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 MuleGin Apple Pie Cocktail and Sparkling Bourbon Pumpkin Apple Cider Punch!

Two Apple Cider Moscow Mules sit on a marble background, surrounded by apples, lime slices and cinnamon

This Apple Pie Moscow Mule was originally shared on September 10, 2018. It has been updated 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.

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    To be honest with you, these fall Moscow mules taste like a slice of pie.

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      Why I love this recipe:

      These Apple Mules are perfect to serve at a fall gathering.

      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 Cider 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

      Need cocktail inspiration? Head on over to my Cocktails Recipe Index for some fun, delicious ideas to make at home!

      Ingredients for a cider Moscow Mule lined up on marble

      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.

      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:

      • Granulated sugar and cinnamon sticks—we need both of these to make the homemade simple syrup
      • Apple cider—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.
      • Lime—we need this for its juice. You can also purchase the freshly squeezed stuff in a jar in the refrigerated section of your grocery

      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 mule mug (or your favorite glassware of choice—we aren’t picky here!), measure the apple cider, ginger beer, vodka, lime juice and cinnamon simple syrup.

      Stir with a spoon.

      Add ice, garnish with apple slices and enjoy. (You can also garnish with lime wedges!)

      Overhead image of an Apple Cider Moscow Mule, shown with apples and lime slices

      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 summer gathering where you serve these Apple Cider Mules, 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.
      A Apple Pie Moscow Mule sits on a marble background, surrounded by apples and lime slices

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What is the story behind the Moscow Mule?

      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.

      Why is it called a Moscow Mule?

      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.)

      How can I make this a pitcher drink?

      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.

      Can I make this into a mocktail?

      YES! Leave out the vodka, mix up the other ingredients and you’re good to go.

      Can I use regular simple syrup instead of the cinnamon syrup suggested?

      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.

      An Apple Cider Moscow Mule sit on a marble background, surrounded by apples, lime slices and cinnamon with the text Apple Cider Mule

      What else can I serve alongside these drinks?

      More fall cocktails to try:

      I sure do! Here’s a list of some of our favorites for the fall months…

      Up your cocktail game!

      Subscribe for a FREE Mixed Drinks Cookbook to mix fast, easy and delicious drinks at home!

        We won’t spam. Promise. Unsubscribe at any time.

        Now who’s ready to mix up some of this goodness all fall long?

        Scroll on down to grab my recipe!

        A Apple Pie Moscow Mule sits on a marble background, surrounded by apples and lime slices
        Yield: 1 cocktail

        Apple Pie Moscow Mule

        Prep Time: 5 minutes
        Cook Time: 10 minutes
        Infusion Time: 3 hours
        Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

        Celebrate fall weather and flavors by mixing up a Apple Pie Moscow Mule! Apple cider serves as the base of this cocktail. Mix with ginger beer, vodka, a squeeze of lime and cinnamon simple syrup. Sweet, but not too sweet, this autumnal twist on a classic Moscow Mule tastes like a slice of apple pie. Whether you're serving yourself or a crowd, these Apple Pie Moscow Mules are flavor-filled, balanced, unique cocktail to serve at any gathering!

        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. lime juice, freshly squeezed
        • ½ oz. cinnamon simple syrup
        • Ice, for serving

        Instructions

        Make the Cinnamon-Infused Simple Syrup

        1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, measure out the water and sugar. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.
        2. 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.)
        3. 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

        1. 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.
        2. Use a spoon to stir up the ingredients.
        3. Top with ice, and enjoy immediately.

        Notes

        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.

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        As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

        Nutrition Information:

        Yield:

        1

        Serving Size:

        1 cocktail

        Amount Per Serving: Calories: 791Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 182gFiber: 8gSugar: 168gProtein: 1g

        Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate.

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        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

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        2 Comments

          1. 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.

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