Happy Friday, y’all! And happy unofficial start to fall season… with everything pumpkin and apple and cider and cooler weather. While I am excited about the slightly cooler weather, I’m not too excited for it to start snowing again in just a few short months. But the babies are finally going back to school on Tuesday and this will give this momma some much needed “me time” during the day.

I figured why not start September, and unofficial fall, off on the right food than with a refreshing drink that you can enjoy during the “last hoorah” of summer: Labor Day weekend – and of course all throughout fall and beyond.

Apple cider started showing up in my local grocery store a couple weeks back when apple season hit here and I couldn’t be happier. I love making all the things with apple cider and this drink is no exception. I wanted to do a new fall twist on the classic moscow mule – since I am also currently on a ginger beer kick and cannot get enough – but with gin instead because that’s what the generous people at Drizly were eager to create something with.

I absolutely love moscow mules so it seemed only fitting to try some apple cider with one of my favorite drinks. And ya know what? This drink turned out amazing!! This cocktail is refreshing, satisfying, and dangerous because it is so good. It has a slight gin flavor but with the hint of apple cider and the tang of ginger beer balance all the flavors so nicely and you’ll be amazed at how fast you find yourself drinking them.

Watch out now.. haha!

What is an Apple Gin Mule?

The Apple Gin Mule is a creative variation of the traditional Moscow Mule, which is typically made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. In this version, we’ve swapped out the vodka for gin and added apple cider to give it a seasonal twist. The result is a cocktail that’s both refreshing and full of autumnal flavors. The combination of apple cider and ginger beer creates a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice, while the gin adds a layer of complexity with its botanical undertones.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Seasonal Flavors: The apple cider brings a touch of fall to every sip, making it the perfect drink for autumn gatherings.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can whip up this cocktail in no time.
• Versatile: This cocktail can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of gin or add a splash of lemon juice for extra zing.
• Impressive Presentation: Serving the Apple Gin Mule in copper mugs with apple slices as garnish adds a touch of elegance and makes it a great choice for entertaining.

Ingredients

• Apple Cider: This provides a sweet and tart base for the cocktail, adding a rich, fruity flavor that perfectly complements the gin.
• Gin: The botanical notes of gin add complexity and depth to the drink, balancing the sweetness of the apple cider.
• Ginger Beer: This adds a spicy kick and effervescence, making the cocktail refreshing and lively.
• Apple Slices: Used as a garnish, these not only add a beautiful presentation but also enhance the apple flavor with each sip.

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Substitutions & Additions

• Gin: If you’re not a fan of gin, you can substitute it with vodka for a more traditional mule flavor. Alternatively, try using bourbon for a richer, warmer taste.
• Apple Cider: For a different twist, consider using pear cider or cranberry juice. Both options will add a unique flavor profile to the cocktail.
• Ginger Beer: If you prefer a milder ginger flavor, you can use ginger ale instead of ginger beer.

How to Make this Recipe

In a cocktail shaker, add apple cider and gin. Shake gently to combine.

Fill two copper mugs with crushed ice.

Pour half of the gin and cider mixture over the crushed ice in each mug.

Top each mug with 6 oz of ginger beer.

Garnish with apple slices.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Chill Your Ingredients: For the best flavor, make sure your apple cider, gin, and ginger beer are well-chilled before making the cocktail.

Use Fresh Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices not only add a beautiful garnish but also enhance the apple flavor in the drink. Choose a crisp, sweet apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji.

Experiment with Garnishes: In addition to apple slices, you can also garnish your Apple Gin Mule with a cinnamon stick or a sprig of rosemary for an extra touch of fall flair.

Serving Suggestions

Glassware: Serve the Apple Gin Mule in copper mugs to keep the drink cold and add a classic touch. If you don’t have copper mugs, any highball glass will work.

Garnishes: In addition to apple slices, consider adding a cinnamon stick or a sprig of rosemary for an extra touch of fall flair.

Pairings: This cocktail pairs wonderfully with a variety of fall dishes. Try serving it alongside a cheese platter with sharp cheddar and apple slices, or with a hearty autumn salad featuring roasted butternut squash and cranberries.

Storage Suggestions

Leftovers: If you have any leftover Apple Gin Mule mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Note that the ginger beer may lose some of its carbonation over time.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the gin and apple cider mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply pour over ice and top with ginger beer.

What type of gin works best for this recipe? A London Dry gin works well, but feel free to experiment with different types of gin to find your preferred flavor profile.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail? Absolutely! Simply omit the gin and use a non-alcoholic ginger beer. You can also add a splash of sparkling water for extra fizz.

What other garnishes can I use? In addition to apple slices, you can garnish with a cinnamon stick, a sprig of rosemary, or even a twist of lemon peel.

Is there a way to make this cocktail less sweet? If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, use a dry ginger beer and reduce the amount of apple cider.

The Apple Gin Mule is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for celebrating the flavors of fall. With its easy preparation, versatile ingredients, and impressive presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite at your autumn gatherings. Cheers to enjoying the season with a delicious Apple Gin Mule in hand!