With its bright citrus and floral notes and spicy ginger kick, this lively grapefruit gin mule will keep you cool on even the hottest summer days, and it only takes a few minutes to whip up. Serve in a copper mug for an extra refreshing summer cocktail.
We can't have enough summer cocktails, right? I know I share a lot of cocktail recipes around here, but I can't help it. We all work hard and deserve to kick back with a little liquid fun when the mood strikes, so I want to make sure you're never without a delicious cocktail recipe, especially during the summer months. Enter this grapefruit gin mule.
When we usually make mules, we tend to think of the Moscow mule variety, which uses vodka. I have no doubt that vodka would be delicious in this summer cocktail recipe, so if you're a vodka guy or gal, feel free to use that.
But I love a good gin cocktail in the summer. When I think of those floral and citrus flavors with the juniper, I can't help but imagine myself on a patio soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the beautiful greenery surrounding me. Gin and summer belong together, so it felt necessary to bring the two together to make such a refreshing cocktail.
Related: For more mule cocktails, try my London mule, strawberry mule and peach mule.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This grapefruit gin mule is a lazy bartender’s dream. I can’t think of an easier drink to make, which makes it great for entertaining. A pour here, a pour there, a little stirring and you're done. So let’s get to it.
We grab our copper mugs and pour in some vodka, fresh lime juice and grapefruit juice. For the grapefruit juice, you can squeeze your own or buy pure grapefruit juice. If you go with a store-bought variety, I’m partial to Simply Grapefruit. I find it’s much fresher tasting than the juice made from concentrate.
Now we throw in some ice and stir until the mug starts to frost. Top with ginger beer and add some more ice if there’s room. And we’re done! How easy is that? Go ahead and sip the night away with your ultra refreshing grapefruit gin mule.
Do I Have to Serve Mules in a Copper Mug?
You can do whatever you’d like. If you want to serve this gin mule in a sippy cup, I’m not here to judge.
That said, I love my mules in copper mugs. The copper insulates our gin mule to keep it ice cold, and the mug develops a frosty outer layer for another frigid element.
In fact, I love my copper mugs so much that Matt and I recently used them for a few non-mule cocktails because it was one scorching day. Even if you only drink mules so often, I bet you’ll get plenty of use out of copper mugs during the summer months.
Perfect Pairing
Need the perfect meal to serve with your grapefruit mule? I have you covered. My Jamaican jerk chicken recipe is perfect with this citrusy mule.
My jerk chicken isn’t shy about spices, which meld wonderfully with the ginger beer. Meanwhile, the citrusy grapefruit and lime add a lovely brightness against that warm spice profile. You'll love these two recipes together. Promise.
When the temperature starts creeping up on those summer days, I hope you cool down with this grapefruit gin mule. I have no doubt this refreshing cocktail will do the trick.
Cheers!
Searching for More Refreshing Cocktails?
- Cherry-orange Kentucky mule
- Coconut-watermelon mojito
- Sparkling key lime pie martini
- Jalapeno-mango margarita
- Blood orange margarita
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Grapefruit Gin Mule
Equipment
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Citrus juicer
- Copper mug
- Bar spoon
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin plain or grapefruit flavored
- 2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice about 1 lime
- Ice
- 4-6 ounces ginger beer
- Lime and grapefruit slices for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a copper mug, pour in the gin, grapefruit juice and lime juice with a handful of ice. Stir until combined and the mug begins to cool.
- Top with ginger beer and gently stir to combine. Garnish with lime and grapefruit slices if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Leanne @ Crumb Top Baking says
I love making mules with gin, and this grapefruit version sounds lovely and refreshing for summer! I actually bought copper mugs specifically for photos, and now I use them all the time. I can't enjoy a mule unless it's in a copper mug!!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
They really do make great multipurpose glasses!
Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life says
Ginger beer, grapefruit, lime and gin? This sounds DELICIOUS! My husband is a super big fan of ginger beer so I'm sure he'd love this. Can't wait to make this for one of our weekend evenings on the patio.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I’m sure y’all will love them!
Analida Braeger says
I have never had a mule before, but I am a grapefruit lover so I am 100% sold on this !!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Now’s a good time to give it a try! ?
Kushigalu says
Gorgeous presentation. Such a refreshing and perfect treat for summer!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thanks so much —- cheers!
Eileen Kelly says
I am a huge fan of a Moscow Mule. You are stepping up the game with this so delicious gin mule! Delicious and perfect for any party or for me, sit by the ocean and sip!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Ohhh, sit by the ocean? I might have to come drink mules with you! ?
Paula Montenegro says
Yay for the copper mugs! This drink is so easy to make and to drink, I might've found a new favorite. I always have trouble finding drinks with gin I like because they are too strong. But LOVE this grapefruit mule!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Love hearing that, Paula! The ginger beer definitely keeps the gin from being too strong.
Leslie says
I'm LOVING your photography! This is a great recipe and super cute in those copper mugs!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Aww, thanks so much, Leslie!
Eden says
I am a mule freak! I love them so much and was so excited to make this one. It turned out incredible and it was so easy to make!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
So glad to hear that, Eden! Aren’t mules the best? ?
Eva says
Ha! Those copper mugs are indeed useful on very hot days. We're not mule drinkers over here, but they're so pretty I want to own a couple. You never know once I get those mugs I may as well start making mules (Moscow, thiugh. We're vodka people over here :P).
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
You should! And nothing wrong with a good Moscow mule if you’re not a gin drinker. ?
Colleen says
I have a thing for gin in the summer time, too. And I love everything grapefruit, so this drink is right up my alley. Can't wait to make it this weekend!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Sounds perfect for you —- cheers!
Elaine Benoit says
I love Moscow Mules and your twist on the classic is perfect! I agree that the copper mugs keep the drink cold! I love grapefruit and I can't wait to make this recipe!! Weekend, here I come!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thanks, Elaine! Hope you love it.
Danielle says
Those copper mugs are definitely the only way to go when entertaining a group of friends with a drink like this. I mean, it looks incredible serving this drink in those mugs and just a great experience to have!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Totally agree! It definitely adds to the experience.