This apple cider Moscow mule combines vodka, apple cider, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice with fall flavors like thyme and cinnamon. It takes just 5 minutes to make and tastes like a crisp autumn day in a copper mug.
The recipe easily multiplies to serve a crowd, so you can make a pitcher for entertaining or mix up a single serving for yourself. Garnish with fresh apple slices, a cinnamon stick, and thyme for a cocktail that looks as good as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Ingredient Notes
- Vodka: Pure distilled vodka is naturally gluten-free, even when made from wheat, barley, or rye, because the distillation process removes gluten proteins. If you want to be extra cautious, choose potato-based vodka like Tito’s, which is naturally gluten-free. Avoid flavored vodkas unless you verify they’re gluten-free, as added flavorings may contain gluten.
- Apple Cider: Use real apple cider, not apple juice. Apple juice is filtered, sweetened, and doesn’t have the same tangy depth of flavor that apple cider brings to this cocktail. Look for unfiltered apple cider in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
- Ginger Beer: Despite the name, ginger beer is non-alcoholic and typically gluten-free. It has a stronger ginger flavor and more carbonation than ginger ale, which makes it essential for a proper Moscow mule. Check the label to confirm your brand is gluten-free.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice, never bottled. Fresh lime juice brings brightness that balances the sweetness of the apple cider. One lime yields about 2 tablespoons of juice.
- Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme is essential for this recipe. Don’t substitute dried thyme, which would make the drink taste bitter and unpleasant. If you don’t have fresh thyme, try fresh rosemary instead or simply omit it.
- Apples for Garnish: Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples work best because they stay crisp in liquid and have beautiful color. Slice them thin so they fit nicely in the glass.
- Cinnamon Stick: Use a whole cinnamon stick for garnish rather than ground cinnamon. The stick adds visual appeal and subtle cinnamon aroma without making the drink gritty.
Tip
Copper mugs aren’t required but they do keep your Moscow mule ice-cold while you drink it. If you don’t have copper mugs, use any glass you have on hand.
Expert Tips
FAQs
No. Copper mugs are traditional and keep the drink colder longer, but you can use any glass you have. Regular glasses, highball glasses, or even mason jars all work fine.
Use your favorite apple! I like to use honey crisp or pink lady for this recipe because the colors are gorgeous and the apples are very crisp and hold up well to being placed in liquid.
Apple cider is unfiltered, unsweetened, and made from pure pressed apples with a tangy flavor. Apple juice is filtered, sweetened, and has a milder taste. Always use apple cider for this recipe, not apple juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this apple cider Moscow mule as your signature fall cocktail for dinner parties alongside Apple Cider Thyme Mimosas for guests who prefer bubbles over vodka. Set out Blood Orange Margaritas for color contrast and Cucumber Jalapeño Margaritas for guests who want something lighter and less sweet.
Turn it into a full autumn cocktail party by keeping Gluten-Free Baked Apples and Gluten-Free Apple Cake on a dessert table so guests have something to snack on between drinks. You can also serve it with Sausage Sweet Potato Hash for a cozy brunch menu where the apple flavors tie everything together.
More gluten-free drinks to try
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Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz apple cider
- 1 tablespoon lime juice - from about 1/2 lime
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1/2 small apple - sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
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Instructions
- In a copper mug, add 2 oz vodka, 4 oz apple cider and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Stir well.
- Fill the glass with ice, then top off with 4 oz ginger beer.
- Garnish with 1 sprig fresh thyme, 1/2 small apple and 1 cinnamon stick.
Notes
- Scaling: This recipe makes 1 cocktail. Multiply ingredients by the number of servings you need.
- Making in Bulk: Combine vodka, apple cider, and lime juice in a pitcher and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Add ice and ginger beer just before serving to maintain carbonation and prevent dilution.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace vodka with additional ginger beer or ginger ale for a refreshing mocktail.
- Gluten-Free Note: Vodka is naturally gluten-free through distillation. Ginger beer is typically gluten-free but check labels to confirm.
Nutrition
