November Seasonal Sip
Sip, Spice & Everything Nice: Apple Cider Mule Recipes
If you’re a business owner, there’s a 97% chance your Thanksgiving week looks something like this:
Trying to schedule social media posts between basting the turkey and answering client emails.
Wondering why your Black Friday ad isn’t converting.
Realizing you forgot the cranberry sauce again.
If this sounds like you, then I wanted to make one thing on your busy schedule easy. A simple cocktail/mocktail seasonal sip. It’s festive, fast, and guaranteed to make you feel like you’ve got your life together (even if the pie crust says otherwise).
Whether you’re making the classic, going alcohol-free, or adding a caramel drizzle for good measure, these recipes will help you sip your way through the holiday madness.
Classic Apple Cider Mule
A cozy autumn spin on the Moscow Mule — crisp, spiced, and perfectly balanced.
Ingredients (1 serving):
2 oz vodka (apple or caramel vodka works great, too!)
2 oz fresh apple cider
½ oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
3–4 oz ginger beer
Ice cubes
Optional garnish: apple slices, cinnamon stick, star anise, and/or fresh thyme sprig
Instructions:
Fill a copper mug (or glass) with ice.
Add vodka, apple cider, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
Top with ginger beer and gently stir again.
Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick for a cozy fall touch.
Pro tip: For an extra kick, rim your mug with cinnamon sugar before adding ingredients.
Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider Mule (Mocktail)
Just as festive, with all the flavor and sparkle. Perfect for kids or dd’s.
Ingredients:
3 oz apple cider
½ oz lime juice
3–4 oz ginger beer (use non-alcoholic brand) or ginger ale for milder flavor
Ice cubes
Optional: splash of sparkling water for extra fizz
Garnish: apple slice, cinnamon stick, or dried orange wheel
Instructions:
Add apple cider and lime juice to an ice-filled mug or glass.
Top with ginger beer or ginger ale.
Stir gently and garnish.
Optional upgrade: Add a tiny drizzle of caramel syrup or maple syrup for a sweeter holiday version.
Caramel Apple Cider Mule
A dessert-in-a-glass cocktail — sweet, spiced, and indulgent!
Ingredients:
1½ oz caramel vodka (or regular vodka + ½ oz caramel syrup)
2 oz apple cider
½ oz lemon juice (optional, balances sweetness)
3 oz ginger beer
Ice cubes
Garnish: caramel drizzle on the rim, apple slices, and a pinch of cinnamon sugar
Instructions:
Rim your copper mug with caramel sauce and dip in cinnamon sugar.
Fill your mug with ice, then add caramel vodka, apple cider, and lemon juice.
Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
Garnish with a slice of apple and caramel drizzle.
Pro Tip: For a sweeter, dessert-style drink, skip the lemon juice and add a splash of cream soda or whipped cream vodka.
Non-Alcoholic Caramel Apple Mule (Mocktail)
All the fall flavor, none of the alcohol — sweet, creamy, and perfectly cozy.
Ingredients:
3 oz apple cider
½ oz caramel syrup
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
3–4 oz ginger beer or ginger ale
Ice cubes
Garnish: caramel drizzle, apple slice, or cinnamon stick
Instructions:
Add caramel syrup and vanilla to an ice-filled mug.
Pour in apple cider and top with ginger beer or ginger ale.
Stir gently and drizzle with caramel before serving.
Pro Tip: Add a tiny pinch of sea salt to the rim for a salted caramel twist.
Cheers to You, Busy Bee
Between running your business, running your household, or just running on caffeine and pure willpower, I hope these Apple Cider Mule recipes are a small sanity saver. Quick to mix, easy to sip, and guaranteed to make Thanksgiving just a little sweeter.