Description

This refreshing cocktail delivers the classic spicy kick and citrus zest you expect from a traditional mule, but without the added sugars. It features the crisp bite of ginger paired with smooth vodka and tart lime, making it a satisfying, bubbly option for happy hour or a relaxing evening. It’s simple to build in the glass and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups ice cubes (or enough to fill the mug)
2 fl oz vodka (quality unflavored brand preferred) (60 ml)
1/2 fl oz fresh lime juice (about 1/2 a medium lime) (15 ml)
6–8 fl oz diet ginger beer or sugar-free ginger ale (chilled) (180–240 ml)
1 sprig fresh mint (for garnish and aroma)
Optional: 1 lime wheel (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the mug: Fill a copper mug or highball glass to the top with ice cubes. The copper mug helps keep the drink distinctively frosty, but any glass works.
Add the spirits: Pour the vodka and fresh lime juice directly over the ice.
Top and stir: Slowly pour the diet ginger beer into the glass to fill (about 6 to 8 ounces, depending on glass size). Give the mixture a single, gentle stir with a spoon or straw to combine without killing the carbonation.
Garnish and serve: Clap the fresh mint sprig between your hands once to release its oils and tuck it into the ice. Add a lime wheel if desired and serve immediately while ice-cold.

Notes

Why it works:

Temperature Control: Using a copper mug and plenty of ice keeps the liquid temperature extremely low, which suppresses the “burn” of the alcohol and highlights the crisp ginger flavor.
Acid Balance: Fresh lime juice cuts through the earthiness of the ginger, providing a bright finish that bottled juice cannot replicate.

Key Success Warnings:

Ginger Beer vs. Ale: Diet Ginger Beer usually has a much stronger, spicier ginger kick than Ginger Ale. For the authentic experience, look for a “Diet” or “Zero Sugar” Ginger Beer.
Don’t Over-stir: Stirring too vigorously effectively flattens the drink. A quick lift of the spoon is all you need.
Ice Quality: Use fresh ice. Old freezer ice can absorb odors that ruin the clean taste of the vodka.

Allergy Alert:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Sweetener sensitivity: Ensure you are comfortable with the specific sweetener used in your chosen brand of diet ginger beer (e.g., aspartame, sucralose, or stevia).

Nutrition

Nutrition information is calculated using third-party databases and is provided as a courtesy. Since values vary by brand and produce, we suggest calculating them yourself for the most accurate results.