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Why have a Moscow mule or Kentucky mule when you can have a watermelon mule? This unique spin on the classic cocktail is light and refreshing.
Ready for a summer version of your favorite Moscow mule? Meet this watermelon mule, a refreshing cocktail with a light watermelon essence! Alex and I have been making a lot of drink recipes lately. What we’ve realized is that all things are more fun with a signature drink.
“Want to come over and hang out on the deck?” is made infinitely better by saying, “Want to drink watermelon mules on the deck?” Here’s how to make this tasty spin on the classic.
Love mules? Try more mule variations like this Mexican Mule, Gin Gin Mule, Mezcal Mule, Kentucky Mule, Irish Mule, or Cider Mule.
Ingredients in a watermelon mule
This watermelon mule has a subtle watermelon flavor, and is a light and refreshing version of a Moscow mule. The concept behind this version of the classic drink is using equal parts ginger beer and watermelon juice, instead of straight ginger beer. This brings in the essence of watermelon and lightens the flavor just a bit. Then, it’s got the traditional ingredients: vodka and lime juice.
How to make a watermelon mule
Because a mule is all about the carbonation in the ginger beer, this drink is not mixed in a cocktail shaker like our gin & watermelon cocktail and watermelon vodka drink. To preserve the carbonation, it’s simply mixed right in the mug and served over ice.
To make a watermelon mule, you’ll start by making watermelon juice, then add vodka, lime, and ginger beer. Here are the basic steps:
- Cut the watermelon into cubes, then blend it up.
- When it’s liquid, pass it through a fine mesh strainer to strain out the particulate. Note that you’ll get about half the quantity of watermelon juice to cubed watermelon: for example, 2 cups cubed watermelon equals about 1 cup watermelon juice.
- In each mug, combine ⅓ cup watermelon juice with ¼ cup vodka, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and ⅓ cup ginger beer.
Does a mule have to be served in a copper cup?
A Moscow mule is traditionally served in a copper cup or copped mug. But does this watermelon mule have to be served in copper? A purist would say yes. One of the reasons is that copper keeps the drink cool in a different way than glass. The cool copper rim gives a cold sensation when taking a sip.
Another reason for serving a mule in copper is tradition! The drink was invented in the 1940’s, and according to this source, it was a clever marketing scheme to sell more vodka, ginger beer, and copper mugs. People in Hollywood fell in love with the drink and there were many images of people shown drinking Moscow mules out of copper mugs. It caught on, and is popular to this day! (Who needs Instagram to start a trend?)
Of course to us, a mule doesn’t have to be served in copper at all! Whatever glass you use, it will still be a mule. However, it’s just plain fun to serve in the copper (here’s a link to our favorite Moscow mule mugs).
And that’s it: how to make a watermelon mule! Scroll down to the recipe below, and let us know if you try it out in the comments — we’d love to hear what you think.
Looking for more watermelon recipes?
Watermelon is one of the most hydrating, nutrient-dense summer fruits! Outside of this watermelon mule, here are a few of our favorite recipes with watermelon:
- Drinks: Watermelon Water, Watermelon Slushie, Watermelon Juice or Watermelon Smoothie, Watermelon Cucumber Juice or Watermelon Drink Ideas
- Cocktails: Watermelon Smash, Watermelon Mojito, Gin & Watermelon Cocktail
- Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
- Pickles: Pickled Watermelon Rind A great way to use up leftover rind!
- Other: Watermelon Skewers or Gazpacho with Watermelon
- Salad: Watermelon Salad with Mint or Watermelon Feta Salad
- Sorbet: Watermelon Sorbet
Watermelon Mule
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
Why have a Moscow mule or Kentucky mule when you can have a…watermelon mule? This unique spin on the classic cocktail is light and refreshing.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup watermelon juice (see Step 1)
- ¼ cup vodka
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus a lime slice for serving
- ⅓ cup ginger beer
Instructions
- Make the watermelon juice: To make 1 cup watermelon juice, add 2 cups cubed watermelon to a blender and blend until a juice forms. Then pour the juice through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container. This will make enough for 3 drinks, so multiply as desired!
- In a copper mug or glass, pour in the watermelon juice, vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.
- Add ice and garnish with a lime slice. Serve immediately.
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
