Whether you're sipping by the fire, hosting Friendsgiving, or mixing a pitcher for game day, this unique Moscow mule recipe has just enough spice to feel seasonal and just enough brightness to keep it lively.
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There is something about the gingeriness of a mule that feels like autumn to me. But these vodka cocktails can get a little boring, which is why I like to change things up.
Whether it is swapping the vodka for mezcal, or adding a splash of an unexpected flavor to jazz things up, my mule cocktails are nothing short of fun.
This autumn mule is perfect for warmer days that come with early Fall. But I do eventually move to my rich apple cider bourbon cocktail.
📖Why My Recipe Works
- Unexpected flavor pairing - Pineapple adds a sweet-tart lift, while lime juice offers a sharper, citrus-forward bite.
- Effortless batching - Mix in a pitcher ahead of time, then just top with ginger beer before serving.
- Cozy + refreshing - Cloudy cider brings warmth, ginger beer keeps it crisp, and the spices tie everything together.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- Apple cider - Unfiltered, cloudy cider gives the drink more body and a richer apple aroma. Filtered is lighter and brighter.
- Pineapple Juice - Pineapple gives a light tropical note but you can substitute orange juice or lime for a zesty brightness.
- Vodka - Smooth, mid-range vodka works best here, letting the cider and ginger beer shine. Often people use flavored vodka like vanilla or caramel but personally I am not a fan.
- Ground spices - Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add cozy warmth. Stir before sipping to keep them from settling.
- Ginger beer - Choose bold for extra spice or mild for an easy-sipping drink. Always add last for maximum fizz.
⏲️How to Make an Apple Moscow Mule Pitcher
Hosting? Skip the one-at-a-time shake and make a pitcher for 8 servings:
- 16 oz (2 cups) vodka
- 16 oz (2 cups) apple cider
- 8 oz (1 cup) pineapple juice or lime juice
- 4-5 dashes each cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
- 4 cups ginger beer (add when serving)
Mix everything except the ginger beer in a pitcher and refrigerate up to 4 hours. When ready to serve, pour into ice-filled glasses and top each with ginger beer.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tip
For a sweet cider mule, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar syrup. It adds a rich, caramel note that complements the spices.
More Fall Cocktails
Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more FLAVORFUL recipes?
📖 Recipe Card
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 4 ounces vodka
- 4 ounces apple cider
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- Dash of ground cinnamon
- Dash of ground nutmeg
- Dash of ground cloves
- ½ cup ginger beer
- sugar for rim (optional)
- Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Place vodka, cider, pineapple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold on the outside, about 30 seconds.4 ounces vodka, 4 ounces apple cider, 2 ounces pineapple juice, Dash of ground cinnamon, Dash of ground nutmeg, Dash of ground cloves
- Rim 2 glasses or mule cups with sugar. Strain the cocktail evenly into the glasses or mule cups, top with ginger beer, and garnish with apple and pineapple slices.½ cup ginger beer
Christine says
Delicious! I actually had pumpkin vodka on hand so used that. This drink was a hit!
Jen Wooster says
That is such a fun twist!