This apple cider mule with cinnamon whiskey is a cold, bubbly fall cocktail made with apple pie liqueur, fresh lime juice, grated ginger, apple cider, and ginger beer. It makes one cocktail in five minutes, with warm cinnamon flavor and a fresh ginger bite.
Apple and cinnamon do the cozy work here, while lime and ginger keep each sip bright. Shake the cider mixture with ice, then add the ginger beer at the end so the drink reaches your glass with its fizz intact.
If you enjoy a classic Moscow Mule, this whiskey version brings a sweeter apple-and-spice flavor to the same refreshing ginger-beer finish.
Quinton and I first enjoyed this drink on a quiet fall evening at home in Texas, curled up on the couch with our dogs nearby. Its apple, cinnamon, and ginger flavors fit that cozy setting just as well as a holiday gathering.
At a glance: 1 cocktail · 5 minutes prep · 0 minutes cook · 5 minutes total.
What Makes This Mule Different?
Cinnamon whiskey, apple pie liqueur, and freshly grated ginger give this cider mule its sweet-spicy flavor. It follows the mule combination of citrus and ginger beer, with a different spirit and a generous pour of cider.
The grated ginger is worth the little bit of prep. It adds a fresh bite alongside the ginger beer; a fine-mesh strainer lets you keep that flavor while catching the small ginger pieces.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Cinnamon-flavored whiskey: Fireball or another cinnamon whiskey.
- Apple pie liqueur: Adds apple sweetness and spice.
- Fresh lime juice: Squeeze just before mixing.
- Fresh ginger: Finely grate it.
- Apple cider: Use drinking cider, not apple cider vinegar; unfiltered cider adds a full apple flavor.
- Ginger beer: Add after shaking.
- Ice: For the mug and shaker.
- Cinnamon stick: For garnish.
- Fresh apple slices: Cut thinly for garnish.
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Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Choose cinnamon-flavored whiskey, such as Fireball, and apple pie liqueur for the flavor in this recipe. Use drinking apple cider, not apple cider vinegar. Fresh lime juice adds tartness, and ginger beer supplies the bubbly finish.
Can I use another cinnamon whiskey? Yes. A different cinnamon-flavored whiskey can replace Fireball. Keep the same amount from the tested recipe.
What can replace apple pie liqueur? Any apple-flavored liqueur can be used. Its sweetness and spice may differ, so the drink's flavor will vary with the bottle you choose.
Can I use ginger ale? Yes. Substitute ginger ale for ginger beer if you prefer a slightly sweeter, milder drink.
Tools That Make It Easier
I use these tools when I make Apple Cider Mules.
- Mule mug or large cocktail glass
- Cocktail shaker with strainer
- Jigger
- Liquid measuring cup
- Measuring teaspoon
- Fine grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional)
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Buy Now → How to Make an Apple Cider Mule
1. Prep the mug and garnishes
Fill a mule mug or large cocktail glass with ice and set it aside. Finely grate the fresh ginger, then cut a few thin apple slices for garnish. The liquid ingredients total about 11 ½ ounces before ice, so choose a vessel with room for the full drink and its ice.
2. Shake the cider mixture
Add the cinnamon whiskey, apple pie liqueur, fresh lime juice, grated ginger, and apple cider to a cocktail shaker. Add a generous handful of ice, secure the lid, and shake until thoroughly chilled. Keep the ginger beer out of the shaker; it goes in after straining.
3. Strain and add the bubbles
Strain into the ice-filled mug or glass. Use a fine-mesh strainer if you prefer to remove the small pieces of fresh ginger. Pour in the ginger beer and gently stir once or twice to combine without losing too much carbonation.
4. Garnish and serve
Add one cinnamon stick and fresh apple slices. Serve immediately while the drink is cold and bubbly.
Tips for a Cold, Bubbly Mule
- Add ginger beer last. Shaking it with the other ingredients loses the bubbles you want in the finished drink.
- Grate the ginger finely. Large pieces are harder to distribute and less pleasant to sip. Fine-strain the shaken base if you prefer a smoother drink.
- Measure before you pour. The apple liqueur and cinnamon whiskey already bring sweetness; this tested version doesn't need a separate syrup.
- Use a roomy mug or glass. Leave space for the measured ginger beer instead of filling the vessel to the rim with the shaken base.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Refrigerate leftover mixed cocktail without ginger beer in a covered container for up to 24 hours. Once the ginger beer has been added, serve it immediately for the best carbonation.
Can You Make It Ahead?
You can combine the whiskey, apple liqueur, lime juice, ginger, and cider several hours ahead and refrigerate the base. Shake it with ice and add the ginger beer just before serving.
Can You Freeze It?
Freezing the finished cocktail is not recommended. For a make-ahead option, freeze apple cider in ice cube trays and use the cider cubes to keep the drink cold without diluting its apple flavor.
What to Serve with Apple Cider Mules
Sharp cheddar, smoked cheese, roasted nuts, pork appetizers, and savory charcuterie balance this sweet-spicy cocktail. Build a charcuterie board for sharing, or make individual charcuterie cups for an easy fall gathering.
How to Make an Epic Charcuterie Board
Easy Individual Charcuterie Cups for Parties
Caramel Apple Dip
For an apple-themed snack, try caramel apple dip. Candied pecans add a sweet, crunchy option alongside the savory bites.
Apple Cider Mule FAQs
Do I need a mule mug? No. A large cocktail glass works, too. Use one with enough room for the drink and ice.
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Recipe
PrintApple Cider Mule
This Ginger Spiced Fall Cocktail is the perfect seasonal spin on the classic Moscow Mule, blending fresh apple cider, Fireball whiskey, lime juice, cinnamon sticks, and spicy ginger beer for a delicious autumn twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Cocktails
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ounce Fireball Whiskey
- 1 ounce Dr McGillicuddy's Apple Pie Liqueur
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice (about ½ a lime)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- ½ cup unfiltered apple cider
- ½ cup ginger beer (to top off)
- Cinnamon Sticks (for garnish)
- Apple Slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail glass or mule mug with ice.
- Combine the spices rum, apple pie liqueur, lime juice, fresh grated ginger, and apple cider in a cocktail shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake until combined and well chilled.
- Strain into your prepared glass.
- Top with ginger beer and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
Nutrition
- Calories: 346
- Sugar: 33
- Sodium: 14
- Fat: 0.2
- Saturated Fat: 0.03
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 0.2
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