This apple cider Moscow mule is the perfect addition to your fall cocktail playbook. Made with hard apple cider, citron vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s sure to make your next Thanksgiving soiree or cozy evening by the fire even more special than usual.

Apple cider mules in copper glasses garnished with cinnamon sticks, apple slices, and lime slices.

Don’t settle for basic cocktails this fall. Load your quiver up with something special. Like this apple cider Moscow mule; a drink so smooth you won’t even know you’re drinking alcohol (careful). Everyone loves a good ol’ fashioned Moscow mule, but this one takes the classic and turns it into a celebratory autumn delight. The star player here is hard apple cider. Subtly sweet and full of nostalgic fall flavor, it tames the otherwise hard bite of the citron vodka and, when paired with a spicy, fizzy kick of ginger beer, the zing of fresh lime juice, and warm notes of cinnamon, you’ve got yourself a perfect flavor combination that is both cozy and invigorating at the same time.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Mule

This apple cider mule has quickly climbed to the top of my list of favorite fall cocktails. There’s so much to love about it. Here are just a few reasons you have to try it for yourself.

Fall flavors. Apple cider is a quintessential autumn beverage and, when combined with the zesty kick of a traditional Moscow mule and a dash of cinnamon, it creates the perfect celebratory beverage for any and all fall gatherings. Whether you’re headed to or hosting a Thanksgiving feast or a cozy evening by the fire, you have to have this recipe in your back pocket.
Well balanced. The natural sweetness of hard apple cider tames the pang of citron vodka and the zing of the lime, making this a wonderfully smooth, easy-to-drink cocktail. Then there’s something about the way the festive flavors of the cinnamon and the cider play with the subtle spice of the ginger beer on your taste buds. Yum! Pure perfection.
Quick and easy. This cocktail requires just a handful of ingredients, some shaking, and some pouring. That’s it! It’s the perfect choice for both novice and experienced mixologists. Plus, it only takes a couple of minutes to make. I’m sold!
Versatile. This is a fun base recipe to add your own little twist to. Kick up the lime, add some sweetness, turn down (or up) the alcohol content, and/or [insert your fun variation here]. Check out the section below titled “Fun Variations” for inspiration.

Absolute citron vodka near a jigger and two moscow mules.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll only need 5 ingredients to make these festive apple cider mules. Here they are. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card below for precise measurements.

Hard apple cider – You could use apple juice in a pinch but you won’t get the deep, earthy natural flavor that fresh apple cider boasts.
Ginger beer – Splurge on a quality ginger beer here, folks and make sure it’s a fresh bottle. No one wants a flat Moscow mule.
Absolute citron vodka – You could use a standard vodka but I love the hint of sweet citrus the citron vodka brings to this cocktail.
Lime juice – I highly suggest using freshly squeezed lime juice as opposed to a bottled version. The flavor is just so much better.
Ground cinnamon – I love the warmth the cinnamon brings to these Moscow mules but you could leave the cinnamon out.

Overhead image of apple cider mules near a jigger.

How To Make An Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Here’s a quick look at how to make apple cider Moscow mules. Don’t forget to scroll to the recipe card below for more thorough instructions.

Shake. Shake. Shake. Add ice cubes, hard apple cider, ginger beer, citron vodka, lime juice, and cinnamon to a cocktail shaker, close, and shake well.
Serve. Fill a copper cup with crushed ice and pour the contents of the shaker over the ice. Garnish with apple slices, a lime wedge, and/or a cinnamon stick and serve.

Can I Make A Big Batch of Apple Cider Moscow Mules?

Absolutely! To serve a crowd, simply multiply the ingredients according to the size of your party and mix them in a pitcher. Keep the copper mugs chilled until you are ready to pour and serve.

Apple cider Moscow mules in copper glasses near a jigger.

Recipe Tips

Choose quality ingredients. Use fresh apple cider, quality vodka, and a high-quality ginger beer for the best flavor.
Fizz matters. No one wants a flat Moscow mule. So, make sure your ginger beer is nice and fizzy. Open a fresh bottle for this. Trust me.
Pre-chill ingredients. These cocktails are best enjoyed as cold as possible. I suggest you pop your vodka, ginger beer, and copper mugs in the fridge an hour or so before making the drink. You can take it one step further and put the vodka in the freezer a few hours before.

Why Do You Serve Moscow Mules in a Copper Mug?

Moscow mules are traditionally served in copper mugs. They have been since they were invented in the 1940s. So why carry on the tradition? First and foremost, the copper helps these cocktails stay nice and cool as you sip and savor. On top of that, they are visually appealing and, some might say, actually enhance the aroma and flavor of the beverage. While you can serve a Moscow mule in a tumbler or something of the like, the copper mug really does add something special. Not convinced? Do a side-by-side taste test and let me know what you think.

A person holding an apple cider moscow mule in copper cup.

Fun Variations

A little sweeter. Add a couple of drops of maple syrup or caramel sauce to the shaker for a sweeter cocktail. Simple syrup would also work but it won’t give you the same rich flavor.
Make it fruity. Add a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice for a fruity twist.
Herbaceous. Muddle a few sage leaves with honey in the bottom of your shaker before adding the remaining ingredients to create a unique sweet, herbal infusion.
Try bourbon. Swap vodka for bourbon for a smokier, deeper flavor.

More Fall Cocktail Recipes

Fall is upon us and ’tis the season for entertaining. Keep things interesting this year with some of these fabulously festive autumnal cocktails.