When I want a drink that’s refreshing and easy, I always think of the Ginger Beer Mule. This cocktail brings together spicy ginger beer, smooth vodka, and fresh lime juice for a crisp, cool flavor.
Even if you’ve never mixed a drink at home, this one’s a breeze. The Ginger Beer Mule is great for relaxing evenings or sharing with friends.
I like that it uses just a few easy-to-find ingredients, but gives a special kick with the ginger beer. If you’re curious about a homemade cocktail that doesn’t take much time, stick around.
Here’s how I make a Ginger Beer Mule—step by step.
Ginger Beer Mule Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- I usually grab a copper mug for this cocktail. It keeps the drink cold and honestly, it just looks cool.
- If I can’t find one, a regular glass works fine. I also need a jigger or shot glass for measuring.
- A spoon or cocktail stirrer helps mix everything together. For garnish, I keep a small knife and cutting board handy to slice lime or ginger.
- Having lots of ice on hand is key—the drink should be served very cold. A citrus squeezer makes juicing limes easier, but squeezing by hand is totally fine.
- Sometimes I use a muddler if I want to toss in fresh mint or ginger for extra flavor. Not required, but it’s a nice touch.
Ingredients
For one Ginger Beer Mule, I use these:
- Vodka 2 oz 60 ml
- Ginger Beer 4 oz 120 ml
- Fresh Lime Juice 1/2 oz 15 ml
- Ice As needed
- Lime Wedge / Wheel 1 for garnish
- Fresh Mint optional Few leaves
Instructions
- Next, I add 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice. After that, 4 oz of ginger beer goes in—it’s fizzy, so I pour gently to keep the bubbles alive.
- I give it a quick stir with a spoon or cocktail stirrer. A lime wedge or wheel goes on the rim for garnish.
- If I’m feeling fancy, I clap a few mint leaves to wake them up and drop them in, or add a thin slice of ginger. Serve it up right away while it’s icy cold.
Notes
Tasting Notes
First sip of a Ginger Beer Mule? That sharp, fizzy bite from the ginger beer jumps out. The bubbles make every sip feel lively and fresh.
Lime juice brings a clean, bright splash that cuts through the spice. The citrus settles in fast and balances out any sweetness.
Vodka’s neutral, so it doesn’t overpower anything. It just smooths things out and ties the flavors together.
Temperature really matters here. Over ice, the drink is extra crisp and cool.
If I use a sprig of mint for garnish, there’s a soft, herbal smell right away. The aroma mixes with the ginger and citrus in a way that’s hard to beat.
Each mouthful feels balanced—nothing too strong or too weak. The taste is simple and easy to get, but honestly, it’s just really enjoyable.
Substitute
Sometimes I just don’t have every ingredient on hand, or maybe I’m in the mood to mix things up in my Ginger Beer Mule. There are a few swaps I’ve tried that actually taste pretty good.
If I’m out of ginger beer, I’ll grab ginger ale instead. It’s definitely less spicy and a touch sweeter, but that ginger flavor still comes through.
Other times, I’ll use club soda or sparkling water with some fresh ginger syrup. That combo makes the drink lighter—almost a bit more refreshing, honestly.
If I’m skipping alcohol, I’ll just leave out the vodka. Everything else in the recipe still works fine.
No lime? Lemon juice does the trick. It’s a bit sharper, maybe, but still gives that refreshing kick I’m after.
