Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Celebrate fall weather and flavors by mixing up an Apple Cider Moscow Mule! Sweet, but not too sweet, this autumnal twist on a classic Moscow Mule tastes like a slice of apple pie. Makes 1 drink, but easily can be turned into a batch.
Love fall-flavored cocktails? Don’t miss Pumpkin Spice Mule, Gin Apple Pie Cocktail and Sparkling Bourbon Pumpkin Apple Cider Punch!

2020 update: This Apple Pie Moscow Mule was originally shared on September 10, 2018. It has been updated to include more details and images and republished in October 2020.
Y’all should know by now that I’m a sucker for a unique seasonal cocktail.
And since it’s fall and we’re celebrating the Year of the Moscow Mule… can I just ask what’s more seasonal for the autumn that apple and cinnamon together?
So today, I present a delicious Apple Cider Mule.
To be honest with you, these fall Moscow mules taste like a slice of pie.
Why I love this recipe:
These Apple Mules are perfect to serve at a fall gathering because they are a fall twist on a classic cocktail. You could also transform them into festive holiday cocktails for Halloween, Thanksgiving or even Christmas.
They taste of the best fall flavors, apple and spices with just the perfect balance.
Which includes a tailgate (or a homegate), a Halloween party (with kids and adults — you can make them booze-free for kids and those who don’t drink), Thanksgiving, holiday parties and more.
Apple Moscow Mules can be made for individuals or for a crowd, too, and the simple syrup can be made in advance. (More on this in a bit, I promise.)
And they’re oh-so-delicious.
More Moscow Mules you should check out ASAP: Dark and Stormy (Rum Moscow Mule) | Classic Moscow Mule | Gin Gin Mule | Kentucky Mule | Cranberry Mule | Mexican Mule
Need cocktail inspiration? Head on over to my Cocktails Recipe Index for some fun, delicious ideas to make at home!

What do I need to make this recipe?
The Speckled Palate participates in affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my disclosure page for more information about these affiliate programs.
- Saucepan
- 8 oz. mason jar
- Citrus juicer
- Copper mugs, which as considered classic mule mugs
Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this perfect fall cocktail:
- Granulated sugar and cinnamon sticks — we need both of these to make the homemade simple syrup
- Apple cider — this is the base of our mule. If you’re in a pinch and can’t find cider, you can use apple juice.
- Ginger beer — this is going to add the bubbles to our drink! You could use ginger ale if you don’t have ginger beer, but I really like the ginger flavor and kick that the ginger beer provides.
- Vodka — a good drinking vodka that hasn’t been infused or flavored. If you want to make this a CARAMEL APPLE MULE, use caramel vodka!
- Lime — we need this for its juice. You can also purchase the fresh lime juice in a bottle in the refrigerated section of your grocery store
- Garnishes — I opted for simple apple slices to garnish, but these would be beautiful with a rosemary sprig or a cinnamon stick, too.




How to make an Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Make the Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Measure the water and sugar into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.
Add in the cinnamon sticks, and infuse for 30 minutes to three hours.
The longer the simple syrup infuses, the stronger the cinnamon flavor will be.
When the syrup has finished infusing (and tastes good to you!), strain and pour into a mason jar. Refrigerate until time to make cocktails.
Make The Apple Pie Moscow Mule
In a Moscow mule mug (or your favorite glassware of choice — we aren’t picky here!), add crushed ice or ice cubes.
Measure the apple cider, ginger beer, vodka, lime juice and cinnamon simple syrup directly over the ice.
Stir with a spoon.
Garnish with apple slices and enjoy. (You can also garnish with lime wedges or a lime wheel!)
You could also sprinkle on a little cinnamon or Apple Pie Spice for extra flavor and garnish.

Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — mules are wonderful party drinks!
Why? They require few ingredients and are incredibly easy to prepare. They are also simple enough for guests to put together on their own if given the option.
If you’re going to host a fall gathering where you serve an Apple Moscow Mule to geusts, I suggest turning a surface into a “Mule Bar.”
How do you make a mule bar?
- Set out measuring tools for your guests on the bar. If you’re feeling fancy, get out large mason jars for the apple cider, lime juice, vodka and simple syrup.
- Make the simple syrup in advance. Keep it cool in the fridge.
- One to two hours before the party, squeeze the limes and get that juice ready. You can also purchase freshly squeezed lime juice at the grocery.
- Slice the lime wedges, too! Place them in a bowl for easy garnishing.
- Print out the recipe card below. Place it in a frame (or in a place on the bar where spilled ingredients won’t bother them.)
- Set out a bowl of apples, part for decoration and part for the garnish. Place a cutting board nearby. Guests can slice their own apple slices as garnish, if they’d like.

Frequently Asked Questions
I read that back in the ‘40s, Americans thought vodka was disgusting and subsequently would not drink it.
The story goes that the bartender at the L.A. restaurant, Cock ‘n Bull, mixed this beverage after listening to the laments of three businessmen—a vodka maker, a ginger beer maker and a copper mug maker.
Or maybe he just had an excess of all three and used this drink to move product off the shelves. Who knows?
Whatever actually happened resulted in a delicious sipper, traditionally served in a copper mug.
I’ve read that the name was decided at random.
However, I’ve also read that Moscow was chosen because Russians are known for their vodka. (Fun fact: Did you know the translation of vodka is “little water?” I did not!) Mule could have been chosen because the ginger beer gives the drink a little kick.
Does anyone really know? No. (And does it really matter? No, though it’s fun to read up on your favorite cocktails.)
To turn this drink into a 6-drink Apple Cider Mule pitcher, combine the following in a pitcher:
12 oz. apple cider
18 oz. ginger beer
9 oz. vodka
3 oz. lime juice
3 oz. cinnamon simple syrup
Stir until combined, and serve immediately.
YES! Leave out the vodka, mix up the other ingredients and you’re good to go.
You can, but your mule will be lacking the apple pie flavors. And honestly, that’s the element that really does it for me with this mule. The cinnamon in the cinnamon simple syrup just brings this drink to a different level.

What else can I serve alongside these drinks?
- Apple Cider Pulled Pork with Apple Cabbage Slaw
- Weeknight Cheese Board
- Bruschetta Pinwheels and Pesto Sun-Dried Tomato Pinwheels
- Apple Rosemary Chicken and Dumpling Soup
- Cinnamon Pork Chops
- Apple Pie Bars
More fall cocktails to try:
I sure do! Here’s a list of some of our favorites for the fall months…
- Spiked Caramel Apple Cider
- Salted Caramel Appletini with Salted Caramel-Infused Vodka
- Spiced Apple Cider
Now who’s ready to mix up some of this goodness all fall long?
Scroll on down to grab my recipe!

Apple Pie Moscow Mule
Ingredients
Cinnamon-Infused Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 sticks cinnamon
Apple Cider Moscow Mule (Makes 1)
- 2 oz. apple cider
- 3 oz. ginger beer
- 1 ½ oz. vodka
- ½ oz. freshly squeezed lime juice freshly squeezed
- ½ oz. cinnamon simple syrup
- Ice for serving
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Instructions
Make the Cinnamon-Infused Simple Syrup
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, measure out the water and sugar. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.
- Add in the cinnamon sticks, and cover for 30 minutes to three hours. (The longer the simple syrup infuses, the more cinnamon-y it will become. Proceed with caution.)
- When the syrup has finished infusing (and tastes good to you!), strain and pour into a mason jar. Refrigerate until time to make cocktails.
Make the Apple Pie Moscow Mule
- In a copper mug (or your favorite glassware of choice—we aren’t picky here!), measure out the apple cider, ginger beer, vodka, lime juice and cinnamon simple syrup.
- Use a spoon to stir up the ingredients.
- Top with ice, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- 12 oz. apple cider
- 18 oz. ginger beer
- 9 oz. vodka
- 3 oz. lime juice
- 3 oz. cinnamon simple syrup
Nutrition

About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
Love the glass with the gold around it! Where did you get that?
Thanks so much, Maia! I love those glasses, too. My mom purchased them from Anthropologie for me as a gift, but they’re no longer in stock. They’re called “Glimmer Wrapped Old Fashioned Glasses” and are some of my favorite barware.