Why I love this blueberry moscow mule cocktail
This Blueberry Moscow Mule recipe is a twist on the classic Moscow mule cocktail.
It combines the traditional blend of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer with fresh blueberries and mint to create a delightful mix of sweet and tart flavors complemented by the spicy kick of ginger beer.
Which also looks beautiful thanks to the vibrant hues of the blueberries.
This cocktail is super easy to make and can be made ahead of time in a pitcher. So you can spend your time relaxing, instead of mixing drinks.
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, it really is the perfect refreshing summer drink.
More blueberry cocktail recipes
Ingredients
Here is your shopping list (for 1 cocktail):
- Fresh produce – ¼ cup fresh blueberries, 1 lime, 3 to 4 fresh mint leaves – spearmint is the best type of mint to use for cocktails.
- Alcohol – 2 oz vodka
- Mixer – 6 oz ginger beer, ice – Ginger beer is what gives the Moscow Mule its distinctive flavor, so choose a good quality brand that you enjoy.
Substitutions & Additions
- For extra blueberry flavor, use blueberry vodka instead of regular vodka.
- Substitute fresh lemon juice for lime juice if you prefer.
- You can use bottled lime juice if that’s what you have on hand. But I think fresh juice tastes a lot better.
- For muddling, frozen blueberries will work instead of fresh ones. You can also replace some of the ice with frozen blueberries to keep the drink cold and flavorful.
- If you can’t find ginger beer, you can use ginger ale instead. However, it doesn’t have the same spice to it so the drink won’t be as flavorful.
This recipe should be naturally gluten-free since most vodkas and true ginger beers are. But check the ingredients of the brand you are buying to be sure.
This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How to make a blueberry Moscow mule
1 | Prep work
To start, squeeze the juice from half a lime (which should be enough for 1 ounce).
This acidic component will help balance the sweetness of the blueberries and the spice of the ginger beer.
2 | Muddle
In the bottom of a copper mug or glass, you’ll begin by muddling together half of your blueberries, 3 mint leaves, and the freshly squeezed lime juice.
Muddling is a technique that involves pressing the ingredients against the bottom of the mug to release their flavors.
A muddler is ideal for this, but if you don’t have one, the back of a spoon can be an effective tool.
The goal is to gently crush the blueberries and mint leaves to infuse the lime juice with their essence.
Avoid shredding the mint into tiny pieces as they can be unpleasant to drink.3 | Add alcohol
Next, fill your mug with ice.
Pour in the vodka and give it a good stir. This mixes the vodka with the muddled fruit and mint, ensuring that the flavors are well blended.
4 | Add the mixer and garnish
Top off your mug with ginger beer, filling it to just below the rim.
Then garnish your drink with the remaining blueberries and a sprig of fresh mint.
How to make a big batch
To make a big batch, you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup lime juice (about 4 limes)
- 16 mint leaves
- 2 cups vodka
- ice
- 48 ounces ginger beer
Make the blueberry vodka mixture:
- Add the blueberries, lime juice and mint leaves to a large pitcher.
- Muddle to combine the flavors. When I’m mixing large quantities like this, I find the back of a large slotted spoon works better than a muddler.
- Mix in the vodka.
Serve:
- Pour about 3 ounces of the vodka mixture into each glass.
- Add the ice.
- Top with ginger beer and garnishes.
How to make ahead
To make ahead of time, do the muddling step and add the vodka without the ice.
Then store in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
You don’t want to add the ice or ginger beer until just before serving time. Otherwise the ice will melt and water down your drink. And the ginger beer will go flat.
To serve, pour about 3 ounces of the muddled blueberry vodka mixture into each glass, add ice and top with ginger beer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries are a great alternative if fresh ones aren’t available. Just remember to thaw them before use to ensure they blend well into the drink and release their full flavor.
Is it necessary to use a copper mug for a Moscow Mule?
While not strictly necessary, serving a Moscow Mule in a copper mug is traditional and adds to the experience. The copper helps keep the drink colder longer and may enhance the flavors of the ginger beer and vodka. However, if you don’t have a copper mug, any glass will do.
Blueberry Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- ¼ cup fresh or frozen blueberries divided
- 3 fresh mint leaves plus extra for garnish (if desired)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ice
- 2 oz vodka
- 6 oz ginger beer
Instructions
- Muddle together half of the blueberries, mint leaves, and the lime juice in the bottom of a copper mug (glass is fine).¼ cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 3 fresh mint leaves, 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Fill the mug with ice.
- Pour in vodka and stir.2 oz vodka
- Top with ginger beer.6 oz ginger beer
- Garnish with remaining blueberries and a sprig of fresh mint.
Notes
- Frozen blueberries will work instead of the fresh ones.
- For extra blueberry flavor, substitute blueberry vodka for the regular vodka.
- In a pinch, ginger ale will work instead of ginger beer (although the flavor isn’t quite as good).
- To make ahead of time, combine the muddled ingredients with the vodka and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Then pour into a glass, add ice and the ginger beer.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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