Maple Apple Cider Mule – A Cozy Twist on a Classic

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An easygoing cocktail that tastes like fall without feeling heavy, the Maple Apple Cider Mule brings crisp apple, smooth ginger spice, and a warm maple finish together in one glass. It’s bright, refreshing, and a touch cozy—great for cool evenings, weekend gatherings, or a simple happy hour at home. You don’t need fancy gear, just a few pantry staples and fresh cider.

If you love a Moscow Mule but want a seasonal upgrade, this is your drink. It’s simple to make, pretty to serve, and even easier to sip.

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Maple Apple Cider Mule - A Cozy Twist on a Classic

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 servings

Ingredients

• 2 ounces vodka (or bourbon for a warmer profile)
• 3 ounces chilled apple cider (fresh, unfiltered if possible)
• 1/2–3/4 ounce pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
• 3–4 ounces ginger beer (chilled; choose a brand with the spice level you like)
• Ice (crushed or cubed)
• Optional garnishes: thin apple slices, lime wheel, cinnamon stick, or a small rosemary sprig
• Pinch of ground cinnamon or a light grate of nutmeg (optional, for a warmer note)

Instructions

• Chill your glass. If you have a copper mug, great. If not, use a rocks glass. Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes while you gather ingredients.
• Build the base. In your chilled glass, add vodka, apple cider, maple syrup, and lime juice. If you prefer a drier drink, start with 1/2 ounce maple syrup.
• Stir gently. Add ice to the glass, then give the mixture a quick stir to blend the syrup evenly.
• Top with ginger beer. Pour in enough ginger beer to fill the glass, about 3–4 ounces. Stir once or twice so you don’t lose the bubbles.
• Taste and adjust. If it’s too sweet, squeeze in a bit more lime. If it’s too tart, add a small splash of cider or a touch more maple.
• Garnish. Slide in a few apple slices, add a lime wheel, and if you want, a cinnamon stick for aroma. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top adds warmth without overpowering.
• Serve immediately. This drink shines when cold and fizzy.

What Makes This Special

This mule trades the traditional lime-and-simple-syrup combo for apple cider and real maple syrup, which adds depth and a hint of caramel sweetness. The ginger beer keeps it lively and crisp, so it never turns cloying.

It’s also incredibly flexible—easy to make for one or scale up for a crowd. Plus, you can dial it toward tart, sweet, or spicy based on the cider and ginger beer you choose. It’s a low-effort, high-reward cocktail that feels festive without being fussy.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces vodka (or bourbon for a warmer profile)
• 3 ounces chilled apple cider (fresh, unfiltered if possible)
• 1/2–3/4 ounce pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
• 3–4 ounces ginger beer (chilled; choose a brand with the spice level you like)
• Ice (crushed or cubed)
• Optional garnishes: thin apple slices, lime wheel, cinnamon stick, or a small rosemary sprig
• Pinch of ground cinnamon or a light grate of nutmeg (optional, for a warmer note)

How to Make It

1. Chill your glass. If you have a copper mug, great.

   If not, use a rocks glass. Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes while you gather ingredients.

2. Build the base. In your chilled glass, add vodka, apple cider, maple syrup, and lime juice. If you prefer a drier drink, start with 1/2 ounce maple syrup.
3. Stir gently. Add ice to the glass, then give the mixture a quick stir to blend the syrup evenly.
4. Top with ginger beer. Pour in enough ginger beer to fill the glass, about 3–4 ounces.

   Stir once or twice so you don’t lose the bubbles.

5. Taste and adjust. If it’s too sweet, squeeze in a bit more lime. If it’s too tart, add a small splash of cider or a touch more maple.
6. Garnish. Slide in a few apple slices, add a lime wheel, and if you want, a cinnamon stick for aroma. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top adds warmth without overpowering.
7. Serve immediately. This drink shines when cold and fizzy.

Storage Instructions

• Advance prep: You can mix the vodka, cider, maple syrup, and lime juice up to 24 hours ahead.

  Keep it covered and chilled.

