Thanksgiving Moscow Mule (Pumpkin Apple Spice)

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This Thanksgiving Moscow Mule is my go-to when I want to bring a bit of autumn magic to the table. This fall cocktail recipe mixes classic vodka, lime, and ginger beer with the cozy flavors of pumpkin, apple cider, and pumpkin pie spice.

Since my Thanksgiving cocktails are such a hit, I wanted to keep experimenting with transforming classic cocktails into holiday favorites! I didn’t really have much experience with Moscow Mules. All I knew is that it was usually served in a copper glass! The research was … fun 😋!

What I came up with was a pumpkin spice mule that blended the warming flavors of fall, the natural spice of ginger, and tart and refreshing lime juice! Oh . . . and vodka! It’s a cocktail that’s both cozy and refreshing, making it the perfect drink to serve with your Thanksgiving dinner.

🍲Pair it with savory dishes like my Cranberry Orange Chicken Meatballs or Carrot Ginger Soup. It’s also great alongside Thanksgiving Turkey and Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes!

🍂Grab These Before You Make It

Pumpkin Pie Spice
Apple Cider
Pumpkin Puree
Ginger Beer: Use your favorite, but Fever-Tree or Goslings is best!
Cocktail Shaker Set with Cocktail Spoon
Copper Mule Mugs

🍺 Ingredients You’ll Need

Apple Cider: Adds a bold, crisp, and sweet apple flavor. Use regular apple cider and not spiced that has no added sugar.
Pumpkin Puree: Provides color, flavor, and a subtle frothiness with earthy pumpkin flavor. Use just a small amount so it doesn’t overpower the drink.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses the cocktail with cozy, warming flavors.
Vodka: Use for a mid-range vodka since the strong flavors of the other ingredients mask the alcohol taste. No need for an expensive bottle!
Lime Juice: Balances the sweetness and spices with a tangy citrus note. Freshly squeezed lime juice is best for the brightest flavor.
Ginger Beer: Brings a robust, spicy kick to the mule. Look for a strong ginger beer to complement the other flavors because it’s much more intense than ginger ale.
For Garnish: Lime wedges, apple slices, and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice add visual appeal and extra layers of flavor.

📖 How to Make Apple Cider Moscow Mule

1️⃣ Mix cider with puree and spices: In a mixing tin (or jar or measuring cup), add apple cider, pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Stir gently until the puree and spices are mixed well within the apple cider.

2️⃣ Add vodka and lime: Add vodka and lime juice to the tin and stir gently to combine.

3️⃣ Build cocktail: Fill four copper mule mugs with ice and pour cider-vodka mixture evenly between the four mugs. Fill the remainder of the mugs with ginger beer and stir each drink gently.

4️⃣ Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh lime, apple slices and a light sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy!

🍋‍🟩Expert Tips for Making Moscow Mules

Moscow mules should be stirred, never shaken. If you shake carbonated ginger beer it will fizz up and explode just like soda.
For that same reason, be sure to stir the apple cider with the puree and spices gently so it doesn’t get foamy.
For a milder, sweeter and less fizzy cocktail, ginger ale can be used in place of ginger beer.
If you need to make more than 4 servings, multiply the recipe to account for how much you need. For a large batch, mix the cider-vodka mixture in a large pitcher with the ginger beer and serve in mule mugs with fresh ice to order. Top each drink with a splash of fresh ginger beer to wake up the bubbles.

🍐Pumpkin Moscow Mule Variations

A basic mule recipe (vodka + ginger + lime) is a great drink to customize with your favorite fall Moscow mule flavors and spirits.

Cranberry Apple Moscow Mule: Instead of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, use cranberry juice cocktail and and fresh cranberries.
Irish Moscow Mule: Keep it simple and swap out the vodka for Irish whiskey.
Kentucky Moscow Mule: Swap the vodka for bourbon.
Spicy Moscow Mule: Muddle 2 to 3 fresh jalapenos in the bottom of the mule mugs. Build the cocktail with the muddled jalapenos over ice and stir. This one also taste great with tequila.
Maple Spice Moscow Mule: Substitute the pumpkin puree with pure maple syrup and add a pinch of ground cinnamon. This adds a rich, sweet depth and warm spice that complements the ginger beer beautifully.
Pear Ginger Moscow Mule: Replace the apple cider with fresh pear juice and add a splash of elderflower liqueur. Garnish with thin slices of pear and a sprig of thyme for a delicate, fruity twist that’s perfect for fall.
Pomegranate Moscow Mule: Swap out the pumpkin puree for pomegranate juice and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and a rosemary sprig. This variation offers a tart and refreshing flavor with a festive touch that’s great for holiday gatherings.

✅How To Make A Virgin Moscow Mule

For a festive fall beverage that everyone can enjoy, consider crafting a non-alcoholic version of our Moscow Mule. By omitting the vodka from this recipe and using sparkling apple cider instead, you can create a virgin Moscow Mule that retains the rich flavors of pumpkin and apple cider. Garnish with fresh lime and apple slices, sprinkle a touch of pumpkin pie spice, and you have a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that captures the essence of the season. Perfect for those seeking a flavorful yet virgin alternative this autumn!

❔FAQ

Is ginger beer alcoholic?

No. Ginger beer is a non-alcoholic fermented ginger flavored soft drink.

Do I have to use a copper mug?

Copper is a thermal conducting metal, so it reacts to the temperature of whatever is in it. Serving Moscow mule in a copper mug keeps it cool over a longer period of time, but you can use whatever drink vessel works for you.

Should Moscow mule be shaken or stirred?

Moscow mules should be gently stirred or else the carbonation will make the drink way too fizzy.

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of vodka?

Yes, you can substitute vodka with Irish whiskey, bourbon, or even tequila for a different flavor profile.

How do I adjust the sweetness of the drink?

Add more or less apple cider or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to adjust the sweetness.

🦃More Thanksgiving Recipes

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