If you have read my last post, you probably remember that I got a gallon of freshly pressed apple cider from an apple orchard. That is one GIANT bottle of cider for just Bryan and I. Since it is not pasteurized, we have been trying to finish it as fast as possible. Other than drinking it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, we figured that we should use it in cocktail and savory recipes too.
Cocktail? What kind of cocktail should I make? I looked around my fridge.
Club soda? Hmmm… It will add bubbles, but it doesn’t have much flavors. NO.
Tonic water? I don’t think slightly bitter flavor will go well with cider. NO.
Root beer? YUCK! I hate this at the first place! NO.
Ginger beer? Nice ginger flavors and carbonated! YES!
We tested the combination separately with rum and vodka. The rum ended up being too strong and overpowered the cider. On the other hand, the vodka was perfect! The ginger taste first came through. Then, there is the vodka. Last, you get the sweet taste of apples. It was really nice. I got so tipsy at 2 in the afternoon (see the pic here). As for the name of the cocktail, we only to realize that it is actually pretty similar to Moscow mule, so Bryan named it “Cider Mule”.
When it comes to cocktails, I like to keep it simple. I am not a fan of recipes that requires many ingredients. Something bitter, some kind of nectar or syrup, some weird alcohol…. I live in a condo. I am not going to have a bar to store all these weird stuffs. It doesn’t make sense to spend lots of money on just an ounce of whatever. If you are like me, you will then LOVE this easy recipe. You will need only 3 ingredients! Ok, if you count the ices, 4 ingredients!
Ready for a cocktail yet? Here it is:
Cider Mule
Ingredients
- 3 ice cubes
- 4 ounces freshly pressed apple cider
- 2½ ounces ginger beer
- 1½ ounces vodka
Instructions
- In a serving glass, add 3 ice cubes. Pour in the cider, beer and vodka. Stir to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use good apple cider. I like the fresh one from apple orchards. If not, use Trader Joe’s Flash Pasteurized Apple Juice. It can be found in the fridge isle. The flavor of regular apple juice (clear yellow one) is too mild and light, which can’t stand out in this drink.
YES I’m ready for a cocktail!!! A gallon of fresh cider? How cool!!! What about marinating meat? Korean! Korean uses fresh apple juice but cider would be fab!
I’m like you – my cocktails are very simple. 🙂 I don’t have the patience for fussy ones!
Haha! I love the idea of marinating meat! By now, we have finished the cider. But I will keep that in mind for next time. 😉
All that fresh cider is leading to a great world of delicious experimentation! : ) And you make such great cocktails. They always look great and sound simple and refreshing.
Thanks Monica! Yea, it was fun trying out different things with the cider. I wish I get fresh cider all year long!
I was grinning ear-to-ear on this one! A Moscow Mule is one of my favorite cocktails, and making it into a seasonal drink with cider is a brilliant idea! I’m SO making these for Thanksgiving guests!
Thanks girl! It is an excellent drink to make during the holidays. So easy to put together. I am planning to serve this on my next dinner party too. Enjoy! 🙂
I would love to have all that fresh cider 🙂 Using some to make this cocktail is such a great idea! Looks so refreshing and perfect for fall!
Oh yes, fresh cider is the best! It is a nice addiction to a classic Moscow mule. Thanks Kelly. 😉
This is my kind of cocktail! I love the flavors and just a little sweetness from the cider. I like Kathleen’s idea of serving it as a Thanksgiving cocktail, too! I am putting this drink on the menu!