Caramel Apple Cider Moscow Mule
This Caramel Apple Cider Moscow Mule is a festive fall cocktail that blends crisp apple cider, rich caramel sauce, vodka, and spicy ginger beer for a cozy, crowd-pleasing drink. It’s quick to make, perfect for autumn gatherings, and delivers all the flavors of a caramel-dipped apple in a frosty copper mug.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 ounces (90ml) chilled apple cider (not apple juice)
- 1 tablespoon (about 15g) caramel sauce (thick, not thin ice cream topping)
- 2 ounces (60ml) vodka (unflavored, good quality)
- 1/2 ounce (15ml) fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
- 2 to 3 ounces (60–90ml) chilled ginger beer (not ginger ale)
- Ice cubes
- For garnish (optional): thin apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, extra caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Chill your copper mug or glass in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon caramel sauce into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your mug. Swirl to coat.
- Add 2 ounces vodka and 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice. Stir to combine with the caramel.
- Pour in 3 ounces chilled apple cider. Stir again, scraping the bottom to lift any caramel into the drink.
- Fill the mug to the brim with ice cubes.
- Slowly pour in 2 to 3 ounces ginger beer until the mug is full. Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a thin apple slice, a cinnamon stick, and a drizzle of caramel on top. Add star anise or a dusting of ground cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use thick caramel sauce for best flavor; avoid thin ice cream toppings. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka and add more cider or club soda. Always use chilled ingredients for a crisp drink. Garnish just before serving to prevent apple slices from browning. For a vegan version, use plant-based caramel. To batch for parties, mix all ingredients except ginger beer and ice in advance, then add those just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (about 10 ounces with ice)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 20
- Carbohydrates: 28
Keywords: caramel apple cider moscow mule, fall cocktail, apple cider cocktail, moscow mule, caramel cocktail, ginger beer, autumn drink, easy cocktail, festive drink, vodka cocktail