Refreshing Cranberry Virgin Moscow Mule Mocktail Recipe
Published Dec 30, 2023
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A non-alcoholic twist on a classic cocktail, this virgin Moscow mule recipe combines spicy ginger beer, sweet fruit juices, and tangy lime juice for a refreshing mocktail version! Serve in beautiful copper mugs and enjoy this delicious drink blended or on the rocks!
Table of Contents
What is a Moscow Mule?
A traditional Moscow Mule cocktail consists of vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and sometimes club soda or sparkling water to top it off. It’s a popular cocktail that is served in a copper mug, which is a fun and distinctive feature of the drink. Known for its refreshing and tangy flavor profile, it’s actually a super easy drink to make non-alcoholic!
This non-alcoholic Moscow mule recipe includes all the classic ingredients, plus cranberry and pomegranate juices for a winter-forward mocktail! There are so many variations to choose from, but this slushy, refreshing virgin mule recipe hits the spot every time!
What Makes This Recipe Great
I’ve been making a ton of non-alcoholic drinks lately– and I’ve been loving creating mocktail versions of classic cocktails that everyone can enjoy! This newest one is no exception. Enter your new favorite drink, my Virgin Moscow Mule slushy.
Featuring simple ingredients like ginger beer, lime juice, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup blended into a delicious mocktail slushy, served in a copper moscow mule mug and garnished with lime slices, sugared cranberries, and sprigs of rosemary. Make it a cocktail with added vodka, or keep this mocktail mule alcohol-free.
This is a perfect, festive, non-alcoholic beverage for kids and adults at any celebration during the holiday season, baby shower, birthday parties, and more. Make a big batch or an individual drink– you can’t go wrong!
Ingredient Notes
- ginger beer or diet ginger beer ice cubes: Ginger beer is alcohol-free, despite its name. Ginger ale will work in a pinch, though it does not have the same depth of ginger flavor as non-alcoholic ginger beer. I used Bundaberg, but Fever Tree ginger beer is also popular and easy to find at your local grocery store.
- cranberry juice
- pomegranate juice
- fresh lime juice
- simple syrup or sugar-free simple syrup: You can also use powdered swerve for a lower sugar option as a sweetener (adjust the level of sweetness to taste).
- vodka: Optional for the cocktail version. Omit for a mocktail.
- garnish: Garnish with sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, lime slices, or fresh mint leaves.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the ginger beer to an ice cube tray and freeze overnight.
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds or until everything is combined.
- Pour in a cup or copper mugs and garnish with sugared cranberries, rosemary, and a lime wedge.
Mac’s Pro TipS
Expert Tips
- Ginger beer is alcohol-free, despite its name. Ginger ale will work in a pinch, though it does not have the same depth of ginger flavor as non-alcoholic ginger beer. I used Bundaberg, but Fever Tree ginger beer is also popular and easy to find.
- You can also use powdered swerve for a lower sugar option as a sweetener (adjust the level of sweetness to taste).
- This ginger beer mocktail is completely alcohol-free. Add vodka for an alcoholic cocktail option.
- I made this a slushy, but if you prefer your cocktail on the rocks, feel free to add all ingredients (except the ginger beer) to a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and strain over a glass of ice, and top off with the ginger beer. Give it a quick stir and top with your garnishes. If you use this method, there is no need to freeze the ginger beer in ice cube trays overnight.
- This virgin Moscow mule recipe makes 1 drink. To make a bigger batch, simply click “print” on the recipe card below and increase the number of servings. The ingredient amounts will adjust accordingly.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. The classic Moscow mule recipe incorporates vodka to make this a cocktail. My Moscow mule mocktail recipe omits the vodka for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink or “virgin” Moscow mule.
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Refreshing Cranberry Virgin Moscow Mule Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients
Mocktail
- 4 oz ginger beer or diet ginger beer ice cubes (about half bottle of ginger beer frozen)
- 1.5 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 1 tbsp simple syrup or sugar free simple syrup* (more or less as desired)
Cocktail
- Add 1 oz vodka
Instructions
- Add the ginger beer to an ice cube tray and freeze overnight.
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds or until everything is combined.
- Pour in a cup and top with sugared cranberries, rosemary, and a lime slice.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Ginger beer is alcohol-free, despite its name. Ginger ale will work in a pinch, though it does not have the same depth of ginger flavor as non-alcoholic ginger beer. I used Bundaberg, but Fever Tree ginger beer is also popular and easy to find.
- You can also use powdered swerve for a lower sugar option as a sweetener (adjust the level of sweetness to taste).
- This ginger beer mocktail is completely alcohol-free. Add vodka for an alcoholic cocktail option.
- I made this a slushy, but if you prefer your cocktail on the rocks, feel free to add all ingredients (except the ginger beer) to a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and strain over a glass of ice, and top off with the ginger beer. Give it a quick stir and top with your garnishes. If you use this method, there is no need to freeze the ginger beer in ice cube trays overnight.
- This recipe makes 1 drink. To make a bigger batch, simply click “print” on the recipe card below and increase the number of servings. The ingredient amounts will adjust accordingly.
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We have been doing a “damp” January, trying to cut back on alcohol. I made this on Friday night and it was tart and sweet ~ everything I needed. Will make this again.