Easy Apple Cider Moscow Mule Cocktail

Published Oct 10, 2021 Updated Nov 06, 2025

5 from 1 vote

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Is it even fall without apple cider? I don’t think so! Every year when that first cool breeze rolls in, this apple cider cocktail lands right back on my radar. It’s fresh, cozy, and comes together in minutes. Think of it as Fall in a copper mug!

A front shot of an antique copper mug filled with apple cider cocktail with ice, a cinnamon stick, an apple slice, ground cinnamon, and a sprig of rosemary.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Mule

This easy apple cider cocktail instantly feels special. The mix of crisp cider, vodka, and spicy ginger beer gives it a refreshing sparkle, while cinnamon and rosemary fill the kitchen with cozy fall aromas. I love making it when the leaves start to turn. It’s my little “cheers to fall” ritual and always a hit at autumn gatherings!

It’s light, festive, and ready in minutes – perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any holiday get-together. If you love this bubbly balance of fruit and fizz, try my Hugo Spritz Recipe or Easy Kiwi Mojito Recipe (Cocktail or Mocktail) next for a citrusy twist and the same refreshing vibe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient pulls its weight in this simple cocktail recipe:

Apple cider: The heart of the drink – sweet, crisp, and cozy. Use fresh apple cider (not juice) for best flavor.
Vodka: Neutral and smooth. Try caramel-flavored vodka for a fun twist – it tastes just like a caramel apple cocktail.
Ginger beer: Adds spice and bubbles. Choose a high-quality brand for a stronger, zesty kick.
Lime juice: Brightens everything up and keeps the flavor balanced.
Cinnamon, apple slices and rosemary: A beautiful garnish that smells incredible and adds those autumn party drink vibes.

How to Make an Apple Cider Mule

An overhead shot of a copper mug with iced apple cider cocktail garnished with a cinnamon stick, an apple slice, and a rosemary sprit.

Step 1: Add apple cider, vodka, and lime juice to a shaker and shake for about 20 seconds.

Step 2: Fill a copper mug (or your favorite glass) with ice and pour in the mixture.

Step 3: Top it off with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir.

Step 4: Garnish with apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, and a sprig of rosemary.

Sip, relax, and enjoy the most refreshing fall drink of the season!

Mac’s Pro Tip

Tips and Variations

Use a copper mug. It’s not just for looks – the copper keeps the drink extra cold and enhances that crisp bite from the ginger beer.
Make it a caramel apple cocktail. Swap regular vodka for caramel-flavored vodka. It’s sweet, smooth, and perfect for fall entertaining.
Go keto or sugar-free. Mix up a sugar-free apple cider packet (the Alpine brand is great) and use diet ginger beer instead of regular. You’ll keep that refreshing flavor with fewer carbs.
Mocktail version. Replace the vodka with sparkling water for a cold cocktail that’s alcohol-free but still festive enough for kids or guests who prefer a lighter option.
Hosting a crowd? Multiply the ingredients by four and mix everything except the ginger beer in a large pitcher. Keep it chilled until guests arrive, then add the ginger beer right before serving for the perfect fizz.

Apple cider cocktail in a copper mug garnished with a cinnamon stick, apple slice, ground cinnamon, and a sprig of rosemary, set against a dark background.

Storage Tips

If you’ve got extra cider or made a big batch, don’t let it go to waste! Store any leftover cocktail (without the ginger beer added) in a sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to serve again, pour it over fresh ice and top with ginger beer to bring back that bubbly sparkle.
Avoid storing the fully mixed version too long. Ginger beer will lose its fizz after a few hours.

For another sweet seasonal sip, don’t miss my kid-friendly (with a spiked option!) Sparkling Caramel Apple Drink. Serve this cocktail with a few appetizers or Caramel Apple Bark With Pretzels for the perfect fall pairing!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this warm instead of cold?

Yes! Warm the apple cider and vodka mixture gently on the stove, then pour into mugs and top with a splash of ginger beer right before serving. It turns into a cozy, spiced fall drink, perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings.

Can I use bourbon instead of vodka?

Absolutely. Bourbon adds warmth and depth, perfect for a Thanksgiving cocktail or cozy night in.

What’s the best non-alcoholic version?

Use sparkling water or ginger ale in place of vodka and ginger beer. It’s still crisp and refreshing without the alcohol.

What’s the best ginger beer to use?

Look for brands like Fever-Tree or Q Mixers for bold flavor. Avoid ginger ale, it’s sweeter and doesn’t give the same spicy punch.

How long does apple cider last after opening?

Once opened, apple cider will stay fresh for about 7-10 days in the fridge. If it starts tasting tangy or fizzy, it’s beginning to ferment, so grab a new jug before mixing your next batch.

This apple cider mule brings together the best parts of fall – crisp apples, cozy spice, and that gingery sparkle that wakes up your taste buds. It’s simple enough for a quiet night in but fancy enough for your next Friendsgiving or Christmas cocktail party!

More Seasonal Favorites

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Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe

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Paloma Mocktail Recipe (Cocktail Version Included)

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Jack Frost Cocktail with Empress Gin (Mocktail Option)

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Easy Apple Cider Moscow Mule Cocktail

By: Ashley McCrary

5 from 1 vote

Is it even fall without apples and apple cider? I don’t think so! Every year when that first cool breeze rolls in, this apple cider cocktail lands right back on my radar. It’s fresh, cozy, and comes together in minutes. Think of it as Fall in a copper mug!

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

▢ 2 oz 1/4 cup apple cider
▢ 2 oz 1/4 cup vodka*
▢ 3 oz ginger beer
▢ 1 tablespoon lime juice
▢ Garnish with apple slices spinkle of cinnamon, cinnamon stick and rosemary.

Instructions

Add in the apple cider, vodka, and lime juice to a shaker and shake for 20 seconds.
Fill a copper mug with ice and pour the mixture from the shaker. Top off with the ginger beer.
Garnish with apple slices, spinkle of cinnamon, cinnamon stick, and rosemary.
Enjoy!

Notes

Use a copper mug. It’s not just for looks – the copper keeps the drink extra cold and enhances that crisp bite from the ginger beer.
Make it a caramel apple cocktail. Swap regular vodka for caramel-flavored vodka. It’s sweet, smooth, and perfect for fall entertaining.
Go keto or sugar-free. Mix up a sugar-free apple cider packet (the Alpine brand is great) and use diet ginger beer instead of regular. You’ll keep that refreshing flavor with fewer carbs.
Mocktail version. Replace the vodka with sparkling water for a cold cocktail that’s alcohol-free but still festive enough for kids or guests who prefer a lighter option.
Hosting a crowd? Multiply the ingredients by four and mix everything except the ginger beer in a large pitcher. Keep it chilled until guests arrive, then add the ginger beer right before serving for the perfect fizz.
If you’ve got extra cider or made a big batch, don’t let it go to waste! Store any leftover cocktail (without the ginger beer added) in a sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to 2 days.