Sweet, spicy, and so good – this Italian Mule Cocktail with Fernet and Ginger Beer is a good twist to a traditional Moscow mule with an herbal liqueur kick thanks to Fernet Branca for a fernet cocktail everyone loves.

Fernet has been a bit of a specialty lately and is enjoying recent trendiness (like similar earthy/bitter liqueurs like Campari gaining in popularity), and we couldn't be happier about the recent surge in popularity! These Fernet cocktails are suited to a party, great for a bridal shower, good for day drinking (no shade here), or a solid happy hour indulgence that won't take over your tastebuds like many cloyingly sweet cocktails can!

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.

How to Make Fernet Ginger Italian Mules

First assemble the following ingredients:

Fernet-Branca (1½ oz) – This bold Italian amaro adds a deep, herbal bitterness that anchors the drink with complexity.
Fresh lime juice (¾ oz) – Bright and tangy lime juice cuts through the bitterness and adds refreshing citrus balance.
Ginger beer (1 can) – Spicy, effervescent ginger beer brings warmth and lift to the cocktail, tying the flavors together.
Lime wedge (1) – A simple lime wedge garnish enhances aroma and offers an extra squeeze of zest if desired.

Combine and Top

Add the fernet-branca and lime juice to a glass, stir to combine. Top with ginger beer and garnish if desired with a lime wedge, enjoy!

Kitchen notes

Stir it up. Stir the fernet and lime juice over ice to get it cold – it will taste the best, and it will keep the ginger beer's carbonation nice and fizzy!

Look for low sugar ginger beer – we like Fever Tree or Q.

Fresh is always best for lime juice – you can use the stuff from a bottle, but i think fresh always wins.

Use high-quality ginger beer – Opt for a spicy, robust ginger beer to balance Fernet's intense herbal notes.

Chill all ingredients – Cold Fernet, lime juice, and ginger beer keep the drink crisp and refreshing.

Use fresh lime juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness and freshness that bottled juice can't match.

Stir gently, don't shake – To preserve the ginger beer's carbonation, gently stir the cocktail instead of shaking.

Serve in a copper mug or highball glass – A copper mug enhances the traditional mule experience and keeps the drink icy cold.

Add ice last – Fill the glass with ice after adding Fernet and lime, then top with ginger beer to maintain effervescence.

A few answers

What does Fernet-Branca taste like?

Fernet-Branca has a strong, bitter, and herbal flavor with notes of mint, spice, and menthol.

Can we use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lime juice is best for brightness and balance, but bottled can work in a pinch if it's 100% juice.

What type of ginger beer should we use?

Use a spicy, high-quality ginger beer (like Fever-Tree or Q Mixers) to stand up to Fernet's boldness.

Is this drink bitter?

Yes, it has a distinctly bitter and herbal profile, but the lime and ginger beer help balance it out.

Can we batch this cocktail for a party?

Yes, mix the Fernet and lime juice ahead of time, then add ginger beer and ice before serving to keep it fizzy.

Is there a non-alcoholic version?

Try using a zero-proof herbal amaro alternative, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer for a similar flavor profile without alcohol.

Other good Cocktails

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Ingredients

1½ oz. Fernet-Branca
¾ oz. fresh lime juice
1 can ginger beer, enough to top off glass
1 lime wedge, to garnish

Method

Pour fernet and lime juice over ice, stir vigorously to chill.
Top with ginger beer and garnish with lime.

Fernet Ginger Mule Cocktail