There are plenty of good cocktails out there—martinis, daiquiris, margaritas. But few are as versatile as the Moscow Mule. This cocktail can be enjoyed any time, any place. It’s refreshing and cool, perfect for summer, and, during the frigid cold of winter, the ginger spice will keep you cozy—the vodka doesn’t hurt, either.
The standard Moscow Mule—ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice—is excellent, to be sure. But there are also plenty of variations worth a try. With summer just around the corner, we couldn’t help but wonder what other fruits could be incorporated. Here, we’ve compiled some of the best and fruitiest Moscow Mule recipes.
How To Make The Best Moscow Mule?
1. Summer Mule (Courtesy of SheKnows)
Are you hosting a summer get-together, bridal shower, or birthday party? This is guaranteed to be a hit. The fresh berries are just the right amount of sweet, enhancing, and not overpowering the existing flavors. The berries also give it a beautiful rosy pink color.
Ingredients:
½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
Fresh berries (4-6 per drink)
2 ounces vodka
3 ounces ginger beer
Soda water
Ice
Directions:
Muddle the berries with lime juice. We suggest blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The berries should break down quickly as you muddle them and create a syrup-like texture. Add the ginger beer and vodka. Pour over ice and top it off with sparkling water.
2. Spicy Mule (Courtesy of SheKnows)
If you love spicy foods, you’ll love this variation incorporating jalapeno peppers. We know jalapenos aren’t fruit…but it’s too good to leave out. You can add as many as you like, though we’d suggest starting with 3-4 slices per drink and adding more to taste.
Ingredients:
Jalapeno pepper
1-ounce fresh lime juice
4 ounces ginger beer
½ ounce orange liqueur
2 ounces vodka
Ice
Directions:
Cut the jalapeno into thin slices. Muddle a few slices with the lime juice and orange liqueur. Stir in the vodka and ginger beer. Serve over ice.
3. The Mule Refresher (Courtesy of Drinkware Essentials)
This variation incorporates fresh berries, making it optimal for summertime.
Ingredients:
12 blueberries
8 thinly sliced pieces of cucumber
6 mint leaves, plus a whole sprig for garnish
2 handfuls crushed ice, divided
2 oz. vodka
1 oz. fresh lime juice
½ cup ginger beer
Directions:
Put the berries, cucumber slices, and mint in the bottom of a cocktail shaker and muddle until the mixture is a thick, juicy pulp. Add one handful of ice, the vodka, and the lime. Shake well for at least 30 seconds. Put a handful of ice into the mug (or glass). Strain the cocktail into the mug. Pour the ginger beer on top of the cocktail mixture. Add remaining ice. Garnish with mint sprig.
4. Passion Fruit Moscow Mule (Courtesy of Pineapple and Coconut)
This tropical take on the Moscow Mule will transport your mind and tastebuds to a sunny island paradise. The recipe makes 2 servings, though there’s nothing wrong with having it all to yourself.
Ingredients:
4 oz. vodka (Pineapple flavor or plain)
6 Tbsp. passion fruit pulp—about 4-6 passion fruits’ worth, depending on the size
2 tsp. Barsmith Mix Lime Syrup (or fresh lime juice)
8 Ounces ginger beer
Ice
Mint for garnish
Directions:
Divide the passion fruit pulp amongst the glasses and pour 1 teaspoon of lime syrup (or lime juice) into each glass. Muddle gently. Add in 2 ounces of vodka per glass and top with the ginger beer. Gently stir. Add a sprig of mint for garnish. Serve immediately.
5. Strawberry Moscow Mule (Courtesy of Beautiful Booze)
Berries, like Moscow Mules, are one of the best summertime treats. Here’s another berry-filled variation that’s perfect for a warm afternoon. This one also makes 2 cocktails.
Ingredients:
3 oz. vodka
5 Strawberries
½ lime, juiced
½ bottle ginger beer (about 4 oz.)
½ to 1 cup crushed ice
1 strawberry for garnish
Directions:
Add ice, lime juice, muddled strawberries, and vodka to two glasses. Stir mixture. Top with ginger beer.
Once you’ve given these a try, let us know what you think by posting in the comments. Have another fruity favorite of your own? We’d love to hear it!