Basil Lemonade Moscow Mule

Tangy, spicy, light and refreshing- this Basil Lemonade Moscow Mule and Virgin Mule recipe uses ginger beer, lemonade, basil, and vodka (or juniper soda) for a truly good cocktail or mocktail!

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Basil Lemonade Moscow Mule

There's nothing better than lemonade in summer, right?

Well- that's wrong right off the bat… Moscow Mules are one of our summer favorites.

They are light, refreshing, good- and get you there without filling you up. The combination of vodka and ginger beer is divine- and the ginger beer always helps settle our stomach after a big meal, or keep us from feeling full like beers often can.

The virgin version of moscow mules are also one of our all-time favorite drinks!

So we decided to combine our two favorite drinks- lemonade and moscow mules- for an epic summer sipper.

(important note: we do get questions often about Ginger Beer. Ginger beer is NOT alcoholic- it is made like root beer or ginger ale- but has a LOT more ginger flavor than ginger ale. You can find ginger beer almost everywhere these days- but we are pretty picky about brands.)

While moscow mules do traditionally use citrus to cut the ginger beer's flavor, we decided to switch it up a bit with lemonade.

Adding basil is a great way to take the flavor up even more- it is a fabulous compliment to slightly tangy and sweet lemonade, and gingers' spicy heat.

And like a lot of our mocktailsthis is truly one of the most good drinks even without booze. We're using juniper soda for a bit of a dry, earthy kick- we might even like the virgin version more than the alcoholic one! (Well, we all know that isn't true— but we do love a balanced, unique mocktail that doesn't rely on sugary sodas or juice. These are suited to sipping all day long!)

This is an excellent party drink- you can pre-mix the basil, lemonade, and vodka/juniper soda (this actually helps the flavors develop and “marry” more) and display it in a cute jug or pitcher, and have guests top up their cocktail or mocktail with ginger beer when they are ready to drink it.

For an extra fun and good version, try adding cherry ginger beer!

We personally recommend the Cock 'n Bull brand of ginger beer. It isn't too sweet and has more spicy ginger flavor, which keeps the drink balanced and interesting. We also like to use a good premium lemonade for balanced flavor that doesn't taste fake.

More good Drinks

If you are a Moscow mule lover, try our Gin Buck or Simple Peach Bellinis for a hot summer's day. Check out these other favorite drinks:

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Ingredients

• 4 oz lemonade
• 6 leaves basil, lightly muddled + 6 for garnish
• 2 oz vodka, OR 2 oz juniper soda
• 4 oz ginger beer, preferably Cock 'n Bull brand

Method

1. In a copper mug or pitcher (if making a large batch), lightly muddle basil by pressing it with a wooden spoon so some oils and flavors release.
2. Add lemonade and vodka (or juniper soda), stir well.
3. Add ice, stir.
4. Add ginger beer immediately when serving- if making a large batch, you can pre-mix the lemonade and vodka/juniper soda, and then have guests pour ginger beer when they are ready to drink.
5. Garnish with basil leaves.