If you love tropical flavors but still want that crisp kick from a Moscow Mule, this twist might just hit the spot. The Pina Colada Moscow Mule brings together creamy coconut, sweet pineapple, and spicy ginger beer for a cocktail that’s honestly hard to resist.
It’s got the smooth sweetness of a piña colada, but with that zesty Moscow Mule bite—balanced, easy, and a little bit unexpected.
I have to say, this cocktail feels both familiar and new at the same time. It keeps those fun island vibes from a piña colada but adds a fizzy edge that makes it lighter, more refreshing, and just a bit more fun.
Whether you’re after a relaxing drink on a warm day or want a unique mocktail for a get-together, this recipe makes it easy to shake things up.
Pina Colada Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe
I mix tropical flavors with the crisp spice of ginger beer to make this refreshing drink. You get pineapple, coconut, and lime with a smooth vodka base, served cold in a copper mug for that sweet and tangy balance.
Equipment
Honestly, I keep my setup simple—no need for fancy bar gear here.
- Copper mug – keeps the drink icy cold and brings that classic Moscow Mule look.
- Cocktail shaker – helps blend the coconut and pineapple flavors.
- Jigger – makes measuring vodka, coconut rum, and juices a breeze.
- Bar spoon – stirs the ginger beer gently to keep the fizz.
- Citrus juicer – squeezes out fresh lime juice for the best taste.
- Ice scoop – fills up the mug with ice without a mess.
I usually chill the copper mugs ahead of time. It just makes the whole drink colder and really helps the ginger beer keep its fizz.
Ingredients
I go for fresh, simple ingredients to get that balance of sweet and spicy.
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- ½ oz coconut rum
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz coconut water (optional for a lighter taste)
- 4 oz ginger beer or ginger ale
- Ice (crushed or cubed)
- Pineapple wedge and lime wheel for garnish
I always pick ginger beer over ginger ale. The spicier flavor stands up better to the sweet coconut and pineapple.
Instructions
You can throw this drink together in just a few minutes.
- Fill a copper mug halfway with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, coconut rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and coconut water.
- Shake it lightly for about 10 seconds.
- Pour the mix over the ice in the mug.
- Top with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir with your bar spoon.
- Add a pineapple wedge and lime wheel for garnish.
I never shake the ginger beer—it loses its fizz way too fast. Stirring keeps it bubbly and light.
Notes
Fresh lime juice just tastes better than bottled, so I always go for that. Crushed ice chills the drink quickly, but if you want it to last, try cubed ice instead.
If I want a stronger coconut kick, I’ll swap the coconut water for a splash of coconut cream. For something lighter, I skip the coconut rum and just use vodka.
Serving in copper mugs isn’t just about looks—it actually keeps the drink colder and makes the ginger beer taste extra crisp.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 0.5 oz Coconut rum
- 2 oz Pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz Lime juice fresh
- 1 oz Coconut water optional; for a lighter taste
- 4 oz Ginger beer or ginger ale; to top
- Ice crushed or cubed; for serving and shaking
- Pineapple wedge and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug halfway with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, coconut rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and coconut water.
- Shake lightly for about 10 seconds.
- Pour into the prepared mug and top with ginger beer. Stir gently to keep the fizz.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and lime wheel and serve.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I take the first sip, there’s this cool, fizzy rush from the ginger beer. Those bubbles really lift up the sweet coconut, making it feel lighter than you’d expect.
The pineapple juice brings in a soft, tropical vibe. It’s sweet, but not cloying, and it manages to mellow out the sharpness of the lime.
I can pick up the vodka in the background. It just sort of ties everything together with a clean, crisp finish—nothing overwhelming, thankfully.
That combo of coconut, pineapple, and ginger comes together for a drink that’s honestly smooth and super refreshing. Each flavor stands out, but somehow they all get along.
If I pour it over ice in a copper mug, it stays cold for ages. The cold thickens the coconut cream a bit, and the ginger beer somehow pops even more.
Flavor Highlights:
- Sweetness: mild and creamy
- Citrus: fresh lime adds brightness
- Spice: ginger gives a light kick
- Texture: smooth, fizzy, and cool
Honestly, this cocktail feels perfect for a warm afternoon or just hanging out with friends. The way the sweetness, tartness, and spice play off each other keeps every sip a little bit interesting.

