Spicy Caramel Apple Mule

Featured in: Sweet Light Treats

Experience vibrant fall flavors in a Spicy Caramel Apple Mule—a lively mocktail combining crisp apple cider, spicy ginger beer, caramel, and warm cinnamon. Simply mix caramel with cider, lime juice, and spices, pour over ice, top with ginger beer, and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick. This easy beverage is refreshingly sweet, slightly spicy, and dairy-free if using vegan caramel. Perfect served chilled, it complements spiced treats and cozy autumn gatherings.

Updated on Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:57:00 GMT
Crisp apple cider blends perfectly in this Spicy Caramel Apple Mule mocktail.  Save
Crisp apple cider blends perfectly in this Spicy Caramel Apple Mule mocktail. | freshyforks.com

A festive, alcohol-free mocktail that blends crisp apple cider, warm spices, and a hint of caramel for a delicious autumn drink with a refreshing ginger kick.

I first tried mixing caramel and apple cider for a fall party and this spicy caramel apple mule quickly became everyone's favorite. The balance of sweet and heat has made it my go-to seasonal beverage.

Ingredients

  • Apple cider: 1 cup (240 ml), chilled
  • Ginger beer: 1/2 cup (120 ml), chilled, non-alcoholic
  • Caramel sauce: 2 tbsp plus extra for garnish
  • Fresh lime juice: 1 tbsp
  • Ground cinnamon: 1/8 tsp
  • Cayenne pepper: 1 pinch, optional, adjust to taste
  • Apple slices: for garnish
  • Cinnamon sticks: for garnish
  • Crushed ice: as needed

Instructions

Mix Mocktail:
In a pitcher or cocktail shaker, combine apple cider, caramel sauce, lime juice, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Stir or shake well until caramel is fully dissolved.
Prepare Mugs:
Fill two copper mugs or glasses with crushed ice.
Pour Mixture:
Divide the apple cider mixture evenly between the mugs.
Add Ginger Beer:
Top each mug with ginger beer and gently stir to combine.
Garnish and Serve:
Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the top for garnish. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
Chilled ginger beer and spices create a refreshing Spicy Caramel Apple Mule experience.  Save
Chilled ginger beer and spices create a refreshing Spicy Caramel Apple Mule experience. | freshyforks.com

This mocktail has become a family favorite at every autumn gathering and the kids love helping with the garnishes.

Required Tools

Gather a pitcher or cocktail shaker, measuring cups and spoons, glasses or copper mugs, and a spoon or bar stirrer for smooth mixing.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy if using traditional caramel sauce. Opt for dairy-free caramel for a vegan version and always check the ginger beer label for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains about 130 calories with 1 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, and 0 g protein.

Garnished with apple slices, this mocktail is a festive Spicy Caramel Apple Mule treat. Save
Garnished with apple slices, this mocktail is a festive Spicy Caramel Apple Mule treat. | freshyforks.com

Enjoy this festive mocktail for a delicious seasonal refreshment that's sure to impress at any fall celebration.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What makes this drink spicy?

A pinch of cayenne pepper and ground cinnamon give the beverage its warming spice, adjustable to taste.

Can I make this vegan?

Use dairy-free caramel sauce to ensure the drink is suitable for a vegan diet.

What type of ginger beer should I use?

Choose a non-alcoholic ginger beer for a refreshing kick, or substitute ginger ale for a milder flavor.

Is this drink gluten-free?

Yes, the beverage is gluten-free. Always check ginger beer and caramel sauce labels for any gluten additives.

How can I adjust the sweetness?

Add more caramel sauce for a sweeter taste, or reduce it if you prefer less sweetness.

What garnish works best?

Apple slices and cinnamon sticks add visual appeal and complement the beverage’s flavors.

Spicy Caramel Apple Mule

Festive autumn mocktail blends apple cider, caramel, ginger, and spices for a flavorful, cozy drink.

Prep time
10 minutes
0
Time required
10 minutes
Recipe by Freshyforks Lena Brooks


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 2 Number of servings

Diet Details Meatless, No gluten

What You'll Need

Mocktail Base

01 1 cup (240 ml) chilled apple cider
02 1/2 cup (120 ml) chilled non-alcoholic ginger beer
03 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, plus extra for garnish
04 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
05 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 1 pinch cayenne pepper, optional, adjust to taste

Garnish

01 Apple slices
02 Cinnamon sticks
03 Crushed ice

Directions

Step 01

Mix Apple Cider Base: Combine apple cider, caramel sauce, fresh lime juice, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper in a pitcher or cocktail shaker. Stir or shake thoroughly until the caramel is completely incorporated.

Step 02

Prepare Serving Vessels: Fill two copper mugs or glasses with crushed ice.

Step 03

Pour Cider Mixture: Evenly divide the mixed cider base between the glasses.

Step 04

Finish with Ginger Beer: Top each glass with ginger beer and gently stir to integrate the flavors.

Step 05

Garnish and Serve: Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top, garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick, and serve immediately.

Tools Needed

  • Pitcher or cocktail shaker
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Copper mugs or glasses
  • Spoon or bar stirrer

Allergy info

Review ingredients for allergens. Reach out to medical experts if you're not sure.
  • Caramel sauce may contain dairy if prepared with milk or butter. Use labeled dairy-free caramel sauce for vegan adaptation. Confirm allergen and gluten information on caramel sauce and ginger beer packaging.

Nutritional breakdown (each serving)

This nutritional data guides only—don't treat as medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 130
  • Lipids: 1 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 32 grams
  • Proteins: 0 grams