Apple Cider Moscow Mule
An Apple Cider Moscow Mule is a delicious autumn twist on the classic cocktail with seasonal apple cider thrown into the mix!
Last month, our dinner club gathered to tailgate while listening to the Colts on the radio. Fall Alcoholic Drinks kicked off the party, and I fell hard with my first sip of this Apple Cider Mule! The traditional ingredients of vodka, ginger beer, and lime were enhanced with some top-notch apple cider.
Apple Cider Moscow Mule Recipe
This easy apple cider cocktail was delicious, not too boozy, and perfectly sippable. Copper mugs are classic, but not necessary as this apple cider mule is yummy in any sort of glass. Our mixologist and cohost served ours in thermal cups, and called them “Oktoberfest Moscow Mules.” Have you had any version of this classic cocktail? Or are you wondering what the heck one is???
What Is a Moscow Mule?
A Moscow Mule is a cocktail made by filling a glass with ice (Mike recommends crushed ice not cubes), then a good dose of vodka, then ginger beer, followed by a squeeze of lime juice or even lemon.
Said to have the “Kick of a Mule,” adjust your vodka as needed.
Why Are Mules Served in Copper Mugs?
It all started with a marketing ploy to sell Smirnoff vodka, ginger beer, and copper mugs. Back in the 1940s, the three retailers couldn’t move their products so they invented a cocktail that utilized all of them.
The Smirnoff Mule became quite popular in the 50s and 60s, and then got a resurgence in 1996 when it was reintroduced in a copper bottle. The copper mug became the iconic container for this cocktail since the cold metal keeps the cocktail well insulated and cold.
Are Copper Mugs Safe?
Most copper mugs are lined, so there is little danger of copper getting into your cocktail or beverage. And even if your mug is not properly coated, it’s highly unlikely you’d get copper toxicity from the mugs. You’d need to drink at least a liter of beverage that had been steeping in copper for a few hours in order for any ill effects.
Besides Vodka, What Other Alcohol Pairs Well with Apple Cider?
Gin, Whiskey, Bourbon and Gin all go well with Apple Cider if you’re looking to whip up other fall alcoholic drinks.
How Do You Make an Apple Cider Moscow Mule?
As with most cocktails, the procedure is rather simple. It’s always OK to tweak to your own specific tastes.
Step One: Use a chilled copper mug or glass.
Step Two: Fill the mug with crushed ice (or cubes). Mike recommends crushed ice.
Step Three: Add cider, vodka, and ginger beer.
Step Four: Mix, then add a good squeeze of fresh lime to taste (start with 1/4 lime), stir again, taste, and add more lime juice if desired. PRO-Tip: Always use fresh lime juice, never bottled.
Step Five: Garnish with lime slices and/or apple slices. Pomegranate arils add a pop of color and were my addition.
Welcome to Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a Progressive Dinner Party. This month’s theme is a Holiday Cocktail Party, and our host is Liz who blogs at That Skinny Chick Can Bake. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats it’s a virtual party. A theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out. Come along and see all of the delicious and inspired dishes!
Cocktails
- Apple Cider Moscow Mule – That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Cinnamon Cider Whiskey Sour – The Red Head Baker
- Hot Chocolate with Rum, Toasted Coconut and Chocolate Drizzle – Creative Culinary
Appetizers
- Potato Stacks with Herbs and Cheese – Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Roasted Red Grape and Rosemary Tart – Mother Would Know
- Cheese Crispies – Shockingly Delicious
- Smoked Duck and Spiced Jam Canapes – The Heritage Cook
More Autumn Recipes You’ll Love:
- Apple Cider Sangria
- Mulled Apple Cider
- Arugula Salad with Butternut Squash
- Fresh Apple Bread
- Apple Brownies
- Plus, more Classic Cocktail Recipes
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
A twist on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail with the addition of apple cider for an autumn twist.
Ingredients
- Crushed Ice
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- 3 ounces vodka
- 4 ounces apple cider (I recommend North Coast Organic brand)
- Fresh lime use to taste, start with 1 ounce
- Apple and lime slices to garnish, if desired
Instructions
Fill mugs with crushed ice.
Stir together ginger beer, vodka, and apple cider. Then add freshly squeezed lime juice to taste.
Garnish as desired and serve.
Notes
Use a chilled copper mug for the classic look.
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They look so tasty and I do love those copper mugs, which make a beautiful and festive presentation too.
Yummm!! Thanks for sharing the recipe. I will definitely try this.
I love the little aril garnish and the apple cider twist to this mule.
The name never appealed to me so I didn’t look into what it was and never added it to my drink repertoire. Then I was invited to a grand opening of a new local restaurant and their special drink that night was a Moscow Mule. Their included Colorado Vodka that was made with spring water and included some honey. I bought a bottle on the way home and the rest is history. I LOVE them, I love coming up with new versions and I know I would love this adaptation too. Give me anything with apple cider!
Apples are my favorite part of fall. This tasty treat is going to be enjoyed a lot at my house this season!
I love Mules and this apple cider version sounds delightful, perfect all season long!!
I just happen to have some really good apple cider from the local farmstand. Guess I don’t have to guzzle it “as is” 🙂 This is a much better idea.
Liz this sounds so tasty. I will definitely be trying this fun recipe.
Such a festive delicious drink for the holiday season. Love it! 🙂 ~Valentina
Thank you, Liz! I have two sets of Moscow Mule Mugs that haven’t been used and this recipe will be their maiden voyage.