Apple Cider Moscow Mule

This easy Apple Cider Moscow Mule offers a fall spin to the classic cocktail. It’s so easy to make, perfect for cozy solo nights and holiday parties.

Ah, those last-minute get-togethers! They’re fun but can also be a bit stressful. What could you possibly prepare when friends suddenly show up at your door for a surprise fall hangout? ?

Well, let me introduce the Apple Cider Moscow Mule – a fantastic fall drink that’s sure to spark endless stories and awesome times!

Here’s how you can make it, along with some ideas on what to serve with it.

What Is Apple Cider Moscow Mule?

The Apple Cider Moscow Mule is just like the traditional Moscow Mule cocktail, but with an autumnal twist. It’s got the usual vodka and ginger beer, plus a splash of apple cider for a fall touch.

It’s a big hit at fall parties and Thanksgiving – the kind of drink that gets everyone in the cozy, festive mood.

Here’s a trivia you might find interesting. This cocktail is traditionally served in a copper mug not only because of looks.

This kind of mug actually makes the drink more refreshing. Copper gets cold super fast and stays that way, keeping your cocktail chilly longer than glass or ceramic. Pretty cool, right?

Definitely something to remember when you’re serving this to your guests.

Looking for more crowd-pleasing beverages? The Nigerian Chapman cocktail, old fashioned hot toddy, and bourbon street milkshake are all fantastic choices for a good time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless and quick: Love hosting holiday parties but short on time? You can still whip up this Apple Cider Moscow Mule for your guests (and impress them ?)! With a few minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, even making a big batch is a breeze.
• The perfect fall cocktail: This drink is a delicious fall twist on the traditional Moscow Mule. This apple cider version is a game-changer for those who already love the classic mix. Oh wait, I guess they’ll love this seasonal spin even more!
• Customizable: This is your chance to practice your mixology skills! Feel free to tweak the recipe to your taste. Want it sweeter? Add more apple cider. Prefer it stronger? Increase the vodka! It’s all about what you enjoy and the ingredients available to you.

What Does Apple Cider Moscow Mule Taste Like?

The Apple Cider Moscow Mule is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy. The highlights, of course, are the sweetness of apple cider and the spicy zing of ginger beer!

If you’re not much of a drinker, you might feel a bit intimidated by the vodka. But don’t worry.

The vodka in this festive cocktail simply adds a smooth and subtle boozy note. It balances out the drink without overpowering the other flavors.

As for the fresh lime juice, you only need a few squeezes, but don’t ever skip this one. Its acidity cuts through the sweetness and adds a citrusy twist, tying all the flavors together beautifully.

Apple Cider Mule Recipe Ingredients

• Apple cider – To infuse a sweet, tangy and seasonal twist to your cocktail.
• Vodka – If you choose a stronger vodka, be mindful that it can dominate the flavors in your drink and might hit harder than expected. 
• Ginger beer – To give your drink a spicy kick. You can either choose a non-alcoholic or alcoholic one, it’s all up to you.
• Fresh lime juice – This works much like lemon juice. It adds an acidic note that brings out the other flavors in your Apple Cider Moscow Mule.

Tools Needed To Prepare Apple Cider Vodka Mule

• Copper mug to serve your cocktail in style
• Bar spoon to gently stir your drink

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Apple Juice

Apple juice can give you that much-needed fruity spin! It can either take the place of fresh apple cider or be a fun extra.

If you’re just adding it, there’s no need to adjust the amounts of the other ingredients. You can also garnish with an apple slice for a more inviting presentation.

Cinnamon Sticks

This Apple Cider Moscow Mule is already the perfect fall drink in itself, but for some people (like me!) adding more warm spices just makes it even better.

For this one, a single cinnamon stick will do the trick. If you run out of cinnamon sticks, no problem – just sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is our go-to sweetener for many desserts, but it can also be used in cocktails! A teaspoon is enough to bring noticeable sweetness.

But if you taste it and decide it needs a bit more, just go ahead and add another teaspoon. Watch it blend smoothly into your cocktail without making it too thick or heavy.

Lemon-Lime Soda

You’ve got to have a plan for your friends who aren’t into strong alcoholic drinks. Why not switch the vodka for lemon-lime soda?

The result? More fizz, citrusy flavors, and a sparkling drink! You’ll love how refreshing it is, though it won’t have the rich flavor you get from vodka.

How to Make Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces apple cider
• 1 ½ ounces vodka
• 4-6 ounces ginger beer
• Juice of ¼ lime

Tools you need:

• Copper mug
• Bar spoon

Instructions:

STEP 1: Gather all your ingredients for your cocktail.

STEP 2: First, gently pour the ginger beer into your copper mug.

STEP 3: Then, pour in the apple cider.

STEP 4: Next, carefully add the vodka.

STEP 5: Squeeze in the juice from the lime quarter over the liquid, making sure to catch any seeds. You may drop the lime wedge into the mug for added flavor and as a garnish.

