I love experimenting with classic drinks, so I went for a Lavender Moscow Mule. A Lavender Moscow Mule is a cool, refreshing cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and a little bit of lavender syrup.
The lavender brings a soft floral vibe that actually works really well with the spicy kick from ginger beer.
This drink’s honestly pretty easy to make and adds something unique to your cocktail lineup. I tend to reach for it on warm days or whenever I’m craving something a little different.
If you want to impress some friends or just treat yourself, this recipe is a solid pick.
Equipment
- Copper mug: I use this for that traditional look—and honestly, it keeps the drink super cold.
- Measuring jigger: Makes it easy to measure out vodka, syrup, and lime juice.
- Bar spoon: Handy for stirring gently so you don’t lose the fizz.
- Cocktail shaker (optional): I’ll grab this if I want to mix the syrup and vodka really well before pouring over ice.
- Fine mesh strainer (optional): I reach for this if I’ve muddled anything or just want a super smooth drink.
- Ice cubes: Gotta fill that mug all the way up.
- Citrus juicer or reamer: Helps me get every last drop from the lime, minus the seeds.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka plain, unflavored
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz lavender simple syrup homemade or store-bought
- 4 oz ginger beer chilled, not overly sweet
- Ice cubes enough to fill your mug
- Garnish: fresh lavender sprig optional, lime wheel, or both
- Lavender simple syrup: If I’m making it from scratch I just mix equal parts water and sugar, toss in a small handful of fresh or dried culinary lavender, and let it simmer. Strain out the flowers before using.
Instructions
- Fill your copper mug to the top with ice cubes.
- Pour in 2 oz vodka.
- Add 1 oz fresh lime juice.
- Pour in 1 oz lavender simple syrup.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Top with 4 oz ginger beer.
- Stir again—just enough to bring it all together.
- Garnish with a fresh lavender sprig, lime wheel, or both.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
First sip, and the aroma stands out—there’s lavender, but it’s not overwhelming. It kind of floats in with the spicy ginger and that hit of lime.
On the tongue, this cocktail is refreshing and crisp. The ginger beer brings a nice fizz, making it feel lively.
Lime juice gives it a tart edge that’s just right. I notice the floral notes from the lavender syrup—they’re gentle, not in-your-face.
The vodka’s smooth, hanging out in the background and letting everything else shine.
The finish is clean. There’s a trace of lavender and that lingering ginger spice, which kind of invites another sip, doesn’t it?
Substitute
If I don’t have lavender syrup, I just grab some simple syrup and add a few drops of food-grade lavender extract. I make sure to stir it up so the flavor actually mixes in.
When I’m out of vodka, I reach for gin. It gives the cocktail this lovely herbal twist that’s honestly kind of underrated.
- Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Copper mug or glass
- Spoon
- Ingredients
- 2 oz gin (to replace vodka, if that’s your vibe)
- ½ oz simple syrup + lavender extract (if you’re out of lavender syrup)
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz ginger ale or club soda with ginger juice
- Ice cubes
- Instructions
- Add gin, syrup, and lime juice to the shaker with ice.
- Shake it up—don’t be shy.
- Pour into a copper mug filled with ice.
- Top with ginger ale or that club soda mix, then give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish however you like.
I always taste and tweak as I go, because honestly, different brands can taste wildly different.