Simple Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Here is my favorite Apple Cider Moscow Mule recipe, with a refreshing mix of apple cider, ginger beer, vodka, and fresh lime juice, served over ice in a copper mug.

This cocktail has become my go-to drink for fall gatherings and cozy evenings on the porch. I love making a big batch when friends come over because it disappears fast. The combination of sweet cider and spicy ginger beer just hits the spot every time.

What Kind of Apple Cider Should I Use?

For this cocktail, you’ll want to use fresh apple cider, not the filtered apple juice you find in the juice aisle. Real apple cider has a richer, more complex apple flavor that makes all the difference in this drink. You can find it in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, especially during fall and winter months. If you’re shopping outside of apple season, some stores carry shelf-stable apple cider that works just fine once you chill it. Just make sure you’re grabbing actual cider and not apple cider vinegar – that would make for a pretty rough Moscow Mule!

Options for Substitutions

This fall-inspired cocktail is easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Vodka: Want to switch things up? Try bourbon or spiced rum instead of vodka for a warmer, spicier kick. The measurements stay the same.
• Apple cider: If you can’t find apple cider, unfiltered apple juice works in a pinch, though it’ll be a bit sweeter and less complex. You can also use regular filtered apple juice, but consider adding a tiny pinch of cinnamon to boost the flavor.
• Ginger beer: Ginger ale can substitute for ginger beer, but keep in mind it’s milder and sweeter. For a closer match to ginger beer’s spicy bite, add a small piece of fresh grated ginger to the drink.
• Fresh lime juice: Bottled lime juice works if that’s what you have, though fresh always tastes better. In a pinch, lemon juice gives a similar citrus tang.
• Garnishes: The apple slices and cinnamon stick are optional but really make the drink feel special. If you don’t have them, a simple lime wheel or even a sprig of fresh rosemary looks great too.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making This Cocktail

The biggest mistake when making an Apple Cider Moscow Mule is using apple cider vinegar instead of apple cider – they’re completely different products, and vinegar will ruin your drink with its sharp, acidic taste. Another common error is adding the ginger beer too early or stirring it too vigorously, which kills the carbonation and leaves you with a flat cocktail instead of that signature fizzy kick. Make sure you’re using actual ginger beer (not ginger ale), as ginger ale is much sweeter and lacks the spicy ginger flavor that balances the apple cider perfectly. For the best results, chill all your ingredients beforehand and add the ginger beer as the very last step with a gentle stir, which keeps your Moscow Mule bubbly and refreshing from the first sip to the last.

What to Serve With Apple Cider Moscow Mules?

These fall-inspired cocktails are perfect for serving at gatherings with friends, and they pair really well with appetizers and snacks. I love setting out a cheese board with sharp cheddar, brie, and some crackers alongside these drinks – the creamy cheese balances out the spicy ginger beer nicely. Salty snacks like spiced nuts, pretzels, or even some kettle chips work great too since they complement the sweet apple cider and tangy lime. If you’re making these for a dinner party, they go especially well with pork chops, roasted chicken, or any hearty fall meal.

Storage Instructions

Make Ahead: You can prep the apple cider and lime juice mixture a few hours before your guests arrive and keep it chilled in the fridge. Just wait to add the vodka, ice, and ginger beer until you’re ready to serve so everything stays bubbly and fresh.

Best Served Fresh: This cocktail is really meant to be enjoyed right away since the ice will melt and the ginger beer will lose its fizz if it sits too long. Mix up each drink as you need it for the best taste and that perfect bubbly kick.

Leftover Ingredients: If you have leftover apple cider, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Keep any opened ginger beer tightly sealed in the fridge and use it within a day or two while it’s still carbonated.

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 140-170
• Protein: 0-1 g
• Fat: 0-0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18-25 g

Ingredients

• 2 oz cold apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 cup crushed ice
• 1/2 cup cold ginger beer
• 1 to 2 apple slices (half-moon, for garnish)
• 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Step 1: Combine Main Ingredients in Mug

• 2 oz cold apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

Pour the cold apple cider, vodka, and freshly squeezed lime juice into a Moscow Mule copper mug or any sturdy glass.

This forms the flavorful base of your cocktail.

Step 2: Add Ice and Top with Ginger Beer

• 1 cup crushed ice
• 1/2 cup cold ginger beer

Add the crushed ice to the mug, filling it up to keep the drink chilled.

Then, pour the cold ginger beer over the ice.

Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.

I like to give it a few extra stirs to make sure the ginger beer mixes thoroughly with the cider and vodka.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

• 1 to 2 apple slices (half-moon, for garnish)
• 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Drop one or two half-moon apple slices into the mug for a fresh, seasonal touch.

Nestle a cinnamon stick alongside for an aromatic garnish.

Serve immediately and enjoy this crisp, refreshing cocktail!

Simple Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Delicious Simple Apple Cider Moscow Mule recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 7 minutes mins

Servings 4

Calories 155 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz cold apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 cup crushed ice
• 1/2 cup cold ginger beer
• 1 to 2 apple slices (half-moon, for garnish)
• 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Pour the cold apple cider, vodka, and freshly squeezed lime juice into a Moscow Mule copper mug or any sturdy glass. This forms the flavorful base of your cocktail.
• Add the crushed ice to the mug, filling it up to keep the drink chilled. Then, pour the cold ginger beer over the ice. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly. I like to give it a few extra stirs to make sure the ginger beer mixes thoroughly with the cider and vodka.
• Drop one or two half-moon apple slices into the mug for a fresh, seasonal touch. Nestle a cinnamon stick alongside for an aromatic garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy this crisp, refreshing cocktail!