Make your patio nights even more refreshing with this minted strawberry Moscow mule! Sweet, fruity and a touch spicy, this fresh strawberry-mint cocktail packs a punch of flavor that everyone is sure to love. Plus, this classic vodka cocktail requires only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to put together, making it perfect for entertaining.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Get excited, mule lovers. I have another mule recipe for you, and it's a delight.
Like my grapefruit gin mule and cherry-orange Kentucky mule, this cocktail takes fresh fruit to give it a fun, delicious twist. In this case, ripe strawberries serve as our fruit of choice for the perfect spring or summer sipper. I tend to play it seasonal with my cocktails, so when the warmer days start to pop up, I say we enjoy all the strawberry-flavored drinks we can handle, such as this strawberry mojito, strawberry-basil Tom Collins, strawberry mint julep and roasted strawberry margarita.
And now we get to add this minted strawberry Moscow mule cocktail to our favorite recipes list! Lucky us. Looks like we're in for some good drinking this season.
Ingredients
Now let's gather our minted strawberry Moscow mule ingredients. Here are a few notes and tips.
Fresh strawberries: This gives us the perfect sweetness. You can also substitute frozen strawberries. Just make sure you thaw the berries first.
Fresh mint leaves: Make sure you have an extra sprig for a garnish. You'll love the fragrance it gives with every sip.
Vodka: Grey Goose is a good option for a top-shelf mule, but if you're looking for a mid-range vodka, Tito's Vodka or Deep Eddy Vodka work well. These days, you can also find a lot of high-quality vodka from local distilleries for affordable prices.
Ginger beer: To give us that perfect spice kick. I love the brand from Fever Tree, but feel free to use your favorite ginger beer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Even if you're new to home bartending, you'll find mixing this strawberry Moscow Mule recipe is as simple as it gets.
Step 1: We grab a copper mug and throw in a couple strawberries and lime juice, and then we muddle until the strawberries break down and just about liquify. Then, we add the mint and lightly muddle (photo 1). Mint can turn bitter if it's overworked, which is why I like to muddle it after the berries break down.
Step 2: Now we add some vodka and a handful of ice cubes and give it a stir to chill and combine (photo 2).
Step 3: We top the mixture with that spicy ginger beer (photo 3).
Step 4: For an extra fancy touch, we place a sprig of mint in the palm of our hand and quickly clap over it. This step releases the mint's wonderful fragrance. We garnish it on the copper mug along with a fresh strawberry.
And just like that, all that's left is to sip the night away with this fresh strawberry mule. Couldn't be simpler, right? Right.
Pro tip: Moscow mules are traditionally made in the mug, but if you prefer a strained cocktail to eliminate fresh fruit bits, you can prepare it in a cocktail shaker instead. Please see the recipe card for more detailed instructions.
Recipe FAQs
I love serving Moscow mules in copper mugs. The copper insulates our strawberry-mint Moscow mule to make it extra refreshing, and they're oh-so pretty.
That said, you can certainly serve these mules in another cocktail glass if you don't have copper mugs on hand. Don't let a lack of copper mugs stop you from making this delicious fresh strawberry mule.
No, the two are not equal substitutes and will result in very different drinks. While both show off a bubbly finish, ginger ale is sweeter and milder while ginger beer has a much spicier kick. That's not to say that ginger ale wouldn't make for a delicious cocktail, but ginger beer is what gives mules its distinctive flavor.
Nothing makes entertaining easier than a batched cocktail, and you can certainly convert this strawberry mule into a pitcher recipe. We simply add the strawberries and lime juice to a pitcher and muddle, and then add the mint leaves for a second muddle -- just like the method for preparing a single drink.
After muddling, we pour in the vodka and stir to combine. If serving right away, go ahead and add the ginger beer. Otherwise, refrigerate for up to a day and then stir in the ginger beer right before serving.
Absolutely, mules make for great mocktails. Despite its name, ginger beer is nonalcoholic, so all you have to do is leave out the vodka, and you have yourself one refreshing strawberry mule mocktail.
Expert Tips
Make your own variations: Strawberries are just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with other fruits, like blackberries, blueberries and peaches.
Try other liquors: Vodka is standard for a classic Moscow mule recipe, but you can also make variations using gin, bourbon or tequila -- they're all delicious.
If you need a muddler substitute: If you like making drinks, I recommend picking up a muddler, but a wooden spoon will take care of the job if you don't have one on hand.
Get the right limes: When sorting through limes at the store, pick those that have some give when you press them. Hard limes are a sign that they're dried out.
For proper juicing: Before juicing the lime, firmly roll it under the palm of your hand on the countertop several times to release the juice.
Perfect Pairing
I always love salmon and strawberries together. Those tart notes from the strawberries add a nice brightness that helps cut through the fatty salmon. Fortunately for you, I love salmon and have some delicious options. Give this minted strawberry Moscow mule a try with my smoked salmon risotto, burrata-blackened salmon panzanella salad, slow-roasted blood orange salmon or salmon-avocado burgers.
For a refreshing dessert, my strawberry mojito sorbet is also lovely and perfectly matches the drink's summertime flavors. It's also delicious with these blueberry-strawberry shortcakes and strawberry poke cake.
When you're in the mood for a fun twist on a classic cocktail, I hope you try this minted strawberry Moscow mule. It's the perfect sweet and spicy mule cocktail to enjoy on a warm night.
Cheers!
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Minted Strawberry Moscow Mule
Equipment
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Citrus juicer
- Muddler
- Copper mug
Ingredients
- 2 strawberries hulled and sliced, plus additional for garnish, optional
- 0.5 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 ounces vodka
- Ice
- 6 ounces chilled ginger beer
- Fresh mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Add the strawberries and lime juice to a copper mug and muddle until the berries break down. Then, add the mint leaves and lightly muddle a few times.
- Pour in the vodka and add a handful of ice. Stir until chilled.
- Top with ginger beer and gently stir to combine.
- Place the mint sprig in the palm of one hand and quickly clap your other hand on top. This releases its oil for a more fragrant drinking experience. Garnish with the mint sprig and an additional strawberry. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don't overwork the mint or it could turn bitter. Just a few twist should do for muddling.
- If you don't have a muddler, a wooden spoon will take care of the job.
- When sorting through limes at the store, pick those that have some give when you press them. Hard limes are a sign that they're dried out.
- Before juicing the lime, firmly roll it under the palm of your hand on the countertop several times to release the juice.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Chandice says
What a fun fruity drink that I could even make non-alcoholic! It was super simple and beautiful to serve.
Ann says
I love a Moscow mule, and this recipe was delicious, perfect for summer! Those fresh strawberries added a nice fruity flavor. Thanks for the share!