Caramel Apple Mule Cocktail Recipe (3-Ingredient Only)

ByJohn

If you’re into caramel apples and easy cocktails, you really should try this Caramel Apple Mule. It only takes three ingredients, and somehow it ends up tasting like a fall treat that honestly works any time of year.

The caramel and apple flavors mix with the ginger beer fizz in a way that just feels right. It’s simple, but the flavors come together so nicely.

What I love most is how easy this recipe is—really, anyone can pull it off. You don’t need to be a cocktail pro or own any weird bar tools.

It’s perfect for a last-minute drink at home, or if you have a couple of friends over and want to look like you tried. No hunting for fancy ingredients, either. You can throw it together in just a few minutes, and people always seem impressed.

Caramel Apple Mule Cocktail Recipe

Caramel Apple Mule Cocktail Recipe (3-Ingredient Only)

This drink is sweet, tangy, and has that little fizz from ginger beer. I appreciate that it’s not complicated—just three main things and you’re done.

Equipment

Copper mugs are fun, and they really do keep the Caramel Apple Mule colder. If I’m out of copper mugs, a regular glass works, but the cold copper is kind of special. I always use fresh ice—makes a difference.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Vodka (plain is fine)
  • 3 oz Apple cider (fresh, not apple juice)
  • 4 oz Ginger beer (I go for one that isn’t too sweet)
  • Optional: 1 oz Caramel syrup (for extra caramel flavor)
  • Garnishes: thin apple slices or a lime wedge

I always reach for crisp apple cider instead of apple juice. It’s less sweet and has a tartness that just works. Ginger beer gives the drink a spicy kick and a refreshing fizz.

If I’m feeling it, I’ll add a little caramel syrup for more richness. Apple slices as a garnish look festive and honestly taste good after they soak.

Instructions

  • Fill your copper mug or glass to the top with ice.
  • Pour in 2 oz vodka, 3 oz apple cider, and if you want, 1 oz caramel syrup.
  • Stir that up so the syrup and cider mix well.
  • Top it off with 4 oz ginger beer and give it a gentle stir.
  • Garnish with apple slices or a lime wedge.
  • Taste and add more caramel syrup if you’re after a sweeter drink.

I always stir the vodka, cider, and syrup together first—otherwise the syrup just sits at the bottom. Pouring in the ginger beer last keeps all those bubbles.

Sometimes I’ll add an apple slice or lime twist on top, just for a little extra color.

Notes

Fresh apple cider really does make a difference, way better than apple juice. If you want more caramel, sure, add it, but I’d go easy or it can get too sweet.

Chilled mugs are the way to go, but if you don’t have one, any thick glass works. For a mocktail, just leave out the vodka and add a splash more cider.

If you’re making these for a group, prep the garnishes ahead. And please, use real ginger beer—not ginger ale—if you want that proper mule flavor and fizz.

Caramel Apple Mule Cocktail Recipe

Caramel Apple Mule Cocktail Recipe
This Caramel Apple Mule is a cozy, fall-inspired cocktail made with just three ingredients: vodka, crisp apple cider, and spicy ginger beer. A dash of caramel syrup takes it over the top, delivering all the nostalgic vibes of a caramel apple in one fizzy, refreshing sip.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1 Cocktail

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fill a copper mug (or any glass) with fresh ice.
  • Add 2 oz vodka and 3 oz apple cider.
  • Optional: Add 1 oz caramel syrup for extra sweetness.
  • Stir well to combine.
  • Top off with 4 oz ginger beer.
  • Stir gently to mix without losing fizz.
  • Garnish with a thin apple slice or cinnamon stick.

Tasting Notes

First sip? The caramel flavor is smooth and sweet, and the crisp apple comes through right away. Ginger beer sneaks in with spice and bubbles that keep it from being too heavy.

The caramel isn’t overpowering—it’s just enough to make the drink feel cozy. I like how it blends with the apple cider, almost like a candied apple in a glass.

Here’s what stands out for me:

The Caramel Apple Mule is just cool and super easy to drink. It’s honestly best served ice cold, with plenty of ice in the mug.

Must Have Ingredients

Substitute

If I run out of caramel vodka, I’ll just grab some plain vodka and toss in a drop of caramel syrup. Sometimes I’ll even throw in a little caramel candy—eventually it melts and gives the drink that sweet caramel kick.

Honestly, if I’m not feeling caramel or just want a twist, I’ll use butterscotch schnapps instead. It’s a softer, sweeter vibe and sometimes I think it’s even better.

When I don’t have a cinnamon stick handy, I usually just shake a bit of ground cinnamon on top. It’s not fancy, but the hint of spice still works with the apple.

Here are a few quick swaps I’ve tried and liked:

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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