Add lime juice to mug, followed by vodka, apple cider, ginger beer, and optional simple syrup.
Mix well, then garnish with a lime slice, cinnamon stick, and diced apple, if desired.
Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Moscow Mules usually don't have sugar added, however if your cider isn't very sweet, it will enhance the flavors of the drink. I recommend making one cocktail with simple syrup and one without, then decide which you prefer. To make the syrup, bring one part water and one part sugar (for example, ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar) to a boil. Simmer the mixture for a minute or two, or until sugar is dissolved. Cool and store in refrigerator for up to a month.To make Apple Cider Moscow Mules by the pitcher, use the following proportions:
¼ part lime juice
1 part vodka
1 ½ parts apple cider
2 parts ginger beer
¼ part simple syrup (optional)
For example, if you use 1 cup vodka, you will also need 1 ½ cups apple cider, 2 cups ginger beer, ¼ cup lime juice, and ¼ cup simple syrup (if using) ... this will make 4 drinks.For 8 drinks, you'll need 2 cups vodka, 3 cups apple cider, 4 cups ginger beer, ½ cup lime juice, and ½ cup simple syrup. For 16 drinks, you'd need 4 cups vodka, 6 cups apple cider, 8 cups ginger beer, 1 cup lime juice, and 1 cup simple syrup.To make a pitcher in advance, mix up all the ingredients except the ginger beer. Add the ginger beer just before serving to maintain its carbonation.