Spiced Apple Cider Mule

The Spiced Apple Cider Mule is a refreshing and effervescent mocktail that captures the essence of autumn in a glass. It beautifully balances the sweet, crisp taste of apple cider with the spicy kick of ginger beer and the tartness of fresh lime juice. A hint of cinnamon adds a warming spice note, making it a cozy and sophisticated alcohol-free option for any occasion, especially during the cooler months.
Spiced Apple Cider Mule

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is categorized as a contemporary mocktail. It is a non-alcoholic adaptation of the classic Moscow Mule cocktail, thoughtfully reimagined with seasonal flavors like apple and cinnamon. Its creation reflects the modern trend of crafting sophisticated, alcohol-free drinks.

Serving

This is a cold, completely non-alcoholic drink best served over ice in a traditional copper mule mug to keep it extra chilled, or alternatively, in a highball glass.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Mule mug
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This mocktail is a modern, seasonal adaptation of the famous Moscow Mule, which traditionally features vodka, ginger beer, and lime. As the demand for creative and flavorful non-alcoholic beverages grew, bartenders and home mixologists began experimenting with classic cocktail formulas. Replacing vodka with apple cider created a drink that is both familiar and novel, perfectly suited for the fall and holiday seasons.
Origin
This is a contemporary creation that likely emerged in the United States during the early 21st century. It follows the significant rise of the craft cocktail movement and the subsequent increased appreciation for high-quality mocktails, or zero-proof beverages.

Spiced Apple Cider Mule

The drink is primarily known as the Spiced Apple Cider Mule. Alternative names like Apple Cider Mocktail Mule or Virgin Apple Mule highlight its non-alcoholic nature and key ingredients. The name "Autumn Mule Mocktail" points to its seasonal popularity, making it a favorite during the fall.
Original name
Spiced Apple Cider Mule
Alternative names
  • Apple Cider Mocktail Mule
  • Virgin Apple Mule
  • Autumn Mule Mocktail

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a delightful aroma of spicy ginger and sweet apple, leading to a balanced sweet and tart flavor with a warming finish. Its fizzy texture and crisp profile make it a perfect refreshing beverage for cooler seasons.
Flavor
Spicy, sweet, tart, autumnal, warming, crisp
Aroma
Ginger, apple, cinnamon, citrus
Taste balance
Balanced, sweet, sour, spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, spicy, warming ginger
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Hazy golden-brown, amber
Texture
Light, crisp, fizzy
Seasonality
Refreshing, autumnal, wintery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink has a pronounced fruity and spicy character, with moderate sweetness and sourness, balanced by high carbonation. It's a non-alcoholic beverage with a robust and satisfying flavor profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need high-quality apple cider, a spicy ginger beer, and freshly squeezed lime juice for the base of this drink. The combination creates a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tart flavors.
  • Apple Cider120 ml / 4 oz
    Use good quality, unfiltered apple cider for the best and most authentic flavor.
  • Ginger Beer90 ml / 3 oz
    Choose a spicy ginger beer to get the classic mule kick; brands vary in sweetness and spice level.
  • Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for a bright, tart flavor that balances the sweetness.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

The preparation for this mocktail is simple and requires minimal equipment. You will need a jigger for accurate liquid measurements and a bar spoon to gently mix the ingredients directly in the serving glass.
  • Jigger or measuring cup for measuring liquids.
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring.

Instructions

This drink is quickly built directly in the serving glass. Simply fill your mug with ice, add the apple cider and lime juice, top with ginger beer, give it a gentle stir, and add your garnishes.
1. Fill a copper mug or a highball glass completely with ice cubes.
2. Pour 120 ml (4 oz) of apple cider over the ice.
3. Add 15 ml (0.5 oz) of freshly squeezed lime juice.
4. Top the mixture with 90 ml (3 oz) of spicy ginger beer.
5. Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
6. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a thin apple slice before serving.

Garnishing

Garnish with a whole cinnamon stick and a thin slice of apple to enhance the autumnal aromas and visual appeal. A lime wedge can also be added to the rim for an extra citrus note.
  • Cinnamon stick for an aromatic and visual touch.
  • Thin apple slice or wedge placed on the rim or in the drink.
  • Lime wedge on the rim as an alternative or addition.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally non-alcoholic, caffeine-free, dairy-free, and vegan. For absolute gluten-free assurance, it is advisable to check the label of the specific brand of ginger beer used.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This mocktail is relatively low in calories, with its energy content coming almost entirely from the natural and added sugars in the apple cider and ginger beer.
Calories
Approximately 90-120 kcal / 377-502 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 22-28 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 20-26 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This mocktail is an excellent choice for autumn and winter celebrations, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve parties. It is also perfect for a cozy night in by the fire or any social gathering where a festive, non-alcoholic option is desired.
  • Autumn gatherings
  • Holiday parties
  • Thanksgiving
  • Cozy evenings

Pairing suggestions

The sweet and spicy profile of this mule pairs wonderfully with classic autumn foods. It complements savory dishes like roasted poultry and pork, and also serves as a great accompaniment to aged cheeses or spiced desserts such as apple pie.
  • Roasted turkey or chicken
  • Pork dishes, like pulled pork or roasted pork loin
  • Sharp cheddar cheese and crackers
  • Cinnamon donuts or apple pie

The Essence of Autumn: Spiced Apple Cider Mule Mocktail

The Spiced Apple Cider Mule is a vibrant and festive non-alcoholic beverage perfect for the cooler months. It masterfully combines the crisp sweetness of apple cider with the fiery kick of ginger beer, all balanced by a touch of tart lime. Easy to make and beautifully garnished with cinnamon and apple, it's a sophisticated mocktail that will impress guests at any holiday gathering or simply provide a cozy treat on a quiet evening at home.

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