STEP 6: Stir the mixture gently to blend the flavors together.

STEP 7: Fill the mug with as many ice cubes as you want for a nice, cold beverage.

STEP 8: Serve immediately. Enjoy the invigorating taste of your Apple Cider Moscow Mule!

What To Serve With Vodka Apple Cider Mule

• Fall salads: Even if your friends aren’t big on slaws and salads, they’ll love them with this cocktail! Pair your Apple Cider Moscow Mule with our apple and pear slaw salad. Raisins, cinnamon, cranberries? What else is there to ask for in a tasty autumn treat? ?
• Desserts: Apple Cider Moscow Mule, caramel apple nachos and a new Netflix series with friends? Sounds like a good plan. This nachos recipe is just as easy, so you can prepare this even for last-minute gatherings. And don’t forget to save a few fresh apple slices – they make awesome garnishes for your cocktail.
• Savory snacks: These crispy air fryer pumpkin seeds are probably one of the easiest savory fall snacks to make! If you’re preparing pumpkin dishes, save some seeds and quickly turn them into these tasty snacks. Seasoned with just the right amount of salt, they offer a delightful contrast to this cocktail’s sweet and tangy flavors.

Tips About Making Moscow Mule with Apple Cider

• Chill your ingredients: For a deliciously cold drink, chill your apple cider and ginger beer before you begin. A cold copper mug is also an essential! By doing so, you can make sure that your Apple Cider Moscow Mule is refreshingly cold from the first sip. But if you’re in a real hurry, you can toss them in the freezer for a quicker chill – just don’t let them turn into icy cider popsicles! ?
• Apple cider cubes: Nobody likes a watered-down cocktail! Using larger ice cubes or ice spheres is a great choice because they melt more slowly than smaller ones. You can also freeze apple cider into ice cubes!
• Experiment with garnishes: Two of the most brilliant options for these are mint leaves and rosemary sprigs. The former adds a refreshing minty aroma, while the latter infuses an earthy essence, creating a more complex taste. 

How To Store Your Apple Cider Mule Drink

Boozy drinks like the Apple Cider Moscow Mule are meant to be sipped fresh, but if you end up with extra, you’ve got options to save the day (and the drink)!

• Fridge: Pour the remaining holiday cocktail into a glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Keep it in the fridge and try to drink it within a day. Just a heads-up: the ginger beer’s fizziness fades over time, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later!
• Freezer: Alcohol has a lower freezing point than water, so high-alcohol mixtures might not freeze solid in a standard home freezer. Even though this Apple Cider Moscow Mule also contains non-alcoholic ingredients, it won’t freeze solid.  

Can You Make a Moscow Mule with Ginger Ale?

Absolutely, but be ready for a flavor change. Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink that’s sweeter and milder in ginger flavor.

On the other hand, ginger beer, the traditional choice for Moscow Mules, is sharper and spicier, with a more pronounced ginger kick and often a bit cloudy from fermentation.

Switching to ginger ale in your cocktail will sweeten the drink and tone down the spice, perfect for those who prefer a milder ginger flavor.

What is the Best Liquor for a Moscow Mule?

When it comes to the best liquor for a Moscow Mule, vodka is the traditional and most popular choice.

But to make the most exciting drink, you need to find that vodka that perfectly complements the bold flavors of ginger beer and the tartness of lime juice in your cocktail.

If you’re after a smooth, classic flavor that allows the apple cider and ginger beer to stand out, Absolut or Smirnoff are great choices.

They’re versatile drinks that enhance cocktails without dominating the other flavors.

For a special treat, go for a premium vodka like Grey Goose or Belvedere. These premium options add a fancy twist to your cocktail – it’s like giving your drink a little luxury upgrade! ?

And for a fun variation, consider a flavored vodka. You’ve got a bunch of choices from many brands! Citrus-flavored vodka adds zest, while an apple-flavored one intensifies the apple goodness in your drink.

If you’re a chocolate fan like me, you’ve got to try chocolate vodka! It adds a sweet and indulgent twist that surprisingly works great with the apple flavors. 

 FAQ About Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Conclusion

Let me take a wild guess. When you’re planning a get-together, most of your energy goes into the food, right? Main dishes, appetizers, desserts… but drinks? They kinda take a back seat.

I totally get it, those yummy dishes do need more time, but don’t forget about the drinks – they’re just as important as other meals!

Making drinks is actually quick and easy. Just toss your ingredients into a container, mix them up, and you’re done!

If you’re planning a big party, I suggest whipping up a variety – some strong drinks, sweet ones and a few mocktails. This way, there’s something for everyone and the party stays fun and lively.

There’s no doubt about it, mixing homemade drinks is the best part of hosting a party. Here are other beverages that you can make even if you’re not a pro:

• Red Wine Bourbon Summer Sangria
• Spiked Apple Cider Floats
• Mint Chocolate Irish Cream Liqueur
• Mixed Citrus Liqueur Recipe
• Boozy Rhubarb Elderflower Ice Cream Floats