Name: Apple Cider Mule Mocktail
Prep time: 4 min
Ingredients: 8 oz Apple cider; 4 oz Ginger beer; 2 oz Tonic water; 1/4 oz Caramel drizzle; 1 Cinnamon stick; Apple slices for garnish

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The Apple Cider Mule is a refreshing mocktail that highlights the flavors of fall in a simple yet satisfying way. Crisp apple cider provides natural sweetness, while fresh lime juice adds a tangy brightness that balances the drink. Ginger beer ties everything together with its bold, spicy kick, giving each sip a comforting warmth. Served in a copper mug and garnished with apple slices or a lime wedge, it looks festive and inviting. Perfect for bonfires, family gatherings, or relaxing after an autumn outing, this mocktail delivers a mix of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors that make it a seasonal favorite.

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Tasting Notes

The Apple Cider Mule Mocktail is crisp, spiced, and refreshing with a touch of sweetness. Apple cider provides a smooth, orchard-fresh base, while ginger beer brings spice and fizz that brighten the drink. Tonic water adds a dry, slightly bitter edge, balancing the natural sweetness of the cider and caramel drizzle. The caramel blends into the drink for a smooth, dessert-like finish, while the cinnamon stick adds aroma and warmth. Garnished with apple slices, this mocktail is both festive and refreshing, making it a flavorful non-alcoholic alternative that still feels celebratory and layered in taste.

Equipment and Glassware

This Apple Cider Mule Mocktail requires minimal tools but benefits from thoughtful presentation. A jigger or measuring cup helps achieve the right proportions of cider, ginger beer, and tonic water. A copper mule mug is the traditional vessel, giving the drink a frosty appearance and keeping it chilled, though a highball or rocks glass works well too. A bar spoon can be used for stirring, but a cinnamon stick doubles as both garnish and stirrer, enhancing flavor as you mix. A small drizzle bottle or spoon is helpful for adding caramel cleanly to the drink before serving.

Ingredients

8 oz Apple cider
4 oz Ginger beer
2 oz Tonic water
1/4 oz Caramel drizzle
1 Cinnamon stick
Apple slices for garnish

Instructions

Fill a copper mug or your preferred glass with ice.
Pour the apple cider and tonic water into the glass over the ice.
Add the ginger beer on top, giving the drink a fizzy finish.
Drizzle the caramel over the top of the drink. Stir well using the cinnamon stick, allowing the caramel to mix in and infuse the drink with its sweetness.
Garnish with apple slices and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

Use freshly pressed apple cider for the best flavor.
Chill all ingredients beforehand to keep the mocktail extra crisp.
Adjust caramel drizzle to suit your sweetness preference.
Try a spiced ginger beer for a bolder kick.
Garnish with thin apple wheels for a polished look.
Freeze apple slices to use as decorative ice alternatives.
Add a splash of lemon juice if you prefer more acidity.
Use cinnamon-sugar on the rim for a festive finishing touch.

When to Serve

The Apple Cider Mule Mocktail is a versatile non-alcoholic drink perfect for autumn and winter occasions. Its mix of cider, spice, and caramel makes it ideal for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or holiday gatherings where you want to offer something festive without alcohol. The refreshing fizz also makes it a great option for daytime events like brunch or family dinners. Served in a copper mug with seasonal garnishes, it feels celebratory and special, ensuring that everyone at the table has a crafted beverage in hand. This mocktail combines comfort and refreshment, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults alike.

Which Brands to Choose

Ginger Beer: Fever-Tree, Bundaberg, Q Mixers
Tonic Water: Schweppes, Fever-Tree, Canada Dry
Caramel Syrup: Torani, Monin, DaVinci

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