Apple Cider Moscow Mules

Can you believe it’s November all ready?? It feels like just yesterday I was wishing for fall weather, and it feels like the holidays are already creeping up on us.  Instead of panicking, I am putting this nervous energy to good use, and planning my holiday menu!

First on the list?! A fabulous fall cocktail.  Moscow mules have become my go-to drink.  Not only are they so delicious, but they come in the cutest copper mug, and we all know i’m a sucker for something insta-worthy.  I partnered with Chicago Vodka to make this delicious holiday cocktail.

I am all about supporting the local businesses, so when I learned about a local vodka distillery, I knew I had to check it out!  Chicago vodka is 5 times distilled and filtered 9 times through a patent-pending filtration system that allows only 30 liters per hour filtration flow. It takes 5 full days just to filter one batch of 600 bottles. There is no one out there investing this much time to truly perfect their vodka like they are. Their vodka is hand-bottled, hand-corked and handmade with love from start to finish.  It was the perfect choice! You can find Chicago Vodka Chicagoland Marianos and Binnys locations!

First we’ll infuse the cider with cinnamon and spices:

What you need:

• 1 Gallon of Apple Cider (unsweetened)
• 5 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Start by combining cinnamon sticks in a large pot with a gallon of apple cider. Then mix in ground cinnamon & nutmeg and let simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes. The longer you let simmer, the more the cinnamon flavors will infuse into the apple cider.  Let cool completely.

For the cocktail:

• 2 ounces Chicago vodka

• 2 ounces cinnamon infused apple cider

• Juice of 1 small lime wedge

• Good quality ginger beer to top off (about ½ cup or so)

• Cinnamon to sprinkle

1. In a copper mug, add the vodka, apple cider and lime juice.
2. Fill the glass with ice, sprinkle cinnamon over the ice, then top off with ginger beer.
3. Stir well and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick

• Pair with some good friends and a fire for a delicious and toasty evening!

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