Method
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!
Notes
🧊 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.
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.
