This Fresh Grapefruit Moscow Mule is a delightful spin on the classic Moscow Mule. It’s made with fresh grapefruit juice and a sprig of rosemary for a fresh and herbaceous twist.
Vodka cocktails, like a classic Moscow Mule, are some of my favorites! Try Spiked Vodka Lemonade, Watermelon Blueberry Vodka Smash, or this delicious Hibiscus Vodka Prosecco Cocktail.
Jump to RecipeWhy this recipe works
- Made with fresh ingredients. Fresh is always best! Freshly squeezed lime and grapefruit juices make this cocktail delightfully light and refreshing.
- Simple, easy recipe. No need to make a simple syrup or use any fancy tools for this simple cocktail.
- Perfect blend of flavors. This cocktail is balanced with the bitterness from grapefruit, sweet spice from ginger beer, and sourness from lime.
- Vegan and Dairy free
What is a Moscow Mule?
A Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail made with ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. It is usually served in a copper mug with a lime wedge.
There are many spins on this cocktail by changing up the liquor or adding in different juices. This Mexican Mule is made with tequila, a Cherry Mule is sweetened with cherry jam, and this Spiced Pineapple Rum Mule is totally giving tiki drink vibes!
Ingredients
- Vodka - Vodka puts the “Moscow” in Moscow Mule. If you’re not a fan of vodka, try tequila or mezcal for a Mexican Mule or Bourbon for a Kentucky Mule! I like Tito’s vodka, but you could also go for a grapefruit vodka like Deep Eddy for extra grapefruit flavor.
- Lime Juice - Freshly-squeezed lime juice adds the must-have acidity for this drink. Without it, the drink will be much too sweet! I prefer to use a fresh lime that I juice, but you can use store-bought lime juice if you're short on time.
- Fresh Grapefruit Juice - Fresh grapefruit juice is best for this grapefruit Mule. If you’re short on time, store-bought grapefruit juice will do, but check the labels for added sugar.
- Ginger Beer - Despite the name, ginger beer is actually a non-alcoholic ginger infused fizzy beverage. The spicy ginger beer goes great with the fresh grapefruit juice. I used Regatta’s light ginger beer for a lower calorie option. Any ginger beer you can find is fine - solid choices include Regatta or Fever Tree.
- Rosemary - This is optional, but a sprig of fresh rosemary adds a lovely herbaceous scent and flavor to this drink.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Instructions
This is a super simple cocktail recipe! No cocktail shaker or simple syrups needed.
Fill your cup with ice, then add in grapefruit juice, lime juice, and vodka into your cup. Give it a stir, and top with ginger beer.
Garnish with grapefruit slices and rosemary sprig. Sip and enjoy responsibly!
Variations
- Use a different alcohol. If vodka isn’t your thing, you can swap it out for your favorite liquor! Try mezcal, tequila, bourbon, or gin.
- Use a flavored vodka. For extra flavor in this drink, use a grapefruit flavored or citrus vodka.
- Change up the citrus. I love the flavor of bitter grapefruit, but if you prefer something sweeter, swap it out for fresh orange juice. Try this delicious Grapefruit Orange Juice blend, Mandarin Juice, or Pineapple Ginger Juice for a delicious spin.
- Make it a mocktail! For a non-alcoholic version of this beverage, skip the vodka and add a little extra ginger beer.
For more tasty spins on the classic Moscow Mule, try Mexican Mule, Cherry Moscow Mule, or Spiced Pineapple Rum Moscow Mule.
Expert Tips
- Use a copper mug! While not necessary, Moscow Mules are traditionally served in a copper mug which keeps the drink cold for longer.
- Use fresh ingredients. Freshly squeezed lime and grapefruit juice taste better than using store bought.
- STIRRED not shaken. When making cocktails with a fizzy component, like ginger beer, you want to stir them instead of shaking. Shaking the cocktail will cause it to lose a lot of its fizz before it is consumed.
- Keep ingredients chilled. Since this recipe doesn’t use a cocktail shaker, make sure all the ingredients are super cold before putting it all together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Moscow Mules served in a copper mug?
Moscow Mules are often served in copper mugs to keep the drink colder. Copper is a conductor, so it can heat and cool very quickly. Adding icy ingredients to a copper mug helps keep the drink colder for longer.
What's the difference between a mule and a Moscow Mule?
A Moscow Mule is a cocktail with vodka, ginger beer, and lime. There are many versions of this drink using different liquors or add-ins. A Moscow Mule is specifically made with vodka, but there can also be other “mules” made with different alcohols.
Is there alcohol in ginger beer?
No, ginger beer is a non-alcoholic carbonated beverage. Despite the name, it does not contain alcohol, much like root “beer”.
More Vodka Cocktails
- Hibiscus Vodka Prosecco Cocktail
- Spiked Vodka Lemonade with Kiwi
- Blackberry Vodka & Elderflower Cocktail
- Pitcher Watermelon & Blueberry Vodka Smash
- Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail
More Mule Recipes
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Grapefruit Rosemary Moscow Mule
Equipment
- Jigger
- Copper Mug optional
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Vodka
- 1½ ounces Lime Juice
- 2 ounces Grapefruit Juice
- 4 ounces Ginger Beer
Instructions
- Fill your cup with ice.
- In order, pour the grapefruit juice, lime juice and vodka into your cup.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and rosemary sprig.
Notes
- Use a copper mug! While not necessary, Moscow Mules are traditionally served in a copper mug which keeps the drink cold for longer.
- STIRRED not shaken. When making cocktails with a fizzy component, like ginger beer, you want to stir them instead of shaking. Shaking the cocktail will cause it to lose a lot of its fizz before it is consumed.
- Keep ingredients chilled. Since this recipe doesn’t use a cocktail shaker, make sure all the ingredients are super cold before putting it all together.
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