Apple Cider Mule

by | Sep 2, 2025 | Cocktail Recipes, Seasonal Cocktails

Apple Cider Mule cocktail served in a copper mug with apple slice, mint, lemon wheel, and cinnamon stick on a marble bar top

This Apple Cider Mule blends crisp unfiltered apple cider, fresh lime, and spicy ginger beer for the perfect fall twist on a Moscow Mule. Serve in a copper mug with an apple slice and cinnamon stick—instant autumn vibes.

About This Apple Cider Mule

We first poured this on a windy October rental in Westhampton. The grill fought us, sweaters came out, and the night needed a reset. One round of Apple Cider Mules later—iced copper mugs steaming in the cool air—everyone drifted back outside and the party picked up again. It’s refreshing, seasonal, and ridiculously easy to build.

Think of it as a fall-forward Moscow Mule: vodka + apple cider + lime + ginger beer. Add a cinnamon stick and an apple slice garnish for aroma and a bit of theater.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Copper mug (or rocks glass)
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Bar spoon
  • Ice

Ingredients (1 cocktail)

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 2 oz unfiltered apple cider
  • 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
  • 3.5 oz chilled ginger beer
  • Apple slice & cinnamon stick (garnish)

Steps

  1. Ice the mug. Fill a copper mug with fresh ice.
  2. Build. Add vodka, apple cider, and lime; stir to chill.
  3. Top. Add cold ginger beer and give a gentle stir.
  4. Garnish. Apple slice + cinnamon stick (or a lime wedge).

Bartender Tips

  • Balance: If your cider is very sweet, bump lime to 0.75 oz.
  • Spice: Add 2 dashes Angostura or a thin slice of fresh ginger for heat.
  • Fizz: Keep ginger beer very cold so the cocktail stays lively.

Variations

  • Kentucky Cider Mule: Swap vodka for bourbon.
  • Tennessee Cider Mule: Swap vodka for Tennessee whiskey.
  • Apple Cider Rum Mule: Use aged rum for caramel-apple notes.

Party Batch (serves 8)

  • Vodka: 16 oz
  • Apple cider: 16 oz
  • Lime juice: 6 oz
  • Ginger beer: 28–30 oz (add at service)

Build vodka, cider, and lime in a pitcher and chill. Pour over ice, then top each mug with ginger beer to keep the fizz. Garnish to order.

When to Serve

Perfect for cider-mill gatherings, game days, Friendsgiving, and cool-weather cocktail hours. The aroma and copper mug presentation are instant crowd-pleasers.

Planning a fall party? Use our Alcohol Calculator, or hire a bartender. See more Fall Cocktail Recipes and browse the full Cocktail Recipes hub. Pin it for later: Apple Cider Mule on Pinterest.

What is in an Apple Cider Mule?

Vodka, unfiltered apple cider, fresh lime juice, and chilled ginger beer—served over ice in a copper mug with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

What alcohol mixes well with apple cider?

Vodka keeps it crisp, bourbon adds warmth, and aged rum gives caramel-apple depth. For spice, add a dash or two of Angostura.

What are the three types of Mules?

The classic Moscow Mule (vodka), plus bourbon-based Kentucky Mule and tequila-based Mexican Mule. Seasonal riffs swap in cider or fruit purées.

What alcohol is best in a Mule?

Vodka is traditional for a clean, zesty profile. If you like richer flavor, try bourbon or aged rum—especially in fall versions with apple cider.

What’s the difference between a Kentucky Mule and a Tennessee Mule?

Both use whiskey. A Kentucky Mule uses bourbon; a Tennessee Mule uses Tennessee whiskey (typically charcoal-filtered) for a slightly smoother finish.