Caribbean Mule Cocktail Recipe

When the weather warms up, I just start craving something crisp and refreshing. The Caribbean Mule always hits the spot with its bright lime, spicy ginger beer, and that smooth kick of rum.

This cocktail recipe lets you bring island flavor home without any fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients.

What I love about the Caribbean Mule is how it takes the classic mule and swaps vodka for rum. That one change makes it taste lively and balanced—honestly, it’s perfect for unwinding after a long day or sharing with friends.

Each sip brings together sweetness, spice, and that hint of tropical warmth. It feels easygoing, like you don’t have to try too hard to enjoy it.

Everything you need is right here: a short ingredient list and steps that don’t take much time at all. Once you try it, I bet you’ll want to make it again and again.

Caribbean Mule Cocktail Recipe

I’m a fan of how the Caribbean Mule mixes the spicy bite of ginger beer with the smoothness of Caribbean rum. It’s easy to make, super refreshing, and just right for warm days or hanging out with friends.

Equipment

To get this drink just right, I grab a few bar tools that help me measure and mix. A copper mug keeps things icy cold and looks pretty great too.

I use a jigger to measure out the rum and lime juice. That way, the flavors stay balanced and nothing overpowers.

• Copper mug or a chilled glass
• Jigger for measuring
• Bar spoon for stirring
• Shaker (I’ll use it if I want to mix before pouring, but honestly, not always)
• Knife and cutting board for the lime
• Ice scoop for the crushed ice

I find that a copper mug keeps the drink colder, but if I don’t have one handy, I just use a short glass with plenty of crushed ice.

Ingredients

I stick with fresh, simple ingredients because they taste best. Rum, ginger beer, and lime juice give this cocktail its signature kick.

• 2 oz Caribbean rum (spiced rum works if you want more warmth)
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• 4–6 oz ginger beer (I usually reach for Bundaberg Ginger Beer—love the bold flavor)
• ¼ oz simple syrup or ginger syrup (totally optional, for extra sweetness)
• Crushed ice to fill the mug
• Lime wedge or lime wheel for garnish

If I want more ginger flavor, I’ll add a splash of ginger syrup. And for a lighter drink, I just pour in a bit more ginger beer.

Instructions

I always chill my copper mug first. It makes a difference—keeps everything cold from the start.

• Fill your mug halfway with crushed ice.
• Pour in the Caribbean rum using your jigger.
• Add fresh lime juice and a bit of simple syrup if you’re feeling like something sweeter.
• Top it off with ginger beer—I pour it slowly to keep the bubbles.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon to blend the flavors.
• Add some extra ice if it needs it, and garnish with a lime wedge or lime wheel.

I serve it right away, while the mug’s still frosty and the drink’s got that fresh fizz.

Notes

Sometimes I go with spiced rum for a richer, warmer taste. Other times, Caribbean rum keeps things lighter and smoother.

The type of ginger beer you pick really changes the spice level—some are sweet, some have more of a bite.

If it’s too strong, I just add more ginger beer. Want it tangier? I squeeze in a little more fresh lime juice.

I always stir gently so I don’t lose the fizz. And using crushed ice helps the flavors come together faster and keeps every sip nice and crisp.

Tasting Notes

I get this lively burst of spice, citrus, and tropical sweetness in every sip. That ginger beer really hits with a sharp kick—it wakes up my taste buds right away.

The fresh lime juice brings in a clean, sour edge. It keeps everything feeling crisp and bright.

I can taste the rum’s smooth vanilla and molasses notes mingling with the ginger, and honestly, it balances things out nicely.

After a few sips, a gentle warmth hangs around. The flavors stay light, always refreshing, never tipping into anything too sweet or heavy.

I love how the mint garnish gives off that cool, fresh scent. Makes the whole drink smell just as good as it tastes.

Each sip feels lively—perfect for a warm day, if you ask me.