Okay, y’all, get ready for my absolute favorite holiday sipper – the Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule! This isn’t just any drink; it’s like a warm hug in a mug, perfect for when you’ve got guests milling about or just want to cozy up by the fire. I’ve made this for so many Thanksgivings now, and it’s always the first drink to disappear. It takes all those cozy autumn flavors we love – that crisp apple, the warm cinnamon – and gives them a little zing with the ginger beer and vodka. It just tastes like the holidays, you know? Seriously, it’s become a must-have at all our family get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule

Seriously, this Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule is a total winner for so many reasons:

It’s ridiculously easy to whip up! You can have it ready in minutes, which is perfect when you’re busy hosting.
The flavor combo is just heavenly – sweet apple, spicy cinnamon, and that zesty ginger kick. It’s fall in a glass!
It looks so festive with the apple slices and cinnamon stick – a real showstopper on your holiday bar cart.
Plus, it’s a great way to add a little something special without a ton of effort. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Gathering Your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule Ingredients

Alright, to make this amazing Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule, you’ll need a few key players. Don’t worry, they’re all pretty easy to find! For the main event, we’re talking about 2 ounces of good quality vodka. Then, we need about 4 ounces of yummy ginger beer – seriously, grab a nice one, it makes a huge difference! Next up is 1 ounce of apple cider. I really prefer using unfiltered apple cider because it has a richer, more natural apple flavor that just sings in this drink. And don’t forget 0.5 ounce of fresh lime juice – the fresh stuff is non-negotiable here, it really brightens everything up!

For the Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule Base

The heart of our Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule really comes down to these liquids. The vodka gives it that nice kick, but it’s pretty neutral so it lets the other flavors shine. The apple cider is where we get that lovely fall fruitiness, and the fresh lime juice cuts through all the sweetness and adds that essential tartness that makes a mule so refreshing. And of course, the ginger beer is crucial for that spicy, fizzy finish that makes it a mule! For more on the science behind great cocktails, check out this guide to the science of drinks.

Essential Garnishes for Your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule

Now, for the pretty parts! You’ll want some nice apple slices for garnish – think thin wedges or little star shapes if you’re feeling fancy. And the absolute best part is a cinnamon stick. It not only looks super festive and smells amazing, but it also adds an extra layer of cinnamon aroma as you sip your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule. It really ties the whole holiday vibe together!

Crafting Your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule: Step-by-Step

Making this Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule is honestly so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before! It’s all about getting the layers just right. Start by grabbing your favorite copper mug – you know, the classic mule mug! Fill it all the way up with ice. Now, here’s the order I like to go in: first, pour in your 2 ounces of vodka. Then, add the 1 ounce of apple cider and that half ounce of fresh lime juice. Now, drizzle in your 0.5 ounce of that homemade cinnamon simple syrup. Give it a really gentle stir – just a few quick turns with a bar spoon or even a straw. You don’t want to over-agitate it, just enough to get those flavors mingling. The last step, and it’s the most satisfying, is to top it all off with the 4 ounces of fizzy ginger beer. Pour it slowly so you keep all those lovely bubbles!

Preparing the Cinnamon Simple Syrup for Your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule

Okay, so that cinnamon simple syrup is super easy and makes a world of difference for your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule. Just grab a small saucepan and combine equal parts sugar and water – so if you use a cup of water, use a cup of sugar. Toss in a cinnamon stick (or two if you’re feeling extra spicy!) and heat it over medium heat, stirring just until the sugar dissolves completely. You don’t want it to boil or anything, just get nice and warm. Once it’s dissolved, take it off the heat and let that cinnamon stick hang out in there for about 30 minutes. This is where it really infuses all that yummy cinnamon flavor. After it’s steeped, strain out the cinnamon stick and let the syrup cool down. You can totally make this ahead of time and keep it in a jar in the fridge, which is a lifesaver!

