Mix the ice, vodka and apple cider in a cocktail shaker and mix vigorously. Pour over ice in a mule mug, and top with a heavy splash of ginger beer. Garnish with cinnamon stick and apple slice.

To make this for a large party, pour equal parts vodka, about ½ pint, and apple cider in a beverage container. Mix with ice, and when ready to serve, simply pour mix over individually cups of ice, and then top with ginger beer. Do not add ginger beer to large batch of vodka/apple cider. Leave a tray of garnishes out and allow guests to top off their own.