A fall twist on the classic Moscow mule, this Apple Cider Moscow Mule combines apple cider, lime, vodka, and ginger beer for a delicious cocktail that takes just minutes to mix up.
As soon as I saw apple cider hit the shelves this year, I knew I had to create at least one cocktail that featured this classic fall staple. So a couple of quick Google searches later and after a quick rifle through my bar and fridge to see what ingredients I had on hand, this Apple Cider Moscow Mule was born – to be honest, I don’t know why it wasn’t the first thing I thought of. I always love a good Moscow mule!
The sweet yet slightly tart flavors of the apple cider pair perfectly with the bright ginger, while tangy lime juice mellows out the sweetness and balances it all out. This Apple Cider Moscow Mule is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. It’s great for sipping next to a bon fire or while enjoying the last warmth of the fall sun before the winter chill sets in.
As I was mixing up this Apple Cider Moscow Mule, it reminded me of two things:
- One is that I really need to invest in some Moscow mule mugs. I usually just drink mules at home in one of my stainless wine glasses, as they keep it plenty cold, but there is just something about the shiny shimmer of those copper mugs that makes Moscow mules seem more elegant. Plus if you want to get into the science of it, I know the copper reacts with the drink in some way to enhance the flavors. However, even if you don’t have fancy copper mugs, I can assure you that this Apple Cider Moscow Mule will still be delicious.
- Second this drink reminded me just how much I love apple cider. Apple cider is one of those quintessential fall flavors, but I have to admit, that I had kind of forgotten about it over the years. Sipping this drink brought me back to apple picking in my childhood. We would always get a big glass of fresh apple cider after we were done, as well as a big jug to bring home.
How Do You Make a Moscow Mule Cocktail?
There are a few key ingredients that should be included in any Moscow mule cocktail. These usually include vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. For this Apple Cider Moscow Mule recipe, I used the following:
- Vodka: You can use your favorite unflavored vodka for this for a more classic mule flavor. I really wanted to bring home the ginger and lime flavors, so I used a Ginger Lime Vodka that is quickly becoming one of my new favorites! Other flavored vodka options that might be good in this include lime or even apple vodka.
- Lime: Make sure to use fresh squeezed lime juice for this, as the bottled stuff is never as good. You can use the juice from ¼ to ½ of a lime, depending on the size of your limes and how much lime flavor you want.
- Apple Cider: For the apple cider, I used the fresh apple cider you find by the jug. It seems like this is in every grocery store during the fall.
- Ginger Beer: Use your favorite ginger beer or whatever they have at your local grocery or liquor store. Ginger beer should have a nice strong, ginger flavor. If you want something a little more mild, you can also substitute ginger ale. This will be a little sweeter as well.
Just mix the ingredients together, and serve over lots of ice so the drink is nice and frosty, cold.
Looking for other cocktail recipes? Check out my Easy Palomas by the Picture or Spicy Blood Orange Margaritas and while you sip away on these refreshing summery cocktails, pretend you are laid out on a beach soaking up the sun somewhere warm.
Whether you like to embrace the fall flavors or try to trick yourself into thinking summer will never end with fruity, refreshing cocktails, what is your favorite cocktail for fall?
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- ¼ - ½ lime (juiced)
- 2 oz apple cider
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Apple slice and lime wedge for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add vodka, lime juice, and apple cider in a copper mug or insulated cup over ice, top with ginger beer, stir, and garnish with apple slice and lime wedge if desired. Enjoy!