This Strawberry-Basil Moscow Mule is a fruity twist on the classic! Mixed with vodka and spicy ginger beer, it’s a perfect cocktail for a hot summer afternoon.
You know that drink you sometimes see when you’re in a bar, served in a copper mug? This is a Moscow Mule.
A classic Moscow Mule consists of only three ingredients:Vodka, lime juice and ginger beer– and while this is delicious (yes) and easy to make (yes again), I wanted to add a fruity twist to this classic.
Our summer twist on the Moscow Mule
Our summer version of the Moscow Mule adds strawberry and basil to the mix – a flavor combination that’s just as classic as vodka and ginger!
The sweetness of the strawberry and the herbal draw of the basil harmonize particularly well in this drink with vodka and ginger beer, the traditional ingredients that add lightness and a pinch of spice.
Which vodka to use
I like Tito. It’s not too expensive and it’s made in Texas, which makes this Texan happy. However, any budget vodka will do. Since you’re pairing it with strawberry and ginger beer, this isn’t the time to show off an expensive brand.
I prefer a spicier ginger beer here, mostly because you get a bit more sweetness from the strawberry. Fentimans makes a ginger beer with a nice spicy kick, as does Fever Tree. Gosling’s is a little easier to find and still makes a very nice drink.
Resist the temptation to substitute ginger ale for the ginger beer – you lose a lot of flavor and the drink becomes very sweet.
A note on these copper mugs
The ones pictured here are from Moscow Muled, but copper mugs can be found in many places. I like how the cups develop a nice frost after sitting outside for a bit.
It’s debatable whether or not they actually make your drink colder, but they certainly look good!
More fresh and fruity cocktails you’ll love
- Sparkling strawberry sangria
- Pomegranate Paloma
- Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
- Blueberry Pitcher Margaritas
- Cranberry Apple Sangria
Strawberry Basil Moscow Mule
The proportions for this drink are designed for a Moscow Mule mug, which typically measures 16 ounces. If you don’t have a copper mug, you can make it in a regular glass – just make sure it’s around 16 ounces for best results!
This drink also goes really well with tequila if you fancy it.
ingredients
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2 ounces of vodka
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4 or 5 strawberries (5 for medium to large strawberries, 4 for really huge ones)
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5 basil leaves
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3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
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Crushed Ice
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2 to 3 ounces ginger beer or up
method
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Muddle the strawberries and basil:
Pour the strawberries and basil into the bottom of a shaker. Pour the lime juice over them, then mash them with a pestle or the back of a spoon. Do this enough to gently mash the strawberries, but not completely pulverize them.
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Add the vodka and shake:
Pour the vodka into the shaker, then the ice. (I find 4 or 5 large cubes per drink works well.) Cover and shake for about 30 seconds.
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stress:
Strain directly into a copper mug filled with crushed ice or double strain by pouring the drink through a tea strainer that catches the finer particles. A single variety is also fine.
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Add ginger beer:
Fill the mug with ginger beer. Drink on a terrace in the sun!
