Let's face it, not every mixed drink must contain alcohol. Whether you're mixing up drinks for your underage guests or just need a break from the adult beverages, quality and fun should not be sacrificed! Which mocktail is better to mix up than a Virgin Moscow Mule?
A Mocktail Twist on the Classic Moscow Mule
This drink is simply a non-alcoholic version of a traditional Moscow Mule, which normally contains vodka and ginger beer. Moscow Mules are a perfect combination of citrusy lime notes and ginger sweetness.
The red bitters in this recipe and the omission of vodka are simple ingredient tweaks to make this delicious drink mocktail-friendly! I also make a delicious cranberry Moscow mule but that one contains alcohol.
Five Star Review
From Tom: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I've been cutting down on my alcohol intake and this drink was actually a good replacement. Thanks!"
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Ingredients
- non-alcoholic ginger beer - *See notes about ginger beer below.
- non-alcoholic Italian red bitters - This is optional but I love dashing some non-alcoholic bitters for an extra flavor boost. Italian red bitters is a fizzy drink with an interesting aroma from the ginseng extract and carefully selected herbs.
- club soda (not pictured) - The drink will be topped up with the club soda.
- lime wedge - This is an optional garnish. Candied limes, fresh mint or orange peels work perfectly too. Pomegranate seeds can add flavor and texture as well as beautiful color! Get creative with it.
*Check recipe card for ingredient amounts.
Ginger Beer
Remember that many brands have different sweetness or intensity of their ginger flavors when buying your ginger beer.
One brand I like to use is Fever Tree Ginger Beer, and I have never had any trouble tracking it down. I have found it in many liquor stores or grocery chains in their cocktail or soda departments. It has a terrific amount of ginger spiciness and isn't too sweet.
If you like sweeter drinks, you can tweak the recipe by swapping ginger beer for ginger ale or adding just a pinch of sugar or simple syrup to your mocktail.
Mix It Up! How to Make a Virgin Moscow Mule
It's time to mix! Once all of the ingredients are assembled, you can have fun with additional ingredients and play with the garnish.
Step 1. Add Ice. Fill a copper Moscow Mule mug with ice.
Step 2. Add Ingredients. Pour the lime juice, ginger beer and red bitters (if using) over the ice.
Step 3. Top With Soda. Top up the mug with club soda.
Step 4. Serve. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired. Serve the virgin Moscow mule immediately!
Recipe FAQs
A copper mug is used for the mule to help keep the drink cold through its conductivity and hammered dents that create air pockets. Plus, the reaction between the copper and the beverage can intensify the fizziness.
If you don't have a copper mug, feel free to use a cocktail glass such as an old-fashioned whiskey glass (short and wide) or a Collins (tall tumbler-style). While it is traditional to use copper, it will still taste great in a regular glass!
Because they contain fizzy ingredients, it's best to build and gently stir the ingredients directly in the glass.
More Mocktail Recipes to Try
What are your creative tweak ideas for this classic drink? If you tried my Virgin Moscow Mule Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!
📋Recipe
Virgin Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- ice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 4 ounces non-alcoholic ginger beer - ½ cup
- 1 splash non-alcoholic Italian red bitters - optional
- club soda
- 1 lime wedge - optional garnish
Instructions
- Fill a copper Moscow Mule mug with ice.
- Add the lime juice, ginger beer and red bitters (if using).1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 4 ounces non-alcoholic ginger beer, 1 splash non-alcoholic Italian red bitters
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
- Ginger ale brand: One brand of ginger beer I like to use is Fever Tree Ginger Beer, and I have never had any trouble tracking it down. I have found it in many liquor stores or grocery chains in their cocktail or soda departments. It has a terrific amount of ginger spiciness and isn't too sweet.
- Ginger beer swap: If you like sweeter drinks, you can tweak the recipe by swapping ginger beer for ginger ale or adding just a pinch of sugar or simple syrup to your mocktail.
- Copper mug: If you don't have a copper mug, feel free to use a cocktail glass such as an old-fashioned whiskey glass (short and wide) or a Collins (tall tumbler-style). While it is traditional to use copper, it will still taste great in a regular glass!
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
Joss says
This is my go-to non alcoholic drink. I love the taste and the way it’s served! It tastes great with or without the bitters.
Ben says
I like it with the fever tree. Yum!
Joss Dyckson says
That's great, Ben! Thanks.
Tom says
I’ve been cutting down on my alcohol intake and this drink was actually a good replacement. Thanks!
Joss D says
Tom, that is so great. Thanks for the comment!
Sierra says
Even the kids could enjoy this drink with me. We all loved it!
Joss D says
Glad to hear Sierra! Thank you.