Our Virgin Moscow Mule is a refreshing non-alcoholic Gingerbeer mocktail that's perfect for summer sipping. It's made with gingerbeer, lime juice, and it's garnished with lime slices and mint sprigs.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
The ginger beer gives the cocktail a refreshing and spicy kick, while the lime juice adds a tart and citrusy flavor. The garnish of lime and mint adds a touch of freshness and sophistication. You'll love this mocktail because:
- Easy to make. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the cocktail can be made in just a few minutes.
- Refreshing. Gingerbeer and lime juice are a perfect combination served over ice for a hot day, and the mint sprig adds a cheerful zing.
- Versatile. Gingerbeer Mocktails (Virgin Moscow Mules) can be served as a mocktail on its own, or it can be served as a cocktail with a splash of vodka. And it's perfect for hot summer days, or New Year's celebrations!
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Ingredients For Gingerbeer Mocktails
- Why Copper Mugs?
- How To Make Gingerbeer Mocktails
- Virgin Moscow Mule (Gingerbeer Mocktail) Serving Suggestions
- Related Recipes
- Substitutions and Variations
- Equipment
- Non Alcoholic Vodka Brands
- Storage
- Tips for Success
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Food Safety
- Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
- 📖 Recipe
- Connect with Smells Like Delish!
Ingredients For Gingerbeer Mocktails
The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail that is made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. Our recipe for a Virgin Moscow Mule simply omits the vodka.
- Ginger beer - Your favorite brand or variety of gingerbeer.
- Lime juice - Be sure to use fresh squeezed limes for the BEST flavor! Try using Mexican Key Limes for a slightly different lime taste too!
- Non Alcoholic Vodka - Optional only. Non Alcoholic Vodka brand suggestions: Strykk Not Vodka, Seedlip Spice 94, Arkay Zero-Proof Vodka, Clean V non alcoholic Vodka, Escape Non Alcoholic Sweet Potato Vodka.
- Crushed Ice - Or ice cubes.
- Lime slices - To use as garnish in the mocktail.
- Mint sprigs - Tuck a fresh mint sprig in each copper mug. Squeeze the sprig right before adding to the mug, so the essential oils release into the beverage.
- Copper Mugs - Iconic serve ware for Moscow Mules, virgin and alcoholic alike. Don't have any, well ... a chilled old fashioned glass will suffice also!
PRO TIP: Should you want to make this a cocktail instead of a mocktail, the ratio 1:2:4. That ratio is one ounce of lime juice, 2 ounces of vodka, and 4 ounces of gingerbeer.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Why Copper Mugs?
The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail that is made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. The copper mug it's served in has become iconic to the beverage, both alcoholic and non alcoholic.
The history behind the copper mug is one of synchronicity:
- The Moscow Mule was first created in 1941 by Jack Morgan, a vodka salesman, and John Martin, the owner of a ginger beer company.
- The drink was originally served in copper mugs because Morgan had a surplus of copper mugs that he had been trying to sell off.
- There is no scientific evidence to suggest that copper mugs actually affect the taste of Moscow Mules.
Whether or not you believe that copper mugs make a difference in the taste of Moscow Mules, there's no denying that they're a beautiful and iconic way to serve them.
How To Make Gingerbeer Mocktails
Gingerbeer mocktails (non alcoholic Moscow mules) are as easy to make as pouring soda!
Fill Copper Mugs With Ice
- Fill the copper mugs with ice cubes or crushed ice.
- Pour in the ginger beer, non alcoholic vodka (if using), and add the fresh squeezed lime juice.
- Stir each mug to combine the ingredients.
Garnish And Serve
- Garnish with lime wedges and a mint sprig in each mug.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
PRO TIP: Place the copper mugs or old fashioned glass in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator a few hours before making your gingerbeer mocktails.
Virgin Moscow Mule (Gingerbeer Mocktail) Serving Suggestions
This virgin Moscow Mule is a great to entertain with on any occasion. It's especially popular during the summer months, when people are looking for a refreshing and non-alcoholic drink.
However, gingerbeer mocktails are also popular during Christmas and New Years. Just add a splash of cranberry juice, and garnish with fresh cranberries and lime wedges.
If you love this virgin Moscow Mule, than be sure to see our other mocktail recipes:
- Virgin Shirley Temple (Kiddie Cocktails)
- Arnold Palmer Half and Half Iced Tea
- Arnold Palmer Cocktails
- Strawberry Lemonade Spritzer (Mocktail)
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Related Recipes
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few seasonal and easy variations when making this Gingerbeer Mocktail (Virgin Moscow Mule) recipe:
- For a Christmas and New Years variation, you can add a splash of cranberry juice to the cocktail for a tart and refreshing twist. Garnish with some whole fresh cranberries.
- Cucumber slices are a popular addition when making virgin Moscow mules, for a refreshing and unique flavor burst.
- If you don't like ginger beer, you can substitute club soda or sparkling water.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment and supplies that I use when making this gingerbeer mocktail recipe.
Non Alcoholic Vodka Brands
- Strykk Not Vodka
- Seedlip Spice 94 is perfect for making virgin Moscow mules.
- Arkay Zero-Proof Vodka
- Clean V non alcoholic Vodka
- Escape Non Alcoholic Sweet Potato Vodka
Storage
Gingerbeer Mocktails (Virgin Moscow Mules) should be made and served immediately.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh lime juice. The fresher the lime juice, the better the cocktail will taste.
- The ginger beer will give the cocktail its flavor, so choose a nice strong ginger beer brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make this a cocktail by adding alcohol by adding vodka.
Yes, ginger beer is non alcoholic.
Yes, you can make a ginger beer mocktail with sparkling water. Sparkling water will add some fizz to the mocktail, but it will not have the same flavor as ginger beer.
No, not at all! The ginger beer alone is going to add a wonderful spicy kick to your mocktail, that you will not miss the flavor of vodka that the non alcoholic vodka adds.
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
📖 Recipe
Gingerbeer Mocktails (Virgin Moscow Mule)
Ingredients
- ice cubes
- 4 oz Ginger Beer
- 2 oz Non Alcoholic vodka optional, but adds to the flavor
- 1 oz Lime juice juice of one lime
- lime slices for garnish
- mint sprigs fresh, squeeze slightly to release oils
Instructions
- Fill the copper mugs with ice cubes or crushed ice.PRO TIP: Place the copper mugs or old fashioned glass in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator a few hours before making your gingerbeer mocktails.ice cubes
- Pour in the ginger beer, non alcoholic vodka (if using), and add the fresh squeezed lime juice. PRO TIP: Add the squeezed lime wedge to the mocktail for extra flavor.4 oz Ginger Beer, 1 oz Lime juice, 2 oz Non Alcoholic vodka
- Stir each mug to combine the ingredients.
- Garnish with lime wedges and a mint sprig in each mug.PRO TIP: Should you want to make this a cocktail instead of a mocktail, the ratio 1:2:4. That ratio is one ounce of lime juice, 2 ounces of vodka, and 4 ounces of gingerbeer.lime slices, mint sprigs
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice. The fresher the lime juice, the better the cocktail will taste.
- The ginger beer will give the cocktail its flavor, so choose a nice strong ginger beer brand.
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