Apple Cider Moscow Mule

While I may love summer weather more, fall is my favorite time for cocktails. Apple cider for everyone! Seriously, it goes well in so many cocktails, including these three which I crafted last year. But this post is all about the Apple Cider Moscow Mule.

It’s so delicious and puts a fall spin on one of America’s most classic cocktails. Get into this!

Apple Cider Simple Syrup Ingredients:

• 4 oz. of apple cider

• 4 cloves

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tbsp. sugar (if you’d like your syrup a bit thicker)

Moscow Mule Ingredients:

• 2 oz. vodka

• 1/2 oz. lime juice (preferably Q’s or Fever Tree)

• Ginger beer, to top

Apple Cider Simple Syrup Instructions:

1. While you’re making your simple syrup, add ice to your copper mug or put it in the freezer to make it cold.

2. Add the apple cider, cinnamon, and sugar (if desired) to a pot on medium high heat.

3. Roll the cloves in your hand to exude more flavor, then add them to the pot.

4. If you used sugar, stir until the sugar is dissolved. If you did not use sugar, stir until you smell cinnamon in the air. This is approximately 5-7 minutes.

5. Turn off the heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes.

Moscow Mule Instructions:

1. Throw away the ice used to make the glass cold. Add new ice and fill to the top of your mug.

2. Add apple cider simple syrup and lime juice to your mug.

3. Top with ginger beer and stir.

4. Garnish with lime and/or apple, then enjoy!

Grapefruit Rosemary Moscow Mule

March 3rd is Moscow Mule Day! The Moscow Mule was invented in 1941 in New York City at a bar called Cock ‘n’ Bull by its head bartender, Wes Price. John G. Martin, an executive for Heublein drinks company - which bought Smirnoff Vodka - was having trouble getting people to try vodka, as it wasn’t very popular back then. The owner of Cock ‘n’ Bull, Jack Morgan, also had too much ginger beer inventory on hand. One thing leads to another, add a splash of lime and voila, the Moscow Mule was born.

The Moscow Mule is traditionally made of vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. However, I’ve remixed it with this recipe using grapefruit and rosemary simple syrup. It’s still refreshing and delicious with a bit of extra flavor and I must say, it’s delightful.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. vodka (I used Black-owned Black Storm vodka)

• 3 oz. fresh grapefruit juice

• 1 oz. fresh lime juice

• .5 oz rosemary simple syrup*

• Ginger beer, to top

*Add 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, about 3-4 sprigs of rosemary to water on a low/medium boil. Stir until all the sugar is melted and the rosemary softens. It should take about 10 minutes. Strain into a mason jar and let cool before use.

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in your copper cup with ice, except the ginger beer, and stir.

2. Top with ginger beer.

3. Garnish with rosemary or grapefruit and enjoy!

For a list of over 120+ other Black-owned spirits, click here!