What’s a Virgin Moscow Mule?
A virgin Moscow Mule is a non-alcoholic mocktail that allows people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles to enjoy this delicious beverage without the added alcohol! The recipe is similar to that of a typical mule, however instead of vodka, people use club soda as the mixer with the ginger beer. As a note, ginger beer does contain very small amounts of alcohol in it (0.5% or less, a very negligible amount), so if you are trying to avoid the substance completely, you can also opt to use ginger ale–its sweeter cousin with zero alcoholic content!History of the Moscow Mule
The origin story of the Moscow Mule has many variations (much like the drink itself) but the most widely accepted one starts at the Cock ‘n’ Bull pub on the Sunset Strip, when Sophie Berenzinski, John Martin, and Jack Morgan all put their heads together to create a drink using Sophie’s cups (copper mugs made in Russia) and John Martin’s newly-purchased Smirnoff (yes– that Smirnoff!) that could be sold as the signature beverage of Jack’s bar while also using his signature ginger beer.
Virgin Moscow Mule - Non Alcoholic Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup ginger beer (or ginger ale)
- 1 Lime (or 1-2 tbsp lime juice)
- 1/4 cup club soda or sparkling water (or sparkling water)
- Ice
- Garnish with a lime slice or fresh mint leaves Optional
Instructions
- Gather ginger beer (or ginger ale), club soda/sparkling water, ice, and lime juice and a copper mug.
- Fill the mug with ice (to taste)
- Pour ginger beer over ice, let settle. Add club soda.
- Stir and garnish with mint leaves (if desired)
Notes
Tasting Notes
- Ginger Beer/Ginger Ale: The main component provides a robust and slightly spicy flavor, with ginger beer offering a more pronounced kick compared to the sweeter and milder ginger ale.
- Lime Juice: Adds a fresh citrus tang that balances the sweetness of the ginger beer/ale and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Club Soda/Sparkling Water:Lightens the drink, adding effervescence without altering the flavor significantly.
- Mint Leaves (optional): Contribute a refreshing herbal note that complements the spiciness of the ginger and the zestiness of the lime.
Why it’s served in a copper mug?
The Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug for several reasons:
1. Temperature: Copper mugs help keep the drink colder for longer. Copper is an excellent conductor of temperature, so it quickly takes on the coldness of the drink and keeps the drink refreshingly cool.
2. Aesthetic Appeal: Copper mugs have a distinctive, attractive look that has become synonymous with the Moscow Mule. The visual appeal adds to the enjoyment of the drink.
3. Tradition: The original Moscow Mule was created in the 1940s and was served in a copper mug, partly due to a marketing collaboration between the creators of Smirnoff vodka and a copper mug manufacturer. The tradition has stuck ever since.
4. Taste Enhancement: Some people believe that the copper enhances the flavors of the ginger beer, vodka, and lime, providing a unique taste experience.
These factors combined have made the copper mug an iconic part of enjoying a Moscow Mule, whether it’s the classic version or a non-alcoholic mocktail.
Variations If you want to make this mocktail something truly your own, there are several recipe variations you can make use of.
If fruity flavors aren’t your cup of tea, some people use spicy ginger beer for an extra “kick” to their mocktails. You can also add simple syrup to enhance the sweetness without the fruit flavors.
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