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
Victoria says
My husband and I will surely love this one! Great to find these because we’re searching for a something healthy but at the same time it’s a liquor! How I love apples!!! Thankyou for this! Im excited to make one!
Rosey says
I do love the mocktail version! My 2nd oldest son owns that cup set. We all love it!
Toni Dash says
Sounds like a perfect fit!
Jocelyn Cañasa Brown says
Oh yes! I will definitely be trying this! And it is so perfect for this time of year!
Theresa says
My husband was just asking when we were going to have apple cider. I think he’d be really happy with your version! You can’t go wrong with a delicious adult beverage in the fall.
Mandee Suchland says
All I can say is YUM! I love drinks with fruit in it, and these cups are so cute. This drink fits perfectly with this time of year!
Our Family World says
oh my goodness, this one is really good. This would be great this weekend. Saved this recipe.
Janell Poulette says
I just have to say that I love those mugs and will be ordering those on amazon! And that drink looks and sounds so refreshing, I cant wait to make it.
Pam says
What a fun twist on a classic cocktail. This is just so perfect for fall.
Anitra | The Mom on the Move says
Scott took the words right out of my mouth! I love a warm drink on a crisp fall evening and those mugs are the perfect accessory for my Indulgence.
Crystal says
Holidays make me happy! This festive drink will be perfect for Thanksgiving, especially with the mocktail option.