Moscow Mule Mocktail

I have always been a HUGE fan of Moscow Mules, so I knew I needed to make it into a mocktail! The spicy ginger and sweet lime combination on it’s own has just enough bold flavor without being overpowering.

Even though it tastes great without the vodka, this mocktail still needed a little something to kick it up a notch. This is where my non alcoholic, All the Bitter, aromatic bitters comes in!

The aromatic bitters add a depth of flavor and an alcohol-like quality to non alcoholic Moscow Mules. I am sure you’re wondering about the vodka… I did test 3 different zero proof vodkas but they just did not add anything special like the aromatic bitters did.

More Reasons to LOVE This Non Alcoholic Moscow Mule

• 4 easy ingredients
• takes minutes to mix up
• low in sugar and calories
• no fancy bar equipment needed

What Is A Moscow Mule Mocktail?

A Moscow Mule Mocktail is the alcohol free version of the classic and very popular Moscow Mule cocktail. Moscow Mules are made by stirring together super cold vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. The flavors are spicy ginger, sweet floral lime, with a refreshing fizz.

Ginger beer is arguably the most important part of a Moscow Mule Mocktail. It not only makes up more than half of the volume in this mocktail, but it is also the main flavor you taste. I tried a whole bunch, like almost 10, so you don’t have to. Keep reading to find which ones I recommend!

Moscow Mule Mocktail Ingredients

It is so easy to make a non alcoholic Moscow Mule. Below are the 4 simple ingredients you will need, plus a few notes and potential substitutions.

• Non Alcoholic Aromatic Bitters: This adds a needed depth of flavor. All The Bitter is my go to (get 10% off by using my code ENTIRELY10). Just make sure they are alcohol free, most bitters at the store are 40% alcohol or more!
• Fresh Lime: We will use both lime juice and wedges. I do not recommend swapping for bottled lime juices, they just don’t have the same taste.
• Tonic Water: Feel free to use club soda, mineral water, or other neutral flavored beverages.
• Ginger Beer: Look for one that is made with real ginger and no artificial sweeteners. Also, make sure it is alcohol free because some original ginger beers do contain alcohol. I give my 4 favorites further down in this post.

NOTE: I chose to use aromatic bitters in place of zero proof vodka. The vodka seemed to fight with the lime and ginger notes instead of adding to the flavor profile. But, if you want to experiment on your own I recommend trying Arkay, Strykk, and CleanCo (I have all three in my bar and use them differently).

Equipment Needed

• Copper Mugs: Moscow Mules are always served in handled copper mugs and I like to carry on the tradition. Plus they seem to keep the mocktail colder longer. If you do not have copper mugs, feel free to use any drinkware you do have.
• Citrus Juicer for juicing the lime. I like using a handheld juicer the best.
• Cocktail Stirrer or a long handled spoon.

How to Make Moscow Mule Mocktails

Here’s a quick summary of how to make your non alcoholic Moscow Mule. The recipe card below will have complete details.

1. ADD non alcoholic aromatic bitters, lime juice, and tonic water into your copper mug. Top it off with ginger beer.

2. GARNISH with a lime wedge and sprig of fresh mint. Stir well prior to drinking.

4 Best Ginger Beer Brands for Mule Mocktails

As I said above, I tried close to 10 different ginger beers so you don’t have to! It is important to having a really good non alcoholic Moscow Mule. Here are my favorites (not in any particular order) and tasting notes.

1. Reed’s Extra Ginger Brew. It has a very distinct ginger flavor and is the spiciest option. It has a moderate level of carbonation and goes down smooth. There are other varieties with less and more spice to choose from as well.
2. Fever Tree Premium Ginger Beer. This one is super smooth and refreshing but still has a decent ginger kick. It can be a little pricey though.
3. Q Drinks Ginger Beer. It has the spicy ginger kick but more bubbly carbonation. This one is known for being a great base to drinks because of it’s bold flavor.
4. Barritt’s Diet Ginger Beer. It’s zero calories and no sugar (without an odd aftertaste)! The flavor is on the lighter side when it comes to ginger but still a great option.

Pro Tips You NEED To Know

If your mule mocktail is too bitter, add a sweetener. A bitter mocktail can happen depending on the sweetness level of the ginger beer and lime juice. Just add a half ounce of agave, simple syrup, or honey at a time until it tastes the way you like.

Do not substitute ginger ale for ginger beer. Ginger ale tends to be overly sweet and does not have the same amount of bold ginger kick that is needed.

Chill the ingredients ahead of time. This is so you will have a super cold drink without the added ice to water it down. I like ice in my drink, but I know many who prefer their mocktails without.

Fun Moscow Mule Mocktail Variations

This non alcoholic Moscow Mule is the perfect blank page for other delicious flavor combinations. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

• Kentucky Mule Mocktail: Use non alcoholic bourbon or whiskey instead of the vodka. I prefer American Malt from Lyre’s.
• Gin-Gin Mule Mocktail: Use non alcoholic gin instead of the vodka. My favorite is Monday Gin.
• Mexican Mule Mocktail: Use non alcoholic tequila instead of the vodka. I use Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit.
• Dark ‘n Stormy Mocktail: Use non alcoholic spiced rum instead of the vodka. I recommend Ritual Rum Alternative or Lyre’s Dark Cane Spirit. 
• Add fruit juices like pineapple, lemon, cherry, cranberry, or anything you like!
• Make it smoky with a cocktail smoker kit. I recommend this one from Aged & Charred because it comes complete with multiple wood chips.

More Non Alcoholic Drinks You Might Like:

• Gin and Tonic Mocktail
• Mimosa Mocktail
• Aperol Spritz Mocktail
• Non Alcoholic Mulled Wine
• Smoked Whiskey Sour Mocktail
• Strawberry Mojito Mocktail
• Sunrise Mocktail
• Spicy Margarita Mocktail
• Pina Colada Mocktail
• Browse all non alcoholic drinks and mocktails HERE