Apple Cider Mule

I know Russia has four seasons and everything, but I always picture snow when I think of a Moscow Mule. I’m bundled up in a fur coat and a big fur hat, probably toting some fur boots and a woolen mittens for good measure. So when it starts to get even just a little bit chilly here in San Diego, a Moscow Mule with a seasonal fall twist of apple cider just feels right, ya know? Even if I can’t be decked out in faux fur while I drink it, an Apple Cider Mule still hits the spot every time. For an extra special fall presentation, serve it in a mini pumpkin!

How to Make an Apple Cider Mule

1. To a copper mule glass filled with ice, add vodka, apple cider, and lime juice.
2. Stir gently and top with ginger beer.
3. Garnish with thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Apple Cider Mule Ingredients

Vodka

As the national drink of Russia, vodka is the default spirit used for a Moscow Mule. It’s neutral taste makes it perfect for building on seasonal flavors like apple and cinnamon. Check out my Vodka Guide for more information, including the bottles I recommend. To make it a London Mule, use gin instead.

Apple Cider

I use my own homemade non-alcoholic apple cider for all my apple cider cocktails, but you can buy your favorite at the store when it’s finally that time of year again! The difference between apple cider and apple juice is it’s processing. Apple cider is raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized and is usually made in the fall during apple harvest. It therefore has a shorter shelf life than apple juice, but is darker, richer, and has a stronger apple flavor. Some come sweetened, so look for ones that are unsweetened to ensure your Mule isn’t too sweet.

Lemon Juice

Fresh squeezed or we don’t want it!

Ginger Beer

Ginger beer is a sweet, fermented, carbonated bubbly drink that I love using to top any cocktail I want to make into a spritzy kind of drink. It’s a classic ingredient in any Moscow Mule. I use Fever-Tree’s regular ginger beer, but you could also a use low-sugar kind.

Tips for Making the Best Apple Cider Mule

• Using a really good apple cider is what makes this Fall Mule extra special. For the best apple cider, just make your own! You want it heavy on the spice level, which goes really great with ginger beer!
• Fill your traditional copper mule glass most of the way with ice and stir everything together gently so it gets nice and cold.
• If you are making a batch of these Apple Cider Mules for a party, let your guests top their own drinks with ginger beer (or top if off for them) when they arrive. We want fresh bubbles.

Apple Cider Mule Variations

• Swap the apple cider for pomegranate or cranberry juice for a holiday party twist and swap the vodka for tequila. The result is a Holiday Paloma Mule that is still one of my most popular recipes!
• Make it into an Apple Cider London Mule by swapping the vodka for gin.
• For a very fall presentation for this Apple Cider Moscow Mule, serve it in a mini pumpkin!
  • To create pumpkin “cups,” cut the top off a mini pumpkin and hollow it out with a spoon.