• Don’t add ginger beer until serving. It will go flat if it sits too long.
• Leftovers: If you have a pre-mixed base left, store it in the fridge and use within 2–3 days. Fresh citrus fades after that.
• Batching: For a crowd, multiply the base ingredients in a pitcher. Add ice and ginger beer right before guests arrive.

Why This is Good for You

• Real ingredients: Maple syrup is unrefined and brings more flavor than white sugar, so you can often use less.
• Apple benefits: Apple cider contains natural polyphenols and a gentle fruit acidity that’s satisfying without heavy sweetness.
• Ginger perk: Good ginger beer adds a mild kick and can help settle the stomach.

  It also keeps the drink refreshing, so you sip slower.

• Custom control: You’re in charge of sweetness and strength, which helps keep the cocktail balanced and enjoyable.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Over-sweetening: Maple syrup plus cider plus ginger beer can stack up. Start with less maple and adjust after tasting.
• Flat fizz: Stir gently after adding ginger beer. Vigorous shaking or stirring kills the bubbles.
• Too much spice: A heavy hand with cinnamon or nutmeg can overwhelm the drink.

  Use a light touch.

• Warm ingredients: If your cider or ginger beer isn’t cold, the drink tastes dull. Chill everything for best flavor.
• Unbalanced ginger: Some ginger beers are very sweet; others are fiery. Pick one that matches your taste, or blend two brands for balance.

Alternatives

• Spirit swap: Use bourbon for a richer, caramel note; dark rum for molasses depth; or apple brandy for extra apple intensity.
• Make it nonalcoholic: Skip the vodka and add extra cider with a squeeze more lime.

  Use a spicy ginger beer for complexity.

• Herbal twist: Add a small rosemary sprig or a thin slice of fresh ginger to the glass for aroma. Don’t muddle too hard—just a light press.
• Spiced cider: If your cider is plain, warm some with a cinnamon stick and cloves, then chill before using for deeper flavor.
• Citrus change-up: Swap lime for lemon if that’s what you have. Lemon leans brighter; lime feels a bit zippier and more mule-like.
• Lower sugar: Use a drier ginger beer or cut ginger beer with club soda.

  Keep the maple at 1/2 ounce and boost lime.

FAQ

Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

You’ll get a different result. Pure maple syrup brings clean, layered sweetness. Maple-flavored pancake syrup is mostly corn syrup and can taste flat.

If that’s all you have, use less and add a touch more lime to keep balance.

What type of apple cider works best?

Fresh, unfiltered cider has the best body and apple flavor. If you only have clear apple juice, it will still work—just reduce the maple slightly and add a pinch of cinnamon to boost depth.

Do I need a copper mug?

No. A chilled rocks glass works fine.

Copper mugs keep the drink colder and look festive, but they’re not required.

How do I batch this for a party?

Combine vodka, cider, maple syrup, and lime in a pitcher and chill. When serving, pour the base over ice and top each glass with ginger beer. For 8 drinks, try 2 cups vodka, 3 cups cider, 1/2 to 3/4 cup maple, and 1/2 cup lime, then ginger beer to top.

Can I make it hot?

You can make a warm version, but skip the ginger beer.

Heat cider gently with a cinnamon stick, stir in maple and a splash of lemon or lime, then add your spirit off the heat. Garnish with an apple slice. It becomes more like a spiked mulled cider than a mule.

What if my drink is too sweet?

Add more lime and a splash of club soda, or use a spicier, drier ginger beer.

You can also cut the maple to 1/4 ounce and rely on the cider for sweetness.

Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer?

Yes, but it will be lighter and sweeter with less ginger bite. If using ginger ale, reduce the maple and consider adding a thin slice of fresh ginger to boost spice.

Is there a good garnish that adds aroma without extra sweetness?

A cinnamon stick or a small rosemary sprig works well. They add fragrance with no sugar, and they make the glass look polished.

Wrapping Up

The Maple Apple Cider Mule balances cozy fall flavors with crisp, lively bubbles.

It’s easy to customize, quick to mix, and friendly for both solo sips and big gatherings. Keep the ingredients cold, taste as you go, and let the ginger beer do the heavy lifting. Whether you pour it in a copper mug or your favorite glass, it’s a simple way to make any evening feel a little more special.