How to Make a Virgin Moscow Mule Mocktail
Craving something crisp, fizzy, and a little spicy, but not in the mood for alcohol? This mocktail is everything you love about the classic mule—the vibrant combo of warm ginger and tangy lime and that icy, refreshing sparkle—reimagined with Caliwater Cactus Water Ginger Lime as the base. It’s a drink that’s not just delicious, but hydrating, rich in nutrients, and low in calories.
This mocktail is perfect for sunny afternoons on the patio, holiday toasts, cozy nights by the bonfire, or anytime you want to sip something festive without the buzz. It comes together in minutes, looks stunning served in a copper mug, and feels like a special treat—whether you’re hosting a crowd or enjoying a solo wind-down.
What is a Moscow mule?
A Moscow mule is a classic cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice, traditionally served over ice in a copper mug. The copper isn’t just for looks—it helps keep the drink icy cold. Known for its spicy kick and citrusy refreshment, the mule has been a bar favorite since the 1940s.
This non-alcoholic version skips the vodka, delivering the same bold ginger and tangy lime flavor without the booze. It’s a refreshing, flavorful option that everyone can enjoy.
Why make this ginger lime mocktail?
Why settle for an ordinary mocktail when you can sip something that’s bursting with flavor and healthy perks? Our Moscow mule mocktail checks every box: refreshing, exciting, and packed with natural benefits thanks to Caliwater Cactus Water Ginger Lime. Here’s why it’s a must-make:
Sweet & spicy, just like you
This mocktail strikes the perfect balance: the warmth of ginger, the brightness of lime, and a touch of sweetness from the cactus water and ginger beer. It’s bold enough to make a statement, yet refreshingly easy to enjoy.
Hydrating with natural electrolytes
Between Caliwater Cactus Water and fresh lime juice, this mocktail is naturally rich in electrolytes. That means it helps replenish what your body loses through heat, physical activity, or just daily life—simultaneously treating your body and your taste buds.
Packed with antioxidants
From prickly pear cactus water to fresh lime, mint, and ginger, every ingredient in this mocktail contains antioxidants that help protect your cells from free radicals. It’s a refreshing sip that works hard behind the scenes while you enjoy the flavor up front.
Helps support digestion
Ginger and mint are both famous for aiding digestion and soothing the stomach. Whether you’ve just finished a big meal or want a drink that’s as functional as it is delicious, this mocktail is for you.
Low-calorie and alcohol-free
With only 30 calories per 12-ounce serving of Caliwater and no added alcohol, this mocktail is a light, guilt-free indulgence. It’s the kind of treat you can enjoy any time you want a festive sip without the booze.
Equipment needed
Before you begin mixing up this delicious mocktail, make sure you have all the kitchen supplies you’ll need:
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Cutting board and knife (to cut the lime)
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Citrus juicer (or squeeze by hand 💪)
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Muddler (a wooden spoon or pestle also works)
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Copper mugs (they’re traditional, but glasses are perfectly fine)
What’s in a Moscow mule mocktail?
This virgin take on the classic Moscow mule ditches the vodka in favor of a healthy, flavor-packed upgrade: cactus water. You’ll still get that signature citrusy, spicy kick you know and love—just without the alcohol and with the added natural health benefits of cactus water. This recipe requires only a few simple ingredients:
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Caliwater Cactus Water Ginger Lime: With its invigorating mix of spicy ginger and tart lime, Caliwater Ginger Lime gives your mocktail the classic mule flavor while delivering a natural source of five essential electrolytes. Made from nopales (prickly pear cactus pads), it’s packed with vitamins and minerals and refreshingly light with only 30 calories. Basically, the perfect base for this drink.
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Light ginger beer: No mule is complete without ginger beer. It brings that bold warmth of ginger, a touch of sweetness, and plenty of fizz. For a lighter mocktail, use a low-calorie version that still packs all the flavor.
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Fresh limes: The other star ingredient of the Moscow mule, fresh lime juice balances the ginger’s spice with bright, tangy citrus. Freshly squeezed is always best, and don’t forget a few extra wedges for garnish.
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Mint leaves: Not a traditional ingredient, but we’re big fans of the cooling, herbal note mint adds to the drink. Muddle a few leaves with your lime juice, then top with a sprig for garnish—or leave it out if you prefer a more classic mule.
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Ice cubes: Moscow mule mocktails are best served ice-cold. Fill your cups about halfway for that perfect, refreshing chill.
Virgin Moscow mule recipe
Servings: 2
Total time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
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12-ounce can of Caliwater Cactus Water Ginger Lime
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6- or 8-ounce can of light ginger beer
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2 tablespoons lime juice (juice of 1 lime)
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10-12 mint leaves
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Ice cubes
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Lime wedges, for garnish
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Mint sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
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Juice. Cut the lime in half and squeeze half of the juice into each mug or glass.
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Muddle. Add 5 or 6 mint leaves to each, then muddle with the lime juice to extract the mint’s flavor.
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Pour. Add ice, then split the cans of Caliwater and ginger beer between the two cups.
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Garnish. Finish the mocktails with a lime wedge and mint sprig and enjoy!
Tips for serving
Serve these mocktails in traditional copper Moscow mule mugs for festive drinks that stay cold even longer. For maximum chill, frost the mugs in the freezer for about an hour before serving. Add plenty of ice so each sip is crisp and refreshing from start to finish.
Serve at holiday parties, cookouts, or just as an evening treat for yourself. However you serve them, these mocktails are sure to look as good as they taste.
Variations
Moscow mule mocktails make a fun and festive drink for any occasion. Switch it up with seasonal flavors to fit any vibe or time or year:
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Strawberry mule mocktail: Muddle in some fresh strawberries for a refreshing spring twist.
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Mango mule mocktail: Swap Ginger Lime for Caliwater Peach Mango to add summer flavors to pool parties and cookouts.
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Apple cider mule mocktail: Stir in some apple cider and garnish with a cinnamon stick for a cozy fall favorite.
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Cranberry mule mocktail: Add a splash of cranberry juice and top with a festive cranberry garnish for the perfect holiday drink.
Grab your mugs and get mixing
This virgin Moscow mule mocktail is proof that a drink can be both delicious and functional. With Caliwater Cactus Water Ginger Lime as the base, you get the bright tang of lime, the peppery kick of ginger, and natural hydration from five essential electrolytes—plus vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from every ingredient in the mix. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for sipping anytime you want flavor without the alcohol.
As delicious as Caliwater is in mocktails, it’s just as refreshing on its own. Crack open a can after a workout, take it along for an afternoon hike, or keep it stocked for everyday hydration with a little extra flavor. However you enjoy it, you’ll get the same crisp refreshment and hydrating replenishment that make it a go-to in any season.
Ready to make your own mule mocktail? Grab a few cans of Caliwater Ginger Lime and mix up this easy, flavorful drink at home. Find Caliwater online, on Instacart, or at a store near you to make this festive sip today.
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