Caramel Apple Mule Recipe
A cozy fall spin on the Moscow Mule with vodka, crisp apple cider, spicy ginger beer, and a ribbon of caramel with cinnamon and fresh apple.
When the leaves start turning on Long Island, our most-requested signature is the Caramel Apple Mule. It keeps the fizzy, zesty kick you love in a classic Apple Cider Moscow Mule, then layers in fresh apple cider and a touch of caramel for sweater-weather comfort. We pour this at backyard engagements, Friendsgiving spreads, and fall weddings across the Island because it’s festive, easy to batch, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
The balance is key: use dry ginger beer so the drink doesn’t turn candy-sweet, and keep the caramel measured. Below are our bartender-tested ratios, party math, and a cinnamon-sugar rim that makes every mug feel like dessert (without becoming one).
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka (plain or caramel-flavored)
- 2 oz fresh apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
- 3–4 oz dry ginger beer (chilled)
- 0.25–0.5 oz caramel sauce (to taste), plus extra for rim/drizzle
- 0.25 oz fresh lime juice (about a wedge)
- Pinch ground cinnamon or 2 dashes cinnamon bitters
- Garnish: thin apple fan, cinnamon stick (optional)
- Optional rim: cinnamon-sugar (1:1) with a light caramel swipe
- Ice
Best ratios
Balanced: 2 oz vodka · 2 oz cider · 3.5 oz ginger beer · 0.25 oz caramel · 0.25 oz lime
Sweeter: 2 oz vodka · 2 oz cider · 3 oz ginger beer · 0.5 oz caramel
Drier: 2 oz vodka · 1.5 oz cider · 4 oz ginger beer · 0.25 oz caramel
Step-by-step
- If using a rim, swipe a little caramel around the mug lip and dip in cinnamon-sugar.
- Fill a copper mug with ice. Add vodka, apple cider, caramel, and lime juice.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon (or bitters). Top with chilled ginger beer.
- Give one gentle stir to combine. Garnish with an apple fan and cinnamon stick.
Variations we love
- Bourbon Caramel Mule: Swap vodka for bourbon; add a dash of vanilla extract.
- Salted Caramel: Add a tiny pinch of sea salt to the caramel for depth.
- NA Caramel Apple Mule: Use non-alcoholic “vodka” or skip; top with extra dry ginger beer.
- Firehouse: Add a small dash of chili powder or a spicy ginger beer for heat.
Pitcher & party math
Base per drink: Vodka 2 oz · Cider 2 oz · Ginger beer 3.5 oz · Caramel 0.25 oz · Lime 0.25 oz
Pitcher for 8
- Vodka: 16 oz (2 cups)
- Apple cider: 16 oz (2 cups)
- Ginger beer: 28–32 oz (≈ 2–3 cans)
- Caramel: 2 oz (≈ 4 tbsp)
- Lime juice: 2 oz (≈ 4 tbsp)
- Cinnamon: 1–2 tsp, to taste
Pitcher for 20
- Vodka: 40 oz (≈ 1.25 L)
- Apple cider: 40 oz (≈ 1.25 L)
- Ginger beer: 88–96 oz (≈ 7–8 cans)
- Caramel: 5 oz
- Lime juice: 5 oz
- Cinnamon: 2–3 tsp
For fall parties, plan 2 cocktails per guest over ~2 hours. For 20 guests, target ~40 mules.
Caramel Apple Mule FAQs
What ginger beer works best?
Choose a dry, spicy brand to counter the caramel and cider. Chilled cans keep carbonation lively for batching.
Can I make it ahead?
Pre-mix vodka, cider, caramel, and lime in a pitcher and chill. Add ginger beer and ice just before serving.
How do I keep apple slices from browning?
Slice to order or briefly dip in lemon water; pat dry before garnishing.
Can I use caramel vodka?
Yes, start with 0.25 oz caramel sauce (or skip) and adjust to taste to avoid over-sweetness.
What’s a good cinnamon-sugar rim?
1:1 granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Swipe a thin ring of caramel, then dip.