I’ve been on a mule kick lately and this Apple Cider Moscow Mule is one of my favorite fall forward cocktails right now.
Slightly sweet and slightly spicy, this seasonal mule is easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients — vodka, fresh apple cider, lime juice, and ginger beer. Nestled in ice cold copper mugs, this effervescent cocktail has a warming autumnal flavor and looks beautiful topped with apple slices, fresh mint, and a star anise. And it’s easy to scale for entertaining, making it a great pitcher drink for Thanksgiving or any other occasion you’re hosting a crowd.
Apple Cider Moscow Mule Ingredients
The beauty of this fall forward cocktail (besides the gorgeous garnish) is how simple it is to whip up with just a few ingredients! No cocktail shaker required, you can mix it right inside a copper mug!
- Vodka: Use your favorite vodka for this recipe. My go to is always Tito’s. You can also amp up the flavor with a caramel apple or cinnamon flavored vodka. If you don’t like vodka, you can swap for tequila (hello, Mexican Mule!), gin, or dark rum!
- Apple Cider: This is where the autumn twist comes in! Make sure to get the freshest, unfiltered cider from the grocery store — usually in the refrigerated section.
- Ginger Beer: You can use light or regular depending on preference. I would not recommend using ginger ale as it will give the cocktail a sweeter taste
- Lime Juice: Fresh squeezed.
- Garnishes: I love a garnish — especially for holiday cocktails. While optional, it’s these details that make the mule so much more festive and pretty. For this version, I love thin apple slices (cut crosswise), fresh mint, and a star anise. You can also use fresh sprigs of rosemary, cinnamon sticks, a lime wheel, etc. While optional, it’s these details that make the mule so much more festive and pretty.
Apple Cider Moscow Mule Pitcher Recipe
This cocktail is easy to scale for entertaining, making it a great choice for hosting a crowd. To batch for a pitcher, mix 2 cups vodka, 2 cups apple cider, and 1/2 cup lime juice. Set the ginger beer and copper mugs to the side so guests can pour their drink and top with ginger beer. This yields about 8 servings and you can prepare a few hours ahead of time.
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Slightly sweet and slightly spicy, this seasonal mule is easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients — vodka, apple cider, lime juice, and ginger beer. Nestled in ice cold copper mugs, this effervescent cocktail has a warming autumnal flavor and looks beautiful topped with apple slices, fresh mint, and a star anise. And it’s easy to scale for entertaining, making it a great pitcher drink for Thanksgiving or any other occasion you’re hosting a crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 2-4 oz apple cider, depending on sweetness preference
- 1/2 oz lime juice, fresh squeezed
- 4-6 oz ginger beer
- Garnish options: apple slices, fresh mint or rosemary, star anise or cinnamon sticks.
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug to the top with ice.
- Pour in vodka, cider, and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir well.
- Garnish with apple slices, fresh mint, and a star anise.
Notes
- Vodka: Use your favorite vodka for this recipe. My go to is always Tito’s. You can also amp up the flavor with a caramel apple or cinnamon flavored vodka. If you don’t like vodka, you can swap for tequila (hello, Mexican Mule!), gin, or dark rum!
- Apple Cider: This is where the autumn twist comes in! Make sure to get the freshest, unfiltered cider from the grocery store — usually in the refrigerated section.
- Ginger Beer: You can use light or regular depending on preference. I would not recommend using ginger ale as it will give the cocktail a sweeter taste
- Lime Juice: Fresh squeezed.
- Garnishes: I love a garnish — especially for holiday cocktails. While optional, it’s these details that make the mule so much more festive and pretty. For this version, I love thin apple slices (cut crosswise), fresh mint, and a star anise. You can also use fresh sprigs of rosemary, cinnamon sticks, a lime wheel, etc. While optional, it’s these details that make the mule so much more festive and pretty.
To batch for a pitcher, mix 2 cups vodka, 2 cups apple cider, and 1/2 cup lime juice. Set the ginger beer and copper mugs to the side so guests can pour their drink and top with ginger beer. This yields about 8 servings and you can prepare a few hours ahead of time.
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