Mint Apple Mule Cocktail Recipe

I’m honestly a big fan of easy cocktails, especially the ones that taste fresh without making you hunt down a dozen ingredients. This Mint Apple Mule is one of those drinks I keep coming back to—it’s got a crisp apple twist and a pop of mint that just works.

It’s kind of like the classic mule, only lighter and somehow a bit more playful. If you want to try a Mint Apple Mule at home, you really just need a few basic things and a couple of minutes.

No need for fancy gadgets or rare mixers here. Apple, lime, mint, and ginger beer all come together for a drink that’s super refreshing, especially on a warm afternoon.

But honestly, it’s tasty any time of year.

I’ll break down the recipe step by step, and maybe throw in a few thoughts about the flavors so you know what to expect.

Mint Apple Mule Cocktail Recipe

What I like most about this drink? The crisp apple flavor with that gingery kick, plus mint that makes it feel extra fresh.

Vodka and lime juice keep it classic, and the garnishes make it look (and taste) like you put in more effort than you actually did.

Equipment

• Copper mug or highball glass for serving
• Cocktail shaker for mixing
• Bar spoon for stirring
• Jigger for measuring vodka and lime juice
• Cutting board and knife for slicing lime and apple
• Muddler to press the mint leaves
• Strainer if you’re shaking with ice
• Ice scoop or just a spoon for adding ice

Honestly, the copper mug is my favorite because it keeps the drink cold way longer. But if you only have a highball glass, that’s totally fine.

Simple tools mean you won’t dread cleanup later.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz ginger beer (or ginger ale if you want it a little lighter)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 4–5 fresh mint leaves
• 2–3 thin apple slices for garnish
• 1 lime wedge for garnish
• 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)
• Ice cubes

I always go for fresh lime juice—bottled just doesn’t have the same brightness.

The apple slices give a little sweetness and crunch, and if you’re into it, the cinnamon stick adds this cozy note that goes great with ginger beer.

Instructions

• Fill your copper mug or highball glass with ice.
• Toss the mint leaves in a shaker and give them a gentle muddle.
• Add vodka and lime juice to the shaker.
• Shake it up lightly with ice, then strain into your prepared mug or glass.
• Top off with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir with your bar spoon.
• Garnish with apple slices, a lime wedge, and maybe a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling it.

I try to stir slowly so the ginger beer stays fizzy.

Adding the garnishes last keeps everything looking and tasting fresh.

Notes

Ginger beer is my pick for that spicy bite, but ginger ale makes a softer, sweeter version if that’s more your speed.

Copper mugs aren’t a must, but they really do make the drink colder and somehow more fun.

Fresh mint is key—dried just doesn’t cut it. If you don’t have a muddler, just use the back of a spoon and call it good.

Sometimes I’ll splash in a little apple cider if I’m in the mood for something sweeter. Lime juice is easy to tweak if you want more of a citrus punch.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the crisp bite of ginger beer jumps out at me. There’s a light fizz, and just enough heat to keep the sweetness from taking over.

The apple flavor? It’s fresh, almost like biting into the real thing. I love how it blends with the ginger—makes the drink feel more refreshing, not heavy at all.

The mint is impossible to miss. I catch it in the aroma before I even taste anything, and then it brings this cool, herbal note that just kind of hangs around on my tongue.

Honestly, I think the balance between sweet and tart is spot on. The apple gives a gentle sweetness, but the lime juice keeps everything bright and a bit sharp.

The finish is smooth, maybe even a little dry. Ginger leaves a warm note at the end, and the mint keeps things nice and refreshing.

Flavor highlights I notice:

• Crisp apple sweetness
• Zesty lime tartness
• Cool mint aroma
• Spicy ginger finish