Apple Cider Mule Recipe: How to Make an Apple Cider Cocktail

An Apple Cider Mule, also known as an Apple Cider Moscow Mule, is a variation on a traditional Moscow Mule and combines vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and apple cider. The addition of apple cider complements the spicy flavor of ginger beer. Popular garnishes for Apple Cider Mule cocktail recipes include cinnamon sticks and apple slices.

The Apple Cider Mule, like its source of inspiration, is a relatively simple drink. Home bartenders and mixologists can experiment with flavorings and garnishes, but the essential ingredients for this drink include:

1. 1. Apple cider: The gold standard is fresh-pressed apple cider from your local orchard. When this seasonal option is unavailable, go for quality, unfiltered cider. Apple juice will work in a pinch but is not as rich as apple cider. You can also use spiced apple cider or hard cider to boost the alcohol content and add complexity to the taste.
2. 2. Ginger beer: Ginger beer has a more spicy ginger flavor than ginger ale soda, which is sweet. Use a high-quality or homemade ginger beer to add flavor depth.
3. 3. Lime juice: Use fresh-squeezed lime juice for the most flavor.
4. 4. Vodka: High-quality vodka will add smoothness to the drink. A neutral-flavored vodka will pair well with this fall drink's apple and spice flavors, but you can also try apple-flavored or caramel-flavored vodka for more sweetness.

When making an Apple Cider Moscow Mule, consider the following substitutions and tips:

1. 1. Add cinnamon whiskey. Add a bit of cinnamon whiskey to the cocktail to boost the cinnamon flavor. Some cinnamon whiskeys will impart a spicy flavor.
2. 2. Finish with garnishes. A cinnamon stick is a great garnish for this easy fall cocktail and makes for an excellent cocktail presentation. You can also add cranberries, apple slices, or caramel apple slices to add apple flavor.
3. 3. Go for a mocktail. Omit the vodka to make a family-friendly apple cider mocktail.
4. 4. Make a spice rim. Dip the rim of the cocktail glasses in a dry spice mixture for extra flavor. Brown sugar and ground cinnamon add sweetness, and ground nutmeg and ginger make for an apple pie-flavored drink.
5. 5. Serve in Moscow Mule mugs. Traditionally, bartenders serve Moscow Mule cocktails in a copper vessel known as a mule mug. To be festive, you can serve Apple Cider Mule cocktails in chilled copper mugs.
6. 6. Try different mule variations. Swap the vodka with bourbon to make a Kentucky Mule, or use tequila to make a Mexican Mule.