Let’s learn how to make a Moscow Mule Mocktail! This virgin moscow mule is non-alcoholic and made with fresh, vibrant flavors you’ll love. It’s sweet, spicy, and so refreshing–the perfect ginger beer mocktail!

Front view of two non-alcoholic moscow mule mocktails in copper mugs with fresh mint and lime slices

Re-making a classic cocktail with the mocktail version is one of my favorite kinds of recipe development! It’s so fun (and tasty!) to take these traditional recipes and re-make them so they’re family friendly.

We’ve tackled mocktail recipes for traditional cocktails, like the Blue Hawaiian and a virgin Paloma, but today’s challenge is a virgin moscow mule mocktail. The traditional moscow mule cocktail is made from vodka, simple syrup, lime juice, and ginger beer, and this easy mocktail recipe is a great non-alcoholic spin on the classic.

Our virgin version has been re-worked to keep the same fresh flavor from the tangy lime juice and the spicy bite from the ginger, just without the alcohol. The bold flavors and pretty presentation make this a perfect drink for a special occasion!

This crisp, refreshing mocktail is perfect for an evening in, a family holiday party, or a fun celebration any time, and it’s SUPER easy to make. And the best part is: you only need a few simple ingredients to get started…

ingredients for virgin moscow mule mocktails

Gather Your Ingredients

One thing you’ll love about this virgin Moscow Mule recipe? The key ingredients are SIMPLE. It’s one of the easiest mocktails around, since there’s nothing too tricky or hard to find here! You’ll need:

Plenty Of Ice. A Moscow mule is meant to be served ice cold, so don’t skimp on the ice!
Simple Syrup. For an extra layer of flavor, we’re making mint simple syrup. I love the refreshing note it adds!
Fresh Lime Juice. This isn’t the time for bottle lime juice. I promise it’s worth it to use fresh for the best flavor!
Ginger Beer. Sparkly, spicy ginger beer packs the biggest flavor punch in this ginger beer mocktail! Ginger beer isn’t the same thing as ginger ale–it’s non-alcoholic, less sweet, and has a more ginger-forward flavor. It adds a pleasant zing to this flavorful drink you can’t get from ginger ale!
Sparkling Water Or Soda Water. Then, you’ll top off the glass with some club soda (sometimes called soda water) or sparkling water.
Fresh Garnishes. Then, finish this delicious drink with a few garnishes, lime slices/lime wheels or lime wedges and fresh mint leaves are my go-tos.
Bonus Points: A Copper Mug. Moscow mules are traditionally served in beautiful copper mugs. They make this refreshing drink feel extra cold and give it a fun, nostalgic look. (Make sure your Moscow Mule mugs are food-grade copper or lined with stainless steel, since copper can leach into foods.) Don’t have one? A regular glass works great, too!

WE ♥

How To Make A Moscow Mule Mocktail, Step By Step

As always, you can find the full recipe with ingredient amounts, detailed instructions, and tips in the recipe card below!

Start With The Mint Simple Syrup

Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then turn off the heat and add fresh mint leaves.
Steep the mint for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours, then cool to room temperature.
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve and store in a glass jar.
Mint syrup will keep several weeks in the fridge and can be made in advance.

making a virgin moscow mule mocktail, step by step

Then, Make The Mocktail

Fill a copper mug (or glass) with ice cubes.
Pour in simple syrup, lime juice, and ginger beer. Top off the cup with sparkling water.
Garnish with lime slices, fresh leaves or a sprig of fresh mint, and more!

Moscow Mule Variations To Try

Ready to make a moscow mule mocktail with a twist? Try one of these different flavors:

Cranberry Moscow Mule Mocktail. This cranberry mule mocktail is a great option for the holiday season! This holiday twist adds a cranberry juice blend & a few fun garnishes. Or, you can use a cranberry-pomegranate juice blend and use pomegranate arils!
Orange Moscow Mule Mocktail. Swapping the citrus is a great way to change things up! Use 2 oz (1/4 cup) fresh orange juice and 4 oz. (1/2 cup) ginger beer. Garnish with an orange slice or two.
Pineapple Moscow Mule Mocktail. A delicious, unique twist for a warm summer day! Use 2 oz. (1/4 cup) of pineapple juice and 4 oz. (1/2 cup) ginger beer to make this pineapple ginger beer mocktail.

FAQ + Tips And Tricks For The Best Moscow Mule Mocktail

Is Ginger Beer The Same Thing As Ginger Ale? No. Ginger beer is spicier, with a stronger potent ginger flavor. Ginger all has a more mild ginger flavor and tends to taste much sweeter than ginger beer. The taste of the ginger beer is crucial for this recipe!

Is There Alcohol In Ginger Beer? Ginger beer is typically non-alcoholic, much like root beer. It was originally made as a fermented drink made from ginger, yeast, and sugar. These days, ginger beer is sweetened and carbonated rather than brewed and fermented. Very few brands are alcoholic these days, but if you’re a non-drinker make sure you’re buying non-alcoholic ginger beer (which is typically in the soda section).

What’s The Best Brand Of Ginger Beer? We actually did a whole Ginger Beer Taste Test of six different brands of ginger beer! TL/DR: Fever Tree is our favorite brand of ginger beer. It’s got three different varieties of ginger in it, which gives it a more nuanced, full-bodied flavor than other brands we’ve tried. Plus, it uses sugar rather than corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. Our second favorite is Target’s store brand Favorite Day. It’s got really balanced flavor that’s not as sharp as many other brands. If you’re looking for something naturally-sweetened, Q Mixers Ginger Beer uses agave, though it has the strongest peppery bite.

Why Are Moscow Mules Served In A Copper Cup?

There are two main reasons:

Temperature. Copper is an incredible conductor so it instantly becomes the temperature of your drink. Drinking a cold moscow mule mocktail out of a cold cup gives the impression that the drink is even colder than it is. (Plus, all that condensation on the outside of the glass visually makes you feel like the drink is extra-cold!)
Tradition. When the classic moscow mule was invented in the 1940s, celebrities were photographed sipping them out of copper mugs, and the trend took off. #influencing (ha!)

Front view of a non-alcoholic moscow mule mocktail in a copper mug with fresh mint and lime slices

More Fun Mocktail Recipes To Try

Cranberry Moscow Mule Mocktail

Virgin Paloma (Grapefruit Mocktail)

virgin blue hawaiian drink topped with purple flowers and fresh pineapple

Virgin Blue Hawaiian Mocktail

Recipe Card

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