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! This post was sponsored by North Coast Organic and Kitchen PLAY, but all opinions are my own.
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.
Why You Must Make
- This easy apple cider cocktail was delicious, not too boozy, and perfectly sippable.
- Copper mugs are classic for a fun presentation, 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.” They’re perfect for any fall entertaining.
How to Make
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.
Expert Tips
- Serve in a copper mug for the ultimate Moscow mule experience. But make sure you buy a brand that sells lined mugs to prevent copper from leaching into the cocktail. Note: Unlined versions are rare to find, but if the deal looks too good to be true, ask before you buy.
- If you don’t own copper mugs, just use a chilled glass. Place your glasses in the freezer for about 30 minutes before using.
- Don’t like vodka? Try your mules with gin. See other alternatives below.
- Make sure to garnish to make your mules extra festive.
- A cocktail shaker is a great way to chill down your mules, so if you have one, use it.
- These also can be made by stirring in a pitcher with some ice. The ice will dilute the cocktail, so serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Moscow Mule is a cocktail made by filling a glass with ice (Mike recommends crushed ice instead of ice 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.
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.
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.
Gin, Whiskey, Bourbon, and Gin all go well with Apple Cider if you’re looking to whip up other fall alcoholic drinks.
You May Also Like:
- Hot Chocolate with Rum, Toasted Coconut and Chocolate Drizzle – Creative Culinary
- 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 Recipe
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.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1 glassAmount Per Serving: Calories: 218Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 9mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 4gSugar: 24gProtein: 1g
Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.
12 Comments on “Apple Cider Moscow Mule”
Apple is the perfect compliment to this mule! It is super bright and refreshing!
Thank you, Liz! I have two sets of Moscow Mule Mugs that haven’t been used and this recipe will be their maiden voyage.
Such a festive delicious drink for the holiday season. Love it! 🙂 ~Valentina
Liz this sounds so tasty. I will definitely be trying this fun recipe.
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.
I love Mules and this apple cider version sounds delightful, perfect all season long!!
Apples are my favorite part of fall. This tasty treat is going to be enjoyed a lot at my house this season!
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!
I love the little aril garnish and the apple cider twist to this mule.
Yummm!! Thanks for sharing the recipe. I will definitely try this.
They look so tasty and I do love those copper mugs, which make a beautiful and festive presentation too.