🎉 Introduction
When autumn rolls in, crisp air calls for cozy drinks — and this Caramel Apple Cider Moscow Mule Mocktail delivers everything you love about fall in one frosty copper mug.
It’s sweet, sparkling, and full of flavor, blending fresh apple cider, ginger beer, and a swirl of caramel syrup for that irresistible dessert-like finish — all without a drop of alcohol.
This mocktail has the same zesty sparkle of a classic mule but with wholesome fall ingredients. It’s ideal for Thanksgiving dinners, fall parties, or any night when you want something festive, fun, and family-friendly.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Copper mugs or tall glasses
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon for stirring
- Ice scoop
🛒 Ingredients
🍎 Main Ingredients
- 4 oz apple cider (100% pure, not apple juice)
- ½ crisp apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1 ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
- 2 tsp caramel syrup (store-bought or homemade)
❄️ Other Ingredients
- Ice cubes (as needed)
🌿 Optional Garnishes
- Cinnamon stick for stirring
- Apple slices drizzled with caramel
- Mint leaves for color
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1 – Chill Your Mug or Glass
Place copper mugs or glasses in the fridge or freezer for 5 minutes. The classic chilled mug keeps your drink frosty and extra refreshing.
Step 2 – Mix the Base
In a shaker or mason jar, combine apple cider and caramel syrup. Stir or shake gently until the syrup fully dissolves.
Step 3 – Add Ice and Apple Slices
Fill your chilled mug halfway with ice cubes. Add a few thin apple slices for flavor and garnish.
Step 4 – Pour the Mixture
Pour the caramel-apple cider blend into the mug over ice.
Step 5 – Add the Sparkle
Top with ginger beer (non-alcoholic) and stir lightly with a cinnamon stick to combine the layers without losing fizz.
Step 6 – Garnish and Serve
Garnish with extra apple slices, a drizzle of caramel, and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy fall vibes!
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 1 mocktail
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Keep leftover apple-caramel mixture (without ginger beer) in a sealed jar for up to 2 days. Add ginger beer before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze apple-caramel base in ice-cube trays — perfect for instant mocktail prep later.
- Reheating: Serve cold only; reheating isn’t recommended.
🥄 Variations
- Salted Caramel Twist: Add a tiny pinch of sea salt for that bakery-style caramel flavor.
- Sparkling Cider Mule: Use sparkling apple cider instead of regular cider for double fizz.
- Vanilla Apple Mule: Add ½ tsp vanilla extract to the base for extra warmth.
- Cinnamon Spice Mule: Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon before serving.
- Caramel Pear Mule: Swap apple cider for pear nectar — subtle and sweet.
- Frozen Version: Blend all ingredients with ice for a slushy texture.
- Holiday Punch: Multiply the recipe, serve in a punch bowl with sliced apples and oranges floating on top.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Yes, but cider gives a deeper, spiced flavor that’s more “fall.”
2. Is ginger beer alcoholic?
Most store-bought versions are non-alcoholic. Always check the label.
3. Can kids drink this?
Absolutely! It’s family-friendly and naturally sweet.
4. How can I make it less sweet?
Use unsweetened cider and reduce the caramel syrup to 1 tsp.
5. Can I make this drink in advance?
You can mix the cider and caramel syrup ahead, but add ginger beer just before serving.
6. What’s the best type of apple to use?
Crisp, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith balance the sweetness perfectly.
7. Can I serve it warm?
Yes — heat the apple cider and caramel syrup, skip the ginger beer, and top with whipped cream for a hot caramel apple cider.
8. Can I make a big batch for parties?
Yes! Multiply the recipe by 6–8 and keep the base chilled in a pitcher. Add ginger beer per glass.
9. What’s a good garnish idea for Thanksgiving?
Try dehydrated apple slices or a cinnamon-sugar rim for a festive look.
10. Can I use other syrups?
Yes — maple syrup or butterscotch sauce both taste amazing with apple cider.
🏁 Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Cider Moscow Mule Mocktail is the perfect way to toast the cozy season without any alcohol. The combination of crisp apple cider, bubbly ginger beer, and rich caramel syrup creates a drink that’s as comforting as dessert — but light and refreshing enough for any fall gathering.
It’s simple to make, elegant to serve, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the Thanksgiving table. Whether you’re curled up under a blanket or hosting a harvest-themed dinner, this golden-glowing mocktail brings pure autumn joy in every sip.

Caramel Apple Cider Moscow Mule (Non-Alcoholic Version) — Cozy Fall Mocktail
Method
- Place copper mugs or glasses in the fridge or freezer for 5 minutes. The classic chilled mug keeps your drink frosty and extra refreshing.
- In a shaker or mason jar, combine apple cider and caramel syrup. Stir or shake gently until the syrup fully dissolves.
- Fill your chilled mug halfway with ice cubes. Add a few thin apple slices for flavor and garnish.
- Pour the caramel-apple cider blend into the mug over ice.
- Top with ginger beer (non-alcoholic) and stir lightly with a cinnamon stick to combine the layers without losing fizz.
- Garnish with extra apple slices, a drizzle of caramel, and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy fall vibes!
Notes
Yes, but cider gives a deeper, spiced flavor that’s more “fall.” 2. Is ginger beer alcoholic?
Most store-bought versions are non-alcoholic. Always check the label. 3. Can kids drink this?
Absolutely! It’s family-friendly and naturally sweet. 4. How can I make it less sweet?
Use unsweetened cider and reduce the caramel syrup to 1 tsp. 5. Can I make this drink in advance?
You can mix the cider and caramel syrup ahead, but add ginger beer just before serving. 6. What’s the best type of apple to use?
Crisp, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith balance the sweetness perfectly. 7. Can I serve it warm?
Yes — heat the apple cider and caramel syrup, skip the ginger beer, and top with whipped cream for a hot caramel apple cider. 8. Can I make a big batch for parties?
Yes! Multiply the recipe by 6–8 and keep the base chilled in a pitcher. Add ginger beer per glass. 9. What’s a good garnish idea for Thanksgiving?
Try dehydrated apple slices or a cinnamon-sugar rim for a festive look. 10. Can I use other syrups?
Yes — maple syrup or butterscotch sauce both taste amazing with apple cider. 🏁 Conclusion This Caramel Apple Cider Moscow Mule Mocktail is the perfect way to toast the cozy season without any alcohol. The combination of crisp apple cider, bubbly ginger beer, and rich caramel syrup creates a drink that’s as comforting as dessert — but light and refreshing enough for any fall gathering. It’s simple to make, elegant to serve, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the Thanksgiving table. Whether you’re curled up under a blanket or hosting a harvest-themed dinner, this golden-glowing mocktail brings pure autumn joy in every sip.
