Raspberry Moscow Mule

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

The fruity and tart Raspberry Moscow Mule is a delicious, refreshing spin on a cocktail classic.

In terms of fruit, there’s quite a selection out there for us to enjoy. For myself, I’m in love with berries. All of them, just about. Especially blackberries and strawberries. Blueberries live rent-free on my bacon pancake stacks, as well as in some healthy overnight oats or on some ooey-gooey French toast. But where my heart truly lives is amongst juicy, plump, and fresh raspberries. An all-time favorite snack is a bowl of bright red raspberries topped with a hefty dollop of whipped cream. Sweet, tart, and it’s good for me, too—even with too much whipped cream on top.

If you’ve been following my exploits here, then you’re already aware of my admiration for a balanced cocktail. Sometimes strong and crisp, other times bubbly and bursting with flavor. Tonight’s recipe falls into the latter category. The Raspberry Moscow Mule takes a legendary libation, in this instance the Moscow Mule, of course, and adds some sweet and extra tasty raspberries to the mix. Sounds simple enough—and it is—but the final result tastes miles beyond even the most complicated of concoctions.

And you don’t want to use any fruit-flavored syrup either. Muddled raspberries are the way to any drinker’s heart when crafting this cocktail. As their sweetness melds with the tart bite from the lime juice, any thirst you may have will most assuredly be washed away upon your first taste.

So the next time you and your friends are craving the kick from a Mule, add a few berries to the mix.

What is the best Vodka to use in a Raspberry Moscow Mule?

While you can ramp up the fruit element by using a raspberry-flavored or -infused vodka as your spirit base, I’m going to recommend a plain and unflavored variety instead. With the combination of the muddled raspberries and lime juice, along with the spiced and strong-tasting ginger beer, you’ll want a liquor that’ll blend in a balanced way with the other ingredients. Vodka takes on the qualities of what it is mixed with, and while it doesn’t disappear entirely, the overall taste of your cocktail won’t be overwhelmed by any one addition.

What glassware and garnish are used?

The traditional way to imbibe any version of the Moscow Mule is out of a copper mug. Stainless steel Mule mugs have also become more widely used and popular in recent years. If you don’t have either option available to you, a rocks glass filled 3/4 of the way with crushed ice will suit your drink nicely. Once poured, garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and a few raspberries on top.

What is the best ginger beer to use?

While any ginger beer will make your drink a bubbly and robust affair, my personal favorite brand is Fever-Tree. Each mixer they craft and produce is made specifically to give whatever you’re drinking a balanced taste, and they’re also easy to find at your local grocery or liquor store.

Other Moscow Mule variations Worth Trying

You know you’re doing something right in the world when imitators and offshoots start to appear in response. Like the classic Moscow Mule. That’s a concoction that is so good, popular, and unforgettable that you can find a plethora of different versions at any number of bars you may find yourself in. Try these below for a start, then explore the site for even more luscious libations.

• Rum Mule – Like the name says, this Mule kicks with the power of rum.
• Gin-Gin Mule – Gin is the base in this bright, bubbly, and spiced tipple.
• Kentucky Mule – You’ll be off to the races with this bourbon-built beverage.
• Virgin Moscow Mule – All the flavor and refreshment without those pesky hangovers the next morning.