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Apple Cider Moscow Mule is an easy fall cocktail made with apple cider, vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. Ready in 5 minutes!
Apple Cider Moscow Mule is my favorite way to turn a classic cocktail into a cozy fall treat. It’s got all the same refreshing, spicy-sweet appeal of a traditional Moscow Mule, but swapping in fresh apple cider and a splash of lime juice gives it that unmistakable autumn flavor.
I love a good cocktail that uses seasonal ingredients, and fresh apple cider hitting the stores and farmers markets every September is one of my favorite signs that fall has officially arrived.
A Moscow Mule is already a refreshing, easy-to-love drink, and this apple cider version is one of my go-to fall cocktails alongside my Holiday Moscow Mule and Cherry Limeade Moscow Mule. If you’re stocking up on cider this time of year, don’t stop here my Apple Cider Donuts are another must-make.
Erin’s Notes
- Quick and easy: Only takes 5 minutes and 4 ingredients — no cocktail shaker or fancy equipment needed.
- Seasonal flavor: Apple cider and cinnamon stick garnish make this feel like fall in a glass.
- Great for a crowd: Easily doubled, tripled, or turned into a big-batch pitcher for parties and Thanksgiving.
- Easy to adapt: Skip the vodka for a fun non-alcoholic version everyone can enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider from the store or farmers market gives the best flavor. Don’t substitute apple juice if you can help it cider has a richer, more spiced flavor.
- Vodka: I like using an apple-flavored vodka (I used 360 Vodka Red Delicious Apple) to amp up the apple flavor even more, but any vodka works. Caramel vodka is also a fun swap.
- Lime Juice: A fresh squeeze brightens up the drink and balances the sweetness of the cider. Skip the bottled stuff if you can.
- Ginger Beer: Look for a good, spicy ginger beer (not ginger ale, which is much milder). This is what gives a Moscow Mule its signature kick.
- Garnish: Apple slices and a cinnamon stick make this look as festive as it tastes.
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 6 oz apple cider
- 4 oz vodka
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- 12 oz ginger beer
Instructions
- In a glass or shaker, mix together the apple cider, vodka, and lime juice until well combined.6 oz apple cider, 4 oz vodka, 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- Pour over 2 glasses filled with ice.
- Top with ginger beer to serve.12 oz ginger beer
- Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How To Make Apple Cider Moscow Mule
- Mix the base. In a glass or shaker, stir together the apple cider, vodka, and lime juice until combined.
- Pour over ice. Divide the mixture between two ice-filled glasses or copper mugs.
- Top with ginger beer. Pour the ginger beer over each glass to fill.
- Garnish and serve. Top with apple slices and a cinnamon stick, and serve immediately while it’s cold and fizzy.
Recipe Tips
- Use plenty of ice: Fill your glasses or copper mugs all the way with ice before adding the other ingredients — Moscow Mules are best served very cold.
- Copper mug optional: A copper mug isn’t required, but it does help keep the drink colder longer if you have one.
- Add ginger beer last: Pour the ginger beer in last and give it just a light stir so it stays fizzy.
- Fresh lime juice: A fresh squeeze of lime juice makes a noticeable difference over bottled — it’s worth the extra minute.
Recipe Variations
- Make it a batch: To serve a group, combine 4 cups apple cider, 2 cups vodka, and ½ cup fresh lime juice in a pitcher. Keep chilled, then pour over ice-filled glasses and top each with ginger beer right before serving so it stays fizzy.
- Non-alcoholic version: Leave out the vodka (or use extra ginger beer in its place) for a kid-friendly, alcohol-free version that still has all the apple-cinnamon flavor.
Definitely. Simply leave out the vodka and use a bit more ginger beer or apple cider in its place for a non-alcoholic version everyone can enjoy.
No, regular vodka works fine. Apple-flavored vodka just gives the drink an extra boost of apple flavor, and caramel vodka is a fun swap too.
Yes! See the Variations section above for a pitcher-friendly ratio that scales this recipe up for a crowd. Just add the ginger beer right before serving so the drinks stay bubbly.
This is my kind of drink! Love the Fall flavor!
Moscow Mule’s are definitely my favorite cocktail! I can’t wait to try this fall spin on them!!