Spiced Apple Moscow Mule

I love Mules! They are my favorite drink, they are warm and have a subtle taste one can enjoy with all kinds of food.
This is my spin to the traditional Moscow Mule.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Vodka
• 2 ounces apple cider
• 1 ounce spiced simple syrup (ingredients below)
• Ice
• 4 to 6 ounces ginger beer
• Apple slices, mint, and cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Spiced Simple Syrup

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 4 or 5 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
• 6 whole cloves
• 2 star anise

Instructions

Spiced Simple Syrup.

Makes ¾ to 1 cup syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 10 minutes until mixture has begun to thicken a bit.
5. Turn off the heat, cover, and allow syrup to cool completely (30 to 60 minutes).
6. Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves from syrup; discard. Syrup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Spiced Apple Moscow Mule Cocktail

1. In a copper mug, add vodka, apple cider, and spiced simple syrup.
2. Add ice.
3. Top off with ginger beer.
4. Stir and garnish with cinnamon stick and mint. Add slice of apple, if desired, for garnish.