Juneteenth celebrations honor freedom and community through shared traditions. The Juneteenth Mule cocktail brings a festive spirit to gatherings while commemorating this important holiday.
This refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule combines ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka with additions of strawberry and blueberry to represent the colors of freedom.
The drink serves as both a delicious beverage and a conversation starter about the historical importance of Juneteenth. Its bright flavors and symbolic colors make it perfect for summer celebrations.
The simple recipe lets hosts prepare it quickly, so there’s more time for friends and family. No need to fuss around for hours in the kitchen.
Juneteenth Mule Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Copper mule mug (traditional but any glass works)
- Jigger or measuring tool (1 oz and 2 oz sides)
- Bar spoon: For mixing.
- Knife and cutting board
- Citrus juicer or reamer
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka can substitute bourbon for a southern twist
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 5-6 fresh blackberries
- 2-3 fresh strawberries sliced
- Fresh mint leaves
- 2 watermelon cubes
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Muddle blackberries, strawberries, watermelon, and mint leaves with simple syrup in the bottom of your mug.
- Pour vodka and fresh lime juice over the ice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently with a bar spoon.
- The muddled fruit gives the drink its vibrant colors and flavors. Stirring gently keeps the ginger beer fizzy while blending everything together.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Juneteenth Mule cocktail brings a bright, refreshing flavor with a nice blend of sweet and tangy notes. Ginger beer gives it a spicy kick that plays off the smoothness of the vodka.
First sips? You’ll notice the zingy lime, which adds a tart freshness. Strawberry and watermelon create a sweet, fruity base that nods to traditional red drinks of Juneteenth.
Flavor Components:
- Front: Sweet strawberry and watermelon
- Middle: Zesty lime and ginger spice
- Finish: Clean vodka with a subtle warming sensation
The drink shows off a vibrant red color and a fizzy texture from the ginger beer. Ice keeps it perfectly chilled—just what you want on a hot summer day.
If you’re not big on sweetness, try adding more lime for extra tartness. Ginger heat is easy to tweak too, depending on which ginger beer you pick—some bring more fire than others.
When it’s made right, the cocktail should feel balanced, not too sweet or too boozy. Fruit flavors should pop, but not drown out everything else.
Substitute
If you can’t find Jamaican ginger beer for your Juneteenth Mule cocktail, don’t worry—there are a few good alternatives out there.
Regular ginger beer works just fine as a replacement. Honestly, I’d go for brands with a bold ginger kick if you want that classic taste.
Ginger ale is another option, though it’s definitely sweeter and not as spicy as ginger beer. If you want more heat, toss in a dash of ginger juice or maybe a slice of fresh ginger—works like a charm.
For a non-alcoholic version, just skip the vodka and pour in extra ginger beer. Suddenly, you’ve got a refreshing mocktail that anyone can sip.
Common Substitutions:
- Spirits: Swap vodka for bourbon or rum.
- Citrus: Lemon instead of lime? Totally fine.
- Sweetener: Honey or agave can stand in for simple syrup.
- Garnish: Orange slices instead of lime—why not?
If ginger isn’t your thing, try using citrus soda with a dash of cinnamon or even allspice. It’s different, but honestly, the flavors still play well together.
For something with less sugar, mix soda water with just a bit of ginger syrup or maybe even ginger tea. It’s lighter, but still packs a little punch.
