Apple Cider Moscow Mule

If you like Moscow mules, you'll LOVE this fall version! Made with vodka, ginger beer, lime, apple cider, fresh apples, thyme, and a cinnamon stick, what better way to celebrate fall? It's so simple to make and only takes 5 minutes!
A copper mug filled with apple cider thyme moscow mule with a cinamon stick and apples on top.
A copper mug filled with apple cider thyme moscow mule with a cinamon stick and apples on top.

Are you looking for a simple cocktail for fall? This apple cider Moscow mule is so refreshing and easy to make! It takes just 5 minutes and a few simple ingredients that scream FALL!

A riff on a classic Moscow mule, this variation includes apple cider, apples, fresh thyme and cinnamon sticks for a fall cocktail. While this recipe is meant to serve one, this apple cider cocktail is easy to to multiply to serve a crowd!

What is a moscow mule?

A moscow mule is a cocktail traditionally made with vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice.

It’s said that the Moscow mule was created in the early 1940’s. The story has it that the vodka cocktail was created at the bar of the Cock ‘n’ Bull restaurant due to a need to market vodka and ginger beer to Americans, neither of which were popular at that time. The rest is history!

Here’s what you’ll need

Ingredients: vodka, apple cider, ginger beer, lime, fresh thyme, apple slices and cinnamon sticks

Equipment:

  • Copper mugs
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger
  • Citrus Juicer
an aerial photo of two glasses of apple cider moscow mule topped with fresh thyme, sliced honeycrisp apples and cinnamon sticks.

How to serve

Moscow mules are traditionally served in a copper mug. The copper mug keeps the cocktail chilled while you drink it!

This apple cider version is garnished with fresh thyme, sliced apples and a cinnamon stick for a festive fall drink!

FAQs

Do you have to serve a Moscow mule in a copper mug?

If you don’t have a copper mug to serve your Moscow mules in, don’t let that stop you! Just use whatever you have.

How to choose your cider

Apple juice is not the same as apple cider. It’s filtered and sweetened and not 100% made with pure apple juice. Apple cider is less sweet and has a tangier taste. You will want to use apple cider for this recipe!

Can I make this recipe in bulk for entertaining?

Yes! If you’re serving a crowd, just multiply this drink by however many people you need to serve. I like to make this cocktail in a big pitcher without the ice. Keep it refrigerated and pour over ice just before serving so that the cocktail is not diluted by melting ice cubes.

Can I use hard apple cider instead of regular apple cider?

You sure can! Go for it!

Can I substitute dried thyme for fresh thyme?

No, you really cannot use dried thyme for this recipe. The fresh thyme just lightly infuses the apple cocktail. Dried thyme would be ingested and make this drink taste very nasty. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can substitute with fresh rosemary or omit it entirely.

Can I make this a virgin cocktail (without alcohol)?

Yes! Just substitute the alcohol with ginger ale or ginger beer. You’ll have a refreshing apple drink!

Is vodka gluten-free?

Pure, distilled vodka, even if made with gluten-containing grains (wheat, barley, or rye), is considered gluten-free. However, if you’d like to be extra cautious, there are brands of vodka that are made from potatoes. Keep in mind, some vodka companies add flavoring and those may not be gluten-free. Personally, I use Tito’s vodka, which is potato-based and naturally gluten-free!

Is ginger beer gluten-free?

Despite the name containing the word “beer” in it, ginger beer is non-alcoholic and typically is naturally gluten-free! Always check the ingredients of your ginger beer to confirm it is truly gluten-free.

What type of apple is best for garnishing?

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.

two copper mugs on a marble table filled with apple cider cocktail with a rose gold cocktail jigger and pink lady apples surrounding it.

Want more gluten-free apple recipes? Try these!

More cocktail recipes you’ll love!

A copper mug filled with apple cider thyme moscow mule with a cinamon stick and apples on top.

Apple Cider Moscow Mule

If you like Moscow mules, you'll LOVE this fall version! Made with vodka, ginger beer, lime, apple cider, fresh apples, thyme, and a cinnamon stick, what better way to celebrate fall? It's so simple to make and only takes 5 minutes!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 288kcal
Author: Megan

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 4 oz apple cider
  • 4 oz ginger beer
  • 1/2 lime (juiced)
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • 1/2 apple (sliced)
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

  • In a copper mug, add the vodka, apple cider and lime juice. Stir well.
  • Fill the glass with ice, then top off with ginger beer.
  • Garnish with fresh thyme sprig, apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

Notes

  • This recipe makes 1 cocktail as noted. Multiply the ingredients by however many servings you need to make!
  • If you are making this recipe in bulk, add all of the ingredients to a large pitcher, except for the ice. Stir to combine. Then pour over ice just before serving so that the cocktail does not get diluted by melting ice. 
  • If you’d like to make this recipe non-alcoholic, add additional ginger beer or ginger ale in place of the vodka. 

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 212mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @ADashofMegnut or tag #adashofmegnut!
about megan

I’m Megan

A gluten-free food blogger from Chicago and lover of all things food, showing you gluten-free can be easy and delicious, too. Let’s make gluten-free stress free together! Read more…

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