• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Contact

Jennifer Cooks

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Contact
×
Home » Apple Cider Mule

By Jennifer Leave a Comment

Apple Cider Mule

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks

Fall evenings in Texas have their own unique charm—the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze, the crisp air promising cozy nights, and the quiet calm that settles in as the sun dips below the horizon. 

Just a few nights ago, Quinton and I found ourselves enjoying one of those perfect moments. We were curled up on the couch, one of our lazy dogs snoozing at our feet, while the other was wrapped snugly in a blanket beside me. The TV flickered with the latest Netflix binge, but the true star of the evening was the drink we were sipping—an Apple Cider Mule.

As we relaxed, the flavors of this fall Moscow Mule wrapped us in the heart of the season. The drink had the perfect balance of crisp apple flavor from the cider, the warming heat of Fireball whiskey, and a spicy ginger kick. Topped with a cinnamon stick and apple slices, it wasn’t just refreshing—it was the perfect fall cocktail, a seasonal twist on a classic mule that made our cozy night at home feel even more special.

Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks

This Apple Cider Moscow Mule recipe is a delightful fall spin on the traditional Moscow Mule. With just a few simple ingredients and a chilled copper mug, you can bring all the flavors of autumn to life in one glass.

Whether you’re looking for an easy fall cocktail for a quiet night in or a festive holiday cocktail to serve at your next gathering, this drink is versatile enough to fit any occasion.


A Brief History of the Moscow Mule

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the history behind the classic cocktail that inspired this fall version. 

The original Moscow Mule was invented in the early 1940s, right here in the United States. It wasn’t a product of Russian tradition but rather a stroke of marketing genius. A bartender in Los Angeles found himself with a surplus of vodka and ginger beer, so he decided to combine the two with lime juice, serving the concoction in a copper mug. This new traditional cocktail quickly became a hit, and the Moscow Mule variations we enjoy today—including this fall spin—were born.

Over the years, the traditional mule has been adapted with seasonal twists, but none are quite as fitting for the holiday season as the Apple Cider Mule. Blending the comforting flavors of unfiltered cider, cinnamon, and ginger beer, it’s an ideal drink for the cooler months.

apple cider mule on jennifercooks

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Apple Cider Mule

  • Fireball Whiskey: This cinnamon-flavored whiskey is a warming addition that adds a fiery edge to the cocktail. It’s perfect for those crisp fall evenings.
  • Apple Pie Liqueur: Adding this gives the drink a sweet, nostalgic flavor that feels like a slice of pie from a local apple orchard.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: The acidity of lime juice cuts through the sweetness, giving the cocktail that refreshing, zesty finish characteristic of the classic mule.
  • Fresh Ginger: Grating fresh ginger into the cocktail adds a bold, spicy kick, essential for balancing the sweetness of the apple cider.
  • Apple Cider: For the best flavor, use unfiltered cider. It has a richer, more robust apple taste that enhances the drink. This is the core of the apple cider cocktail.
  • Ginger Beer: Opt for non-alcoholic ginger beer to maintain the balance of spice without overpowering the other flavors. Its sharp, tangy bite complements the apple cider perfectly.
  • Simple Syrup (Optional): If you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, a splash of simple syrup can be added to mellow the tang of the ginger and lime.
  • Cinnamon Sticks & Apple Slices: These garnishes are both decorative and flavorful, adding a touch of autumn flair to your drink.

Equipment Needed

  • Chilled Copper Mug: The signature vessel for any traditional Moscow Mule, a chilled copper mug not only keeps the drink cold but also enhances the flavor of the ginger beer.
  • Cocktail Shaker: Essential for mixing the whiskey, apple pie liqueur, lime juice, and ginger together until they’re well chilled.
  • Grater or Microplane: You’ll need a microplane for fresh ginger to ensure you get the full spicy flavor in your mule.
  • Fine Mesh Bar Strainer: After shaking the ingredients, you’ll want to strain the mixture into the mug to remove any ice or ginger pieces.
  • Plenty of Ice Cubes: A key component in keeping the drink frosty and refreshing.

How to Make the Apple Cider Mule

Prepare your mug: Fill a chilled copper mug with ice cubes.

Filling a cocktail shaker with ice in preparation to make a Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks

Mix the ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine Fireball whiskey, apple pie liqueur, fresh lime juice, grated ginger, and apple cider. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled.

