Apple Cider Mocktail (Easy Apple Cider Mule)

This apple cider mule mocktail is a refreshing and festive fall drink made with crisp apple cider, spicy ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and a splash of vanilla. It’s bubbly, perfectly balanced, and easy to make for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or any cozy fall occasion.

A Quick and Cozy Apple Cider Mocktail for Fall Sipping

Now that I live up in Virginia where apples actually grow, I get so excited for apple season! This fall mocktail recipe is an ode to apple season and tastes as cozy as fall feels. Sweet and crisp apple cider is mixed with spicy ginger beer, freshly squeezed lime juice and a little splash of vanilla for warmth and max cozy vibes.

You don’t need any special equipment for this apple cider drink. It’s as easy as pour, mix, and sip! And before you’re like wait, do I need to drink it in one of those copper mugs? I’m happy to report that this apple cider mule tastes great no matter what mug, cup, or glass you drink it in! The copper mugs are festive but non-essential.

JUMP STRAIGHT TO:

• Ingredients
• Tips for Making the Best-Tasting Mule
• How to Make a Big Batch for a Crowd
• More Fall Mocktails to Enjoy

You Just Need 4 Ingredients!

Just like my grapefruit mule mocktail, this fall version with apple cider comes together quickly with just 4 simple ingredients! Apple cider and ginger beer make up the bulk of the fall mocktail recipe while lime juice and a touch of vanilla extract are secondary flavors.

During testing I really wanted to add something to this apple cider mule that made it feel special and extra cozy so I landed on a splash of vanilla. You don’t need much to add a cozy warmth and very subtle smoky caramel flavor. I love garnishing my glass with a thin slice of apple and a cinnamon stick to go all in on the fall vibes but it’s entirely up to you!

Tips for Making the Best Apple Cider Mule Mocktail

Even though this ginger beer mocktail is so incredibly easy to make with just 4 ingredients, there are some elements that take this drink from good to really dang delicious. Here’s what matters most in my humble opinion:

• Use freshly squeezed lime juice. This is not the time for the bottled stuff! Choose limes that are more yellow than green that have smooth skin and feel heavy. They should have a slight give when you press the skin. These will be the juiciest and ripest limes which have the best flavor.
• Use ginger beer that you actually like. Not all ginger beer tastes the same so choose one that you actually like the taste of since it makes up almost half of the drink. Some are sweeter and some are much spicier than others. I tend to switch between Fever-Tree and Reed’s extra spicy (not sponsored).
• Don’t overdo it on the vanilla. Too much vanilla makes this fall mocktail start to taste medicinal so don’t be heavy handed! I found that 1/4 teaspoon was just the right balance.
• Use chilled ginger beer and apple cider. This keeps the ice from melting as quickly and watering down your mocktail.

How to Make a Big Batch for a Fall Gathering

You can easily batch this apple cider mocktail for a fall gathering or party! For 8-12 servings, combine 32 ounces of apple cider, 8 ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla in a large pitcher. Stir and chill. When you’re ready to serve, mix in 32 ounces of ginger beer. Pour into glasses filled with ice.

More Fall Mocktails to Enjoy this Season

I love this hibiscus plum iced tea as a transitional summer into fall sip because it has elements of both seasons in the flavor profile. If you have leftover apple cider and want a fun fall iced coffee to sip on, you’ll love this apple crisp cold brew latte. As we get deeper into fall, this cranberry and blood orange mocktail is a personal favorite! Depending on how you garnish it, it doubles as both a Halloween or Thanksgiving drink.

Print