Spiced Apple Cider Mule Cocktail Recipe

I love making drinks that mix classic flavors with something new. The Spiced Apple Cider Mule is a perfect twist for anyone who likes a warm fall vibe in a cold, fizzy drink.

This cocktail combines crisp apple cider, spicy ginger beer, and warm spices for a refreshing yet cozy taste.

Whenever I make this drink, it’s a hit with friends and family at any get-together. The flavors work well for holidays or just when I’m craving something different.

If you want a simple recipe to impress your guests, you’ll probably enjoy this one.

Let’s go over the equipment, the easy-to-find ingredients, and the quick steps you need to make your own Spiced Apple Cider Mule at home.

Spiced Apple Cider Mule Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this fall-inspired cocktail because it’s easy to make and tastes like autumn in a glass. Every ingredient adds something special, from crisp apple cider to a dash of cinnamon.

Equipment

• Copper mug (for the classic mule look, but a glass works if needed)
• Jigger (makes measuring simple)
• Cocktail spoon or bar spoon (for stirring)
• Ice cube tray (fresh ice is best)
• Citrus juicer (to squeeze fresh lime juice)
• Strainer (if adding whole spices like cloves or star anise)

Having these tools nearby makes mixing fast and cleanup easy for me. I prefer using a copper mug because it keeps the drink very cold and looks great when serving.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka (any plain vodka works well)
• 2 oz spiced apple cider (homemade or store-bought, with warm spices)
• ½ oz fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
• Ginger beer (to top, about 4 oz)
• Apple slices (for garnish)
• Cinnamon stick (for garnish)
• 1-2 whole cloves (optional, for extra spice)
• Star anise (optional, adds aroma)
• Ice cubes (enough to fill the mug)

These ingredients mix sweet, tart, and spicy flavors. Sometimes I add extra cinnamon or more lime if I want it a bit tangier.

Instructions

• Fill the copper mug with ice cubes.
• Pour in the vodka.
• Add the spiced apple cider.
• Squeeze in the fresh lime juice.
• Top with ginger beer until the mug is full.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
• Drop in a clove or star anise for an extra pop of spice, if you like.

I always stir the drink gently so the ginger beer stays fizzy. Garnishing at the end adds a nice look and makes the drink smell extra festive.

Notes

If I use store-bought apple cider, I like to check that it’s labeled “spiced.” If not, I sometimes add my own pinch of cinnamon or simmer the cider with cloves and star anise for extra flavor.

Using fresh lime juice makes a big difference in taste over bottled juice. For guests who want a sweeter drink, a splash of extra cider works.

For more kick, I use extra ginger beer or a little more vodka. Serving in copper mugs helps the drink stay colder, but chilling the mug ahead makes it even better.

If you don’t have ginger beer, ginger ale is okay, but it’s less spicy. I keep apple slices from browning by dipping them in lemon juice before using them as a garnish.

This simple step keeps the drink looking bright and fresh at parties or for a cozy night in.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip, the crisp apple flavor jumps out right away. It’s fresh, a bit tart, and not overly sweet.

There’s this gentle hint of cinnamon and clove from the spices. The ginger beer brings a soft heat and some fizzy bubbles that dance on my tongue.

The cocktail smells pretty inviting, honestly. I get the scent of warm spices even before taking a sip.

There’s also a sharp note from the ginger beer. Each drink feels light but still packs a lot of flavor.

Sometimes I toss in extra apple slices or a cinnamon stick as garnish. It looks good and gives a subtle boost to the aroma.

If you want it sweeter, just add more apple cider. Want more bite? Splash in some extra lime juice or ginger beer. I usually tweak it depending on my mood.