Celebrate crisp autumn evenings with an Apple Cider Moscow Mule. Sweet without being cloying, this fall twist on a classic mule captures the cozy flavors of apple pie. The recipe makes one cocktail but scales easily for a pitcher.
Note: This recipe references a small number of affiliate products.
2020 Update: This Apple Pie Moscow Mule was originally published in 2018 and updated with clearer instructions and new photos in 2020.
Why I love this recipe:
This Apple Cider Moscow Mule is a simple, seasonal take on the classic mule. It brings together apple cider, bright lime, ginger beer and a cinnamon-infused simple syrup to create a cocktail that tastes like a slice of autumn in a glass.
It’s ideal for fall gatherings—tailgates, Halloween nights, Thanksgiving, or cozy winter get-togethers. You can serve it one at a time or scale the proportions for a pitcher. The cinnamon syrup can be made ahead, making on-the-spot mixing fast and easy when guests arrive.
What do I need to make this recipe?
Tools you’ll find helpful: a small saucepan for the syrup, a mason jar for storage, a citrus juicer or reamer, and copper mugs if you like the traditional presentation.
- Saucepan
- 8 oz. mason jar
- Citrus juicer
- Copper mugs (optional, for classic presentation)
Ingredients overview: granulated sugar and cinnamon sticks for the cinnamon simple syrup; fresh apple cider; ginger beer for fizz and spice; a clean, unflavored vodka (or caramel vodka if you want a caramel-apple variation); fresh lime juice; and apple slices or cinnamon sticks for garnish.
How to make an Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Make the cinnamon simple syrup
1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water.
2. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
3. Add 2 cinnamon sticks to the hot syrup, cover, and let infuse for 30 minutes up to 3 hours depending on how pronounced you want the cinnamon flavor. The longer it infuses, the stronger the cinnamon note will become.
4. Strain the syrup into a mason jar and refrigerate until ready to use. This syrup keeps in the fridge for several weeks.
Make the Apple Pie Moscow Mule
1. Fill a copper mug or glass with crushed ice or ice cubes.
2. Pour in 2 oz. apple cider, 3 oz. ginger beer, 1 1/2 oz. vodka, 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice and 1/2 oz. cinnamon simple syrup over the ice.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with apple slices, a lime wheel or a cinnamon stick and enjoy immediately. For extra warmth, grate a pinch of cinnamon or apple pie spice over the top.
How to make an Apple Cider Mule pitcher
To make a 6-serving pitcher, combine in a pitcher and stir until blended:
- 12 oz. apple cider
- 18 oz. ginger beer
- 9 oz. vodka
- 3 oz. lime juice
- 3 oz. cinnamon simple syrup
Serve over ice and garnish each glass as desired.
Erin’s easy entertaining tips
Moscow mules are excellent party drinks because they require few ingredients and are easy to assemble. For a relaxed, guest-friendly setup, create a simple “Mule Bar.”
- Set out measuring tools and labeled containers for apple cider, lime juice, vodka and syrup so guests can build their own.
- Make the cinnamon simple syrup ahead and keep it chilled.
- Squeeze and chill lime juice an hour or two before guests arrive to save time.
- Offer a bowl of apple slices and a cutting board so guests can garnish their drinks.
- Provide a printed recipe or a small sign with measurements so everyone can follow along.
Frequently asked questions
The Moscow Mule dates back to the 1940s. Legend has it that the drink was created when a vodka brand, a ginger beer maker and a copper-mug maker combined efforts to promote their products. Regardless of the precise origin, it quickly became a popular, refreshing cocktail often served in a copper mug.
The term “mule” is likely a nod to the drink’s ginger bite—the ginger beer gives the cocktail a little kick, like a mule.
Yes. Simply omit the vodka and keep the rest of the ingredients. The apple, lime and ginger will still make a refreshing mocktail.
You can, but the cinnamon-infused syrup adds the warm, apple-pie quality that defines this variation. Plain syrup will make a sweeter but less spiced drink.
What to serve with these drinks
- Apple-forward savory dishes such as pulled pork with apple slaw
- Cheese boards for easy snacking
- Warm appetizers like pinwheels or small tartlets
- Comfort soups such as apple-rosemary chicken and dumplings
- Sweet treats: apple pie bars or spiced cookies
More fall cocktails to try
- Spiked caramel apple cider
- Salted caramel appletini
- Spiced apple cider (served warm)
Ready to mix one up? Scroll to the recipe card below for equipment, precise ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions.
Apple Pie Moscow Mule
Equipment
Small saucepan, mason jar, citrus juicer, and copper mugs (optional).
- Small saucepan (1.5 qt)
- Mason jar (pint)
- Copper mugs (optional)
- Measuring tools
Ingredients
Cinnamon-Infused Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Apple Cider Moscow Mule (Makes 1)
- 2 oz. apple cider
- 3 oz. ginger beer
- 1 1/2 oz. vodka
- 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 oz. cinnamon simple syrup
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
Make the cinnamon-infused simple syrup
- Combine sugar and water in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Add cinnamon sticks, cover, and steep 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on desired intensity.
- Strain into a mason jar and refrigerate until use.
Make the Apple Pie Moscow Mule
- Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.
- Add apple cider, ginger beer, vodka, lime juice and cinnamon simple syrup. Stir gently.
- Garnish with apple slices or a cinnamon stick and serve immediately.
Notes
To scale for a 6-drink pitcher: 12 oz. apple cider, 18 oz. ginger beer, 9 oz. vodka, 3 oz. lime juice and 3 oz. cinnamon simple syrup. Stir and serve over ice.
Nutrition
Calories: 791 kcal
Carbohydrates: 182 g
Sugar: 168 g
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