Apple Cider Mule

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving some mouth-watering tartness coupled with a bubbly bite, pine no more with the refreshing Apple Cider Mule.

The old mill’s giant wheel was so loud, we heard it before we saw it. The path we were on wound through the forest and higher up the mountainside. The large and bubbly stream flowed down in the opposite direction, splashing and rolling over the rocks. Occasionally, a thirst took me, and I’d scoop low and drink a handful of the cold and crisp water, the freshest I had ever tasted.

And then my family and I reached the mill. You could smell the wood, and the years that came along with that. Suddenly, we were transported to another time, an era of butter churns, horse-drawn carriages and places like this one… an ancient mill, turning from a constant current of water, churning whatever needed churning. My adolescent brain still couldn’t figure out why we spent all Saturday doing this.

Until my parents found the cider vendor, and began to purchase large jugs of the tart and spicy beverage. The drink was made right here at the mill, using apples that were grown from a nearby orchard. Before we left to head back, we were all given a cup filled with the brown and robust liquid. I remember it cleared my sinuses with one sip, and since I didn’t know what to expect—and assumed it would be like apple juice—my eyes began to water too.

So years later, when I had my first Apple Cider Mule, which also happens to be tonight’s cocktail, that eye-opening moment from years ago came rushing right back. And the combination of that with vodka, lime juice and ginger beer, is more perfect than you realize, until you’ve treated yourself to a few.

What Is A Mule Cocktail?

The name “mule”, when it comes to calling a cocktail one, primarily originates from the combination of a spirit, like vodka, mixed with a spicy ginger beer and lime juice. This mixture produces a robust kick to the palate, which many people over the years have likened to being hit by the hind legs of a mule. Yes, it’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s fun, so join in.

What Is The Best Vodka To Use In An Apple Cider Mule?

There are so many vodkas to choose from, whether they are potato distilled, wheat or even corn made, picking a bottle out for yourself can be a little daunting, especially when you’re looking for the “best”. The best is what you like. And if you don’t know what you’re looking for, give some Chopin, Belvedere or Grey Goose a chance. I really enjoy these, and they’ve never once made a bad drink.

FAQs & Tips

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

The traditional way to enjoy any Mule cocktail is to serve them in a copper or silver cup. Most bars will offer them this way, but if you don’t have any at home, you can use either a rocks or collins glass, filled with ice and garnished with an apple slice or a cinnamon stick.

CAN YOU STORE THE APPLE CIDER MULE?

No. Due to the presence of the ginger beer, make and serve these cocktails on a drink-by-drink basis.

HOW MANY CALORIES ARE IN AN APPLE CIDER MULE?

At 225 calories, you’ll want to keep an eye on those numbers if you have any more.

CAN YOU USE APPLE JUICE IN THIS DRINK?

Apple juice is a lot lighter and softer than cider. If that’s the taste and texture you’d prefer, try it out. Cider tends to mix better with the robust and spiced ginger beer, so keep that in mind.

Other Mules Worth Trying

The classic Moscow Mule has inspired many variations since it first popped up in the 1940s. It’s a perfect canvas for drink explorers to experiment with too, especially with the ginger beer being such a robust mixer. Try out some of these other versions with recipes found right here at Twist & Toast, and see which one strikes your fancy.

• Mezcal Mule – Smoky, sweet and strong, this Mule is a full-bodied affair.
• Gin Mule – Crisp and minty, the Gin Mule is another popular riff on the legend.
• Mexican Mule – Add some tequila for a Southwestern edge to the refreshing beverage.
• Kentucky Mule – Add bourbon to the mix, and tell your friends this Mule comes from Kentucky.