friend of mine loves moscow mules. Those mugs would be a perfect gift for her so she can make her favorite beverage at home.
Toni Dash says
Yes! The mugs I bought (in the link at the bottom of the post) comes with a copper shot glass for measuring too!
Kelly Hutchinson says
These Apple Cider Moscow Mules sounds like the perfect fall cocktail. I would have never thought to use those flavors in a Mule! Yummy!
Catherine Sargent says
This sounds like a yummy beverage. I will have to make this for my Christmas gathering with the girls.
Cynthia says
I am usually a wine person, but this drink looks and sounds so good. I love the mugs too. I can see this drink as being something I would enjoy all fall, but I am interested in seeing the recipe for the cranberry one too!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
OMG, yes! this is the perfect cocktail for the fall. I absolutely love the apple cider twist. So yummy!
Kristin says
This sounds like a delicious twist on the cocktail. We’ll definitely be enjoying these at our next dinner party.
Scott says
Thanks for the link to Amazon for the mugs. I was admiring them more than the recipe!
Toni Dash says
I’m a bit of a magpie myself and love the mugs! Plus they seem to keep the drink colder. Maybe I just tell myself that because it’s like drinking from jewelry!
Anitra | The Mom on the Move says
Me too!
Rebecca Bryant says
It sounds delicious even though i don’t drink hard liquor. I do however love the cups it is served in.
Toni Dash says
You could easily make a mocktail by using apple cider, ginger beer (it’s non-alcoholic; like ginger ale) and lime juice! It would still be fizzy and refreshing AND you could serve them in the copper mugs too!