Caramel Apple Moscow Mule Recipe Cocktails + Mocktails

Easy Caramel Apple Cider Moscow Mules

Out of all the moscow mule varieties I have on STAT, the caramel apple moscow mule may be my favorite.

Give me caramel, apples, and crisp ginger beer, and I’m happy. This seasonal cocktail takes the classic moscow mule recipe and gives it a big fall glow-up with cider and caramel, and I swear it tastes just like sipping a caramel apple in liquid form. And if you didn't know, I LOVE me anything caramel apple.

Close-up of a caramel apple Moscow mule garnished with apple slices, star anise, and a cinnamon stick in a copper mug, showing caramel drizzle and crushed ice.

It's refreshing enough with all the flavors of the season to keep it cozy, perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or just to enjoy on the front porch.

Ingredients Needed

Full ingredients, measurements, and printable instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Labeled ingredients for a caramel apple Moscow mule recipe including caramel vodka, apple cider, ginger beer, caramel sauce, lime juice, apples, and cinnamon sticks arranged on a dark surface.

Caramel Vodka - I suggest Smirnoff's caramel vodka, it has a very distinct, sweet caramel vodka flavor without tasting artificial.
Ginger Beer - I use Fever Tree and Goslings brands, they are great for spicy ginger beer.
Lime Juice
Fresh Apple Cider - get unsweetened and un-spiced apple cider
Caramel Sauce - You'll want a looser one that's meant to be in drinks, not a thick sauce.
Apple Slices and Cinnamon Sticks

Ingredient Swaps

No caramel vodka? Use another seasonal flavored vodka like Smirnoff cinnamon vodka or swap in whisky for an irish mule.
Mocktail Swap? Use low/no ABV vodka like Ritual Zero Proof vodka alternative OR swap in something like sparkling cider.
No apple cider? Try a low or no sugar apple juice.

How to Make a Caramel Apple Moscow Mule

Step 1

Cocktail shaker filled with apple cider mixture next to a can of ginger beer, caramel sauce bottle, cinnamon sticks, and lime on a rustic surface.

Shake up the drink.

Shake up all the ingredients in your cocktail shaker with ice.

Step 2

Caramel apple Moscow mule served in a copper mug on stacked wooden coasters, surrounded by cinnamon sticks and star anise, with a cocktail shaker blurred in the background.

Garnish + serve.

Pour over crushed ice in a classic mule mug and garnish with the apple slices, the cinnamon, and a drizzle of that caramel over the apples. Cheers, friend!

Equipment I Used

Troubleshooting

The ginger beer made it too spicy.

If it’s too gingery for your taste, try a milder brand or use half ginger beer and half club soda. You’ll still get that bubbly mule kick without the burn.

The caramel sank straight to the bottom.

That usually happens if the caramel is too thick. Try thinning it with a touch of warm water or apple cider before adding it in. And give your mule a good stir before serving so everything’s mixed.

My drink came out way too sweet.

That’s an easy fix — just add more lime juice or a splash of club soda. You can also cut the caramel syrup back a bit next time, or use an extra spicy ginger beer to brighten up that sweetness.

Seasonal Sips for Sweater Weather

Craving more cozy recipes? Sign up for the Sweet Tea & Thyme newsletter, save this recipe with the Pin button. If you whip it up, tag me (@sweet_tea_thyme on IG/@sweetteaandthyme on TikTok) and don’t forget to leave a star rating and note below, it helps more than you know, friend.

Caramel Apple Moscow Mules

By: Eden Westbrook

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Sip on a caramel apple moscow mule in an icy cold copper mug this early fall season. Buttery caramel syrup swirls into fresh apple cider and zesty lime, then gets topped with spicy ginger beer for that signature mule fizz. It's like a caramel apple in a copper mug! Cocktail and mocktail instructions included.

Prep Time: 3

1 cocktail

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Ingredients

▢ Ice, for serving
▢ 2 oz caramel vodka
▢ 2 oz fresh apple cider
▢ ¼ oz caramel syrup, optional, for extra richness
▢ ½ oz fresh lime juice
▢ 4 oz ginger beer, chilled
▢ Optional garnishes, thin apple slices, cinnamon stick, caramel drizzle

Instructions

Fill your copper mug or a rocks glass with ice to chill it.
Ice
Add the vodka, cider, syrup, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold then pour into the mug. Alternatively, add the ingredients right to the mug and stir well to blend.
2 oz caramel vodka, 2 oz fresh apple cider, ¼ oz caramel syrup, ½ oz fresh lime juice
Top with chilled ginger beer and give a gentle stir to mix without losing the bubbles.
4 oz ginger beer
Add apple slices and a cinnamon stick for garnish. For a cozy touch, drizzle a little caramel onto the apple slices for serving.
Optional garnishes

Last step!Be sure to snap a pic and share on Instagram #sweetteaandthyme and tag me at @sweet_tea_thyme so we can all see!

Recipe Notes

For a mocktail, swap the vodka for zero-proof vodka or sparkling apple cider.
Use a spicy, not sweet, ginger beer for the best flavor.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 8.5ounces, Calories: 214kcal (11%), Carbohydrates: 22g (7%), Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Sodium: 35mg (2%), Potassium: 80mg (2%), Fiber: 0.2g (1%), Sugar: 20g (22%), Vitamin A: 14IU, Vitamin C: 5mg (6%), Calcium: 13mg (1%), Iron: 0.3mg (2%)