Moscow Mule Mocktail (6 Variations!)
This post may contain affiliate links.
Virgin Moscow Mules are the perfect mocktail any time of year. The spicy ginger warms you in the winter, and the lime and mint cool and refresh you in the summer. Easy to make with common ingredients, this non-alcoholic Moscow Mule still has a kick you’re sure to love.
Spicy ginger, sweet mint, and tart lime make for a refreshing Moscow Mule Mocktail that’s perfect on a hot day or cooler evening. With minimal prep work and really common ingredients, this is an easy mocktail anyone can make and everyone will enjoy.
Well known and widely loved, this non-alcoholic Moscow Mule is great for parties, guests, or just curling up on the couch. This recipe is also customizable to create delicious mule modifications. Whether you like it sweet or with a little heat, you're sure to find a version you’re going to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Mocktail Mule
- Fast: with no shaking required and minimal preparation, this virgin Moscow mule is deliciously simple.
- Easy: with minimal and accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for parties, or last-minute guests.
- Customizable: Try any of the great Moscow Mule variations I’ve listed in a section below.
Equipment Needed
- Copper mugs: The traditional choice. These pretty Moscow Mule copper mugs do a great job of keeping your drink cool and beautifully bead with condensation from the ice. They’re not essential, so feel free to use a highball glass or any large glass you have on hand.
- Muddler: A muddler makes light work of releasing the oils and juice from the mint and lime. If you don’t have a muddler, the back end of a wooden spoon or sturdy-handled rubber spatula works too.
Ingredients
You can easily find all the ingredients for this virgo Moscow Mule at your local grocery store.
- Ginger beer: sweet and spicy, ginger beer is the hero of this drink. Select a true brewed ginger beer for depth of taste. Use a diet or low-sugar ginger beer to reduce the sugar content.
- Fresh mint: a few leaves of fresh mint works perfectly to balance the ginger and lime.
- Lime juice: If you have fresh limes, use them. You can’t beat the taste of fresh lime juice with the earthy ginger ale. If you can’t find fresh limes, bottled works too. However, it won’t taste quite the same.
- Apple Cider Vinegar or Non-alcoholic vodka (optional): if you have a favorite non-alcoholic vodka, feel free to add it to. ACV or a dash of Fire Cider also works great to add kick to your mule.
- Optional garnishes: lime wheels + mint
Want to save this?
Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox, plus you'll get a new mocktail recipe from me every week.
How to Make a Non Alcoholic Moscow Mule
- Clap mint leaves together a few times to release the oils, then place in your mug/glass.
- Add lime juice over the mint and press gently with a muddler. You just want to gently bruise the mint - over muddling can make the mint taste bitter.
- Fill glass with ice and top with the ginger beer, then add the apple cider vinegar, Fire Cider, or non-alcoholic vodka (if using).
- Add optional garnishes and serve.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Moscow Mules
- A good quality ginger beer is a must for this recipe. Try to get a brewed ginger beer that goes through fermentation for the best flavor. Some ginger beers are just syrup and ginger flavoring.
- Don’t try to replace the ginger beer with ginger ale. It just won’t taste the same!
- If you’re looking for a little zing, try adding some of my Fire Cider or Apple cider vinegar. ACV is a by-product of alcohol so it works really well.
- Did you know that muddling mint too much can actually cause it to release a bitter taste? Clapping the mint in your hands before placing it in your drink will ensure the oils and minty goodness begin to release. Then you only need to press on it very gently 2-3 times with your muddler.
Moscow Mule Variations
There’s a lot of variations on the traditional Moscow Mule. From a summer peach treat to a drink with some heat, there’s a mule here for everyone.
- Add 2 oz apple cider for fall and the holidays.
- Muddle 1-2 slices jalapeno with the mint if you prefer a spicy moscow mule.
- Add 2 oz pomegranate juice or cranberry for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Add 2 oz peach puree during peach season for a summer vibe.
- Add 2 strawberries or 8 blueberries and muddle with the mint for a berry twist
FAQ's
A Moscow mule is best enjoyed ice cold. A copper mug helps to keep the temperature, flavor and aroma of the drink intact. The handled mug also keeps warm hands away from the cool drink, which is essential on a warm day. Other mocktails, such as my Mint Julep Mocktail, also use a metal cup to keep them cold. Unlike a mule mug, a julep cup is usually stainless steel, conical in shape and without a handle.
Traditionally ginger beer was an alcoholic brew. These days, however, most ginger beers are non-alcoholic. Ginger beer is made by brewing ginger root for several days for a zingy, earthy flavor. Pick a high-quality ginger beer from the grocery store for the best Moscow mules.
Absolutely! Any large glass will do, but if you fall in love with this mocktail mule recipe, then you may like to invest in some pretty copper Mule mugs. If it’s more of an occasional drink, or you’re trying it for the first time, a high ball glass is the most common alternative. Ideally, you want to keep your virgin Moscow mule as cool as possible, so even a mason jar with a handle would be a good option.
More Ginger Drink Recipes
Love ginger mocktails? Try these:
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below or leave me a comment if you REALLY love it!
I hope you love this virgin Moscow mule mocktail as much as I do!
Virgin Moscow Mule Mocktail (6 Variations!)
Equipment
- Moscow Mule Mugs (affiliate link)
Ingredients
- 8 oz ginger beer - light or diet can be used for lower sugar option
- ½ oz lime juice
- 8-10 mint leaves
- A splash of apple cider vinegar or 1 oz non-alc vodka completely optional - works great without!
- Optional garnishes: lime wheels + mint
- For variations, see 'Notes' section below
Video
Instructions
- Clap the mint leaves together in your hands a few times to release the oils, then place them in your mug/glass.
- Add the lime juice and press very gently several times with a muddler. You just want to gently bruise the mint - over muddling can make the mint taste bitter.
- Fill your glass with ice and top with the ginger beer, then add the apple cider vinegar or non-alcoholic vodka (if using).
- Add your optional garnishes and serve.
Notes
- Fall/Holiday inspired: Add 2 oz apple cider and stir, then add some optional pomegranate arils.
- Spicy: Muddle 1-2 slices jalapeno with the mint if you prefer a spicy moscow mule.
- Thanksgiving/Christmas: Add 2 oz pomegranate juice or cranberry for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Summer: Add 2 oz peach puree during peach season for a summer vibe.
- Spring: Add 2 strawberries or 8 blueberries and muddle with the mint for a berry twist.
Nutrition
NUTRITIONAL VALUES ARE ESTIMATES ONLY AND DO NOT INCLUDE CARBS FROM SUGAR ALCOHOLS.
This was absolutely delicious and so pretty to look at. I added cucumber and that added an extra level of flavor!! Thanks for this recipe!!
Hi Diana,
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review, I am so pleased you enjoyed it!
I LOVE the idea of cucumber too, how clever. I must try it.
Cheers
Nat
This was just delicious, and so easy too! Thanks so much.
My pleasure Ange. Moscow mules are my favourite!
I tried this delicious recipe on a hot summers day with friends by the pool. It was so easy and an absolute crowd pleaser! 10 out of 10!
I'm so glad you enjoyed your Moscow mule Jess, and thanks for taking the time to leave a review!
This Moscow Mule Mocktail is so easy to make and Thankyou for this delicious recipe !
Thanks for your comment Vicki, I'm so pleased you enjoyed it!