Virgin Moscow Mule - Easy Mocktail Recipe! (2024)

A non-alcoholic twist on a classic co*cktail, this Virgin Moscow Mule features cool, refreshing lime and warm, spicy ginger beer for a delicious virgin drink that’s both refreshing and cozy. The perfect holiday mocktail pick-me-up!

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An Easy Ginger Beer Mocktail

I love making mocktails and co*cktails at home! You can take your favorite drinks and control exactly what goes into them. Adjusting how sweet or tart it is, adding fun twists and really getting creative about mixing up the flavors. It also makes it easy to take your favorite co*cktail recipes and turning them into mocktail versions.

This Moscow mule mocktail has become my favorite among non-alcoholic drinks – especially during a recent pregnancy. While the mint, ginger, and lime each help with nausea on their own, combining them in this mocktail was a great way to help my all day morning sickness.

This virgin version is of course inspired by the traditional Moscow mule co*cktail, which is typically made with ginger beer, vodka, and fresh lime juice, and served over ice in a copper mug. For this new recipe I swapped the vodka for a non-alcoholic botanical blend, selected one of my favorite ginger beers, and made a homemade lime simple syrup to amp up the zesty citrus flavor and add a touch of sweetness as well.

If you aren’t familiar with botanicals, I highly recommend trying out Wilderton Lustre. It has undertones of lavender, tarragon, and bitter orange which adds a depth of flavor to your virgin co*cktails and make you forget that anything is even “missing”.

While this mocktail began as my favorite anti-nausea pregnancy drink, it’s also the perfect mocktail to sip on for the holiday season. It’s a great option to have at parties for those who don’t drink alcohol but it’s easy enough to turn it into a co*cktail for those who do with a single shot of vodka.

What You’ll Need

All you need is four simple ingredients for this flavorful and easy virgin mule!!

  • Lime simple syrup – Infuses the citrus flavor into the drink. You can easily make your own as I share in this recipe.
  • Ginger beer – Be sure to use a non-alcoholic version like Fever Tree ginger beer.
  • Wilderton Lustre – This is a botanical blend with tarragon, orange and lavender flavors that really improves the flavor of this drink. Optional but highly recommended.
  • Ice – You can use crushed ice or ice cubes.
  • Lime wedges and fresh mint leaves – For an optional garnish.

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How to Make a Virgin Moscow Mule

This non-alcoholic moscow mule is one of the easiest mocktails to make. You can have two of these ready in just minutes.

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  • Combine the ingredients. Combine the lime simple syrup, ginger beer, and botanicals in a shaker or mason jar.
  • Shake. Shake all ingredients well.
  • Pour over ice. Pour the ingredients over ice in two copper mugs.
  • Serve. Garnish with a lime wedge and a mint sprig if desired and serve.

Tips for Success

This virgin Moscow mule is pretty straightforward but there are still a few things to keep in mind.

  • Be sure to grab a non-alcoholic ginger beer. While many ginger beers do not contain alcohol, there are a few brands that do. Just double check the bottle before grabbing it.
  • Make the simple syrup ahead of time. Since you’ll be using homemade lime simple syrup to make this virgin co*cktail, be sure to prepare it ahead of time. It needs to cool completely before being added to your drink.
  • Don’t skip the botanical blend. Wilderton Lustre is my secret to making the BEST mocktails around and it definitely takes this one up several notches. If you can’t get your hands on that particular brand, look for a similar one. It’s worth searching for, trust me!
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Mocktail Variations

If you want to switch up this recipe a bit, here are a few different flavors to try.

  • Use ginger ale. For a sweeter co*cktail, swap out the ginger beer for ginger ale.
  • Make it extra festive. Pomegranate arils can be added as a garnish to make this drink even more suited to the holiday season.
  • Switch up the garnishes. Cucumber makes a great garnish, especially for a summer twist.
  • Use other simple syrups. You can easily swap out the lime simple syrup for mint simple syrup, if you prefer more of a mint flavor throughout. Just add more lime to the co*cktail itself. You can also make ginger simple syrup, if you prefer a spicy twist.
  • Add sparkling water. To make this ginger mocktail extra fizzy, add a splash of sparkling water to top off the glass.

Serving Suggestions

The best moscow mules are traditionally served in a copper cup but if you don’t have them, don’t worry. They’re helpful for keeping the mocktail cold but, honestly, these are so good you probably won’t run into a problem! You can serve your virgin Moscow mule over crushed ice or ice cubes, whichever you prefer.

I like to enjoy this festive drink anytime of the day, but it’s especially good as brunch time alternative to a classic mimosa or a heavy bloody mary.

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Make Ahead Virgin Moscow Mules

Part of the fun of making your own mocktails at home is that you get to make them exactly how you like them. You might want an extra splash of lime juice, while your best friend’s definition of a delicious co*cktail might be a super sweeter concoction.

However, if you want to mix these up in advance, you can. Combine all the ingredients and shake, but don’t pour over ice until you are ready to serve.

If you like this recipe, please give it a FIVE-STAR rating and share it on your favorite social channel!

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Virgin Moscow Mule

A non-alcoholic twist on a classic co*cktail, this Virgin Moscow Mule features cool, refreshing lime and warm, spicy ginger beer for a delicious virgin drink that's both refreshing and cozy.. The perfect non-alcohol holiday pick-me-up!