Adding the Fireball Whiskey for the Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks
Adding Apple Pie Liqueur to the Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks
Adding fresh lime juice to the Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks
Grating fresh ginger into the Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks
Adding unfiltered apple cider to the Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks
Shaking the Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks

Strain and top: Strain the mixture into your prepared mug, then top with ginger beer.

Pouring the Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks

Garnish: Add a cinnamon stick and apple slices for a festive finishing touch.

Garnishing the Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks with fresh apple slices
Garnishing the Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks with a cinnamon stick

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Visit my Amazon Store for everything you need to cook up a storm, bake delicious treats, and whip up your favorite beverages!

Chef Secrets for a Perfect Apple Cider Mule

  • Use unfiltered cider: This gives the apple cider mule recipe a richer, more complex apple flavor, perfect for pairing with the spice of the ginger beer.
  • Fresh ginger is a must: Grate your ginger fresh to get that sharp, spicy kick. Bottled ginger lacks the punch needed for a truly great cocktail.
  • Chill your mug ahead of time: Keeping the copper mug cold enhances the drinking experience and helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This seasonal Moscow Mule pairs beautifully with fall-inspired snacks. A charcuterie board featuring sharp cheddar and smoked gouda will complement the sweet and spicy notes of the drink. 

For something a bit sweeter, serve it alongside caramel apple dip with fresh apple slices for a fun nod to the caramel apple cider Moscow Mule. The drink also makes a wonderful holiday cocktail at Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.


Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I make this non-alcoholic? 

Yes! Simply omit the whiskey and liqueur, and replace them with apple juice or a splash of soda. The non-alcoholic ginger beer will still give you that spicy edge.

Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer? 

While ginger ale is sweeter, it can work in a pinch. However, you’ll lose some of the spice that makes a great cocktail.

What’s the best apple cider to use? 

Opt for fresh, unfiltered cider (some from a local orchard, if you have one nearby is even better!) It has a richer flavor than the processed varieties.


Storing Tips

While this cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the base (everything but the ginger beer) ahead of time. 

Store the base in the fridge for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. 

When ready to serve, just shake, pour, and top with ginger beer.

The next time you’re looking for a drink that embodies the flavors of fall, try this Apple Cider Mule. It’s the perfect blend of warm spices and crisp apple, just like a cool autumn evening in Texas. Cheers!

Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks

More Fall Cocktail Recipes

  • Apple Thyme Martini
  • Irish Coffee
  • Creamy Espresso Martini with Baileys
  • The Godfather Cocktail
SaveSaved! SaveSaved!
Apple Cider Moscow Mule on Jennifer Cooks

Apple 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.
No ratings yet
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Fall Cocktails, Holiday Drinks
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 346kcal
Author: Jennifer Locklin

Equipment

  • Copper Mule Mug
  • cocktail shaker
  • Jigger
  • Microplane
  • Fine Mesh Strainer

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
Get Recipe Ingredients

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

Serving: 1 cocktail | Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 146mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.4mg

*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.

Did you make this recipe? Tag @jennifercooks123 on Instagram and hashtag it #jennifercooks so we can see all the deliciousness!

Leave a Comment & Rating!

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Whether you made a tweak, have advice, or just want to share your rating, your feedback is gold. Keep it kind—no mean comments or off-topic links. Let’s celebrate food together. All are welcome to join the conversation!

Filed Under: Cocktails, Drinks Tagged With: cocktail, Fall Cocktail, holiday cocktail, thanksgiving cocktail

About Jennifer

I’m Jennifer Locklin, author and owner of Jennifer Cooks. I am a trained chef and passionate about good food, cooking for family and friends, and creating recipes that form lasting memories from one generation to the next. I hope you find inspiration for cooking and creating here!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hello! I'm Jennifer Locklin, the creator of Jennifer Cooks. Cooking is a cherished tradition passed down in my family, deeply rooted in love and shared experiences.

My blog showcases tried-and-true recipes that promise to turn your cooking into memorable moments.

More about me →


Follow Us:

  • Mail
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS Feed
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr

Yummly Publisher
my foodgawker gallery

Recent Posts

  • A stack of Chewy Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
    Chewy Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
  • Grilled Caribbean jerk chicken on a charcoal grill with smoky char marks
    Caribbean Jerk Chicken
  • Old-Fashioned Vanilla Butter Meltaway Cookies
    Vanilla Butter Meltaway Cookies
  • Creamy Poblano and Shrimp Enchiladas
    Creamy Shrimp and Poblano Enchiladas

Footer

↑ back to top

Quick Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Information

  • Home
  • Recipes

Copyright © 2024 JENNIFER COOKS

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required