Now that mornings are in the 50's and leaves are falling, summer (and my summer berry mules) is officially over.
We have a ton of fall things I'm checking off this year, and as always the first one is a trip to my favorite little village in the Blue Ridge Mountains for apple picking.
Half of them will end up as as snacks and baked goods like caramel apple cake, and we will be leaving with multiple gallons of apple cider. Nothing feels more like September than that.
Since we've been getting ready for all the parties this season, I've been working on all my cocktails and mocktails, and for this month's perfect fall cocktail I'm bringing a pitcher of apple cider moscow mules. They're so cozy without being heavy, with that crisp flavor from fresh apple cider and slightly spiced from a stick of cinnamon for garnish.
I love that they're just as fitting for an early fall get together as they are for a Thanksgiving sip with the punch and pies.
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4 Ingredient Apple Cider Mule Cocktail
A traditional moscow mule is simple: vodka, spicy ginger beer, lime juice. We're just giving a little autumnal twist on the classic with crisp apple cider, garnished with a festive apple slice and cinnamon stick in a frosty copper mug.
So many apple cider mules lean too sweet or end up tasting more like spiked cider than a true mule. This recipe keeps the balance right where it should be: delicious apple cider, plenty of spicy ginger beer for the kick people expect, and just enough lime to keep things bright and not cloying.
It's nothing super crazy, which is why it's so perfect for a party pitcher. You can double and triple the recipe for pitchers or dispenser with ease and even give your own spins on it with different spices and even different spirits.
Ingredients Needed
Full ingredients, measurements, and printable instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Vodka - use your favorite. We love a Grey Goose or Tito's
- Ginger Beer - use MUST use ginger beer. Ginger ale is too sweet and has no kick.
- Apple Cider - use unfiltered, non-spiced apple cider with no added sugar. We want just pure cider here.
- Lime Juice
- Apple slices, cinnamon sticks, a rosemary sprig for garnish
Ingredient Swap
No Vodka? The flavors of the apple cider and ginger beer goes so well with bourbon or dark rum as well.
How to Make an Apple Cider Moscow Mule Pitcher
If you’re hosting a fall party or setting up the Thanksgiving drinks table, batching these mules is the way to go.
- Mix the Base
In a large pitcher, stir together: 4 cups fresh apple cider; 2 cups vodka; ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes).Keep this mixture chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. - Add the Ginger Beer Last
Right before serving, pour in 3 cups of ginger beer and give it a gentle stir so it's perfectly fizzy. - Serve Cold
Fill copper mugs or glasses with plenty of ice, then pour in the pitcher mix. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, a thin apple slice from some honeycrisp apples, a lime slice, or go crazy like I did and set a sprig of rosemary on fire for a really festive drink this holiday season. It makes for a great show!
This batch makes about 8 servings so it's perfect for a small gathering. If you’re feeding a bigger crowd, it’s also easy to double!
Troubleshooting
That usually happens when there’s too much/the wrong cider or the wrong ginger beer. Use plain apple cider and pair it with a good, spicy ginger beer. Don't be scared! A squeeze of extra lime will also brighten things back up.
You’re probably light on ginger beer. A true moscow mule should have that sharp ginger kick. Top your cocktail generously with ginger beer.
It happens if you mix too early. Always add the ginger beer last, right before serving, to keep it fizzy.
Festive Cocktails (and Mocktails) for the Season
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Apple Cider Moscow Mule Cocktail
Ingredients
- Ice
- ¼ cup vodka
- ¼ cup apple cider, unfiltered, NOT spiced, and no added sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ cup strong ginger beer, I use Fever Tree or Goslings
- Lime wedge, apple slice, sprig of rosemary, or cinnamon stick, for garnish
Instructions
- In a chilled copper mug or lowball glass, add ice, then pour in the vodka, apple cider, and lime juice. Right before serving, add the ginger beer.¼ cup vodka, ¼ cup apple cider, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, Ice
- Right before serving, add the ginger beer.½ cup strong ginger beer
- Garnish with the fall-inspired accent of your choosing. Serve immediately.Lime wedge
Recipe Notes
Make a Pitcher of Apple Cider Moscow Mules
-
- Mix the Base - In a large pitcher, stir together: 4 cups fresh apple cider; 2 cups vodka; ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes).Keep this mixture chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
-
- Add the Ginger Beer Last - Right before serving, pour in 3 cups of ginger beer and give it a gentle stir so it's perfectly fizzy.
-
- Serve Cold - Fill copper mugs or glasses with plenty of ice, then pour in the pitcher mix. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, a thin apple slice from some honeycrisp apples, a lime slice, or go crazy like I did and set a sprig of rosemary on fire for a really festive drink this holiday season. It makes for a great show!
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