Assembling Your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule

This is the fun part! Grab your chilled copper mug and fill it to the brim with ice. I like to use crushed ice if I have it, but cubes work great too – whatever you’ve got! Now, carefully pour in your vodka, then the apple cider, followed by the fresh lime juice. Drizzle in that magical cinnamon simple syrup you made. Give it a super gentle stir, just a couple of quick swirls to mix everything together without losing all the fizz. Then, top it off with the ginger beer. Pour it slowly down the side of the mug to keep that sparkle. Pop in your apple slices and that beautiful cinnamon stick for garnish, and boom! Your perfect Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule is ready to be enjoyed.

Tips for the Ultimate Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule Experience

Want to make your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule absolutely perfect? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up:

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet drink, just use a little less cinnamon simple syrup, or even skip it and rely on the apple cider and ginger beer for sweetness. Taste as you go!
Spice it Up: For an extra cinnamon punch, you can add a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon right into the mug before stirring, or even a dash of cinnamon bitters if you have them.
Ginger Beer Matters: Trust me on this one – a good quality, spicy ginger beer makes a HUGE difference. Some brands are sweeter, others have more ginger bite. Experiment to find your favorite!
Chill Everything: Make sure your mugs, vodka, and cider are nice and cold before you start. It makes the drink that much more refreshing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule

Got questions about crafting the perfect Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule? I’ve got answers!

Can I make the Cinnamon Simple Syrup ahead of time for my Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule?

Absolutely! Making the cinnamon simple syrup ahead is a total game-changer. Once it’s cooled down, just pour it into an airtight container or a pretty glass jar and keep it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 2 to 3 weeks, so you can totally make a batch at the beginning of the fall season and have it ready whenever a craving strikes for your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule or just a cozy drink.

What kind of apple cider is best for a Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule?

This is a great question! For the best flavor in your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule, I really recommend using unfiltered apple cider, sometimes called “hard cider” if it has alcohol, but you can use the non-alcoholic version too. It has a much richer, more complex apple flavor than the clear, filtered stuff. If you can find one that’s already got a hint of spice in it, even better! It just adds an extra layer of warmth that’s perfect for the holidays.

Can I substitute the vodka in my Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule?

You sure can! If vodka isn’t your jam, or you want to mix things up, bourbon or even a good quality dark rum works wonderfully in this Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule. They both bring their own warmth and depth that complements the apple and cinnamon really nicely. For a non-alcoholic version, just skip the vodka entirely and maybe add a splash more apple cider or a bit more ginger beer for volume. It’ll still be delicious! If you’re looking for other vodka-based cocktails, check out this Blue Lagoon Bomb.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule Components

If you happen to have any leftover cinnamon simple syrup from making your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule, just pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll last a few weeks and is perfect for future drinks or even drizzling over pancakes! As for the apple slices and cinnamon sticks, you can store them in a sealed bag or container in the fridge for a day or two, though they’re best used fresh for the most vibrant flavor and aroma.

Nutritional Estimate for Your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule

Just a heads-up, this is an estimate, but here’s a general idea of what’s in one of these delicious Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule cocktails:

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g

Festive Thanksgiving Cinnamon Apple Mule perfection

Author: cocktailmixguide.com
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A festive and warming cocktail featuring the classic flavors of Thanksgiving, with a spicy cinnamon and crisp apple twist on a traditional Moscow Mule.

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz Vodka
4 oz Ginger Beer
1 oz Apple Cider
0.5 oz Lime Juice
0.5 oz Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Apple slices, for garnish
Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions

Combine vodka, apple cider, lime juice, and cinnamon simple syrup in a copper mug filled with ice.
Stir gently to combine.
Top with ginger beer.
Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

Notes

For cinnamon simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water with a cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves, then let steep for 30 minutes. Strain and cool.
Adjust sweetness and spice to your preference.
Use good quality ginger beer for the best flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for syrup)
Category: Cocktail
Method: Stirred
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Thanksgiving, Cinnamon, Apple, Mule, Cocktail, Vodka, Fall, Holiday, Drink