4.3 stars (8 ratings)

prep: 5 minutes minutes

total: 5 minutes minutes

servings: 2 servings

author: Renee N Gardner

Print Pin Rate

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces lime simple syrup
  • 8 ounces non-alcoholic ginger beer (like Fever Tree)
  • 4 ounces non-alcoholic botanical blend (like Wilderton Lustre (optional))
  • 2 cups ice
  • Lime wedges and mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large co*cktail shaker or mason jar, combine the simple syrup, ginger beer, and Wilderton Lustre (if using).

  • Cover the shaker with a lid and shake to combine.

  • Divide the ice between two copper mugs.

  • Pour the liquid mixture equally over the two mugs.

  • Garnish with fresh lime wedges and mint leaves, if desired, and serve.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

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Notes

  • If you don’t have copper mugs, no worries! Copper mugs are suggested for this beverage because they maintain the cold temperature of the drink well, but you can use whatever serving glass you like. Just be sure to use lots of ice to keep your drink cold.
  • Wilderton Lustre is an alcohol-free botanical blend with flavors of bitter orange, tarragon, and lavender. It’s local to the PNW, but if you can’t get your hands on it, swap it for another alcohol-free botanical of your choice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 112kcalCarbohydrates: 29gSodium: 9mgSugar: 29g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is for general information purposes only. For the most accurate information, calculate using your select brands and exact measurements.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @reneenicoleskitchen or tag #reneenicoleskitchen!

More Delicious Drink Recipes:

  • Strawberry Peach Smoothie
  • Irish Cream Coffee
  • Blackberry Bourbon Smash
  • Raspberry Mojito co*cktail
Virgin Moscow Mule - Easy Mocktail Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What can you use instead of vodka in Moscow Mule? ›

Easy Variations on Moscow Mules

Gin-Gin Mule: Use gin instead of vodka. Mexican Mule: Use tequila instead of vodka. Jamaican Mule or Cuban Mule: Use rum instead of vodka. Dark 'n Stormy: Use Gosling's spiced rum instead of vodka.

Do you use non-alcoholic ginger beer for a Moscow Mule? ›

Is ginger beer alcoholic in Moscow Mule? No, ginger beer in non-alcoholic. So if you're making Moscow mules for a party and have anyone that doesn't want alcohol, you can leave out the vodka and fill the mug up with ginger beer instead.

How do you make non-alcoholic ginger beer co*cktails? ›

In a co*cktail shaker add fresh mint leaves and lime juice. Use a muddler to gently muddle the mint until aromatic. Add crushed ice and cranberry juice, place the lid on and shake. After shaking, pour in ginger beer and gently stir.

What can I use instead of vodka in a White Russian? ›

Vodka Substitutes: The vodka can be swapped for gin, bourbon or dark rum. Make a White Russian with Bailey's Irish Cream: Swap the cream for Irish cream.

What is the non-alcoholic Monster Mule? ›

The Non-Alcoholic Monster Mule

Monster Energy Mule 500ml can, great tasting ginger brew drink with energy blend, 160mg caffeine. Mixed with a spicy and sweet ginger “mule kick” and a zesty lime finish to keep you moving. Raise a glass to our non alcoholic Monster Mule!

What is in a Chicago mule? ›

In a drink shaker, combine vodka, lime juice, lemon juice, and syrup with ice and shake vigorously. 2. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with rosemary sprig.

What's in an old mule? ›

MOSCOW MULE INGREDIENTS:

2 ounces vodka. 6 ounces ginger beer (or our Moscow Mule Ginger Syrup) 1/4 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice. Lime garnish.

What's the difference between a Moscow Mule and a Russian Mule? ›

The Russian Mule, also known as the Moscow Mule, is a co*cktail that has been around for decades. There are a couple of stories that explain how it came into existence, but one of the most popular ones has its origins in Los Angeles.

What is the difference between a dark and stormy Moscow Mule? ›

The dark and stormy co*cktail is traditionally made from dark rum and ginger beer, garnished with a slice of fresh lemon. Its famous competitor the moscow mule co*cktail uses vodka instead of rum, often a spicier ginger beer and lime juice.

Can kids drink non-alcoholic ginger beer? ›

Generally, yes. Minors under the age of 21 can consume nonalcoholic beverages (even those that say “less than 0.5% ABV” which, technically, may contain some alcohol).

What can I replace ginger beer with? ›

In a pinch, ginger ale will work as a substitute for ginger beer in a Moscow mule, however the citrusy, zingy flavor that the ginger beer normally brings will be a lot more muted. Ginger ale will make your Moscow mule a lot more sweet and bubbly.

What is in mocktails? ›

Crafting a mocktail isn't easy – in fact, it can be nearly as complicated as making an excellently balanced alcoholic drink. Common ingredients include juices, sodas, infused waters and many other non-alcoholic ingredients, mixed in just the right ratios.

What else can vodka be made out of? ›

Today, most vodka is made from fermented grains such as sorghum, corn, rice, rye or wheat, though you can also use potatoes, fruits or even just sugar.

What's the difference between a Moscow Mule and a Russian mule? ›

The Russian Mule, also known as the Moscow Mule, is a co*cktail that has been around for decades. There are a couple of stories that explain how it came into existence, but one of the most popular ones has its origins in Los Angeles.

References

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