Cocktail Recipes

Grapefruit Moscow Mule

Millie Pham

If you’re a fan of citrusy, refreshing cocktails, you’re going to love this Grapefruit Moscow Mule. It’s the classic Moscow Mule you know and love, but with a zesty twist from fresh grapefruit juice.

It’s bubbly, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet—perfect for sipping on a sunny day or at your next get-together. Bonus: it looks gorgeous in a copper mug.

Let’s mix one up!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice (about half a grapefruit)
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
  • 4 oz ginger beer (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon honey or simple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
  • Ice cubes or crushed ice
  • Garnishes: grapefruit wedge and mint sprig

Tools:

  • Copper mug or any sturdy glass
  • Measuring jigger
  • Citrus juicer
  • Spoon

Pro Tips

  1. Use fresh juice. Freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juice make all the difference in flavor.
  2. Chill your mug. Pop your copper mug in the freezer for a few minutes before making the drink—it’s all about that frosty vibe.
  3. Adjust the sweetness. If your grapefruit is sweet enough, skip the honey or syrup. If it’s too tart, add just a touch to balance it out.
  4. Ginger beer matters. Use a good-quality ginger beer for the best flavor—spicy and slightly sweet works great here!

Substitutions and Variations

  • No vodka? Swap it for tequila or gin for a fun twist.
  • Make it non-alcoholic. Skip the vodka and add extra ginger beer or sparkling water for a mocktail version.
  • Extra fizz? Top it off with a splash of soda water for an even bubblier drink.

How to make it

1. Fill Your Mug

Fill your copper mug (or glass) with ice. Crushed ice works best, but cubes are great too.

A copper mug filled with crushed ice, ready to be used for a grapefruit Moscow mule.

2. Add Vodka and Juices

Pour vodka, fresh grapefruit juice, and lime juice over the ice. If you like your drink sweeter, stir in the honey or simple syrup.

A copper mug being filled with vodka, fresh grapefruit juice, and lime juice over crushed ice. A small jar of honey and a bottle of vodka sit nearby.

3. Top with Ginger Beer

Slowly pour the ginger beer into the mug, letting it fizz up. Give it a gentle stir to combine.

A copper mug being topped with fizzy ginger beer, with bubbles rising to the surface.

4. Garnish and Serve

Garnish with a wedge of fresh grapefruit and a sprig of mint for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

A finished grapefruit Moscow mule in a frosty copper mug, garnished with a grapefruit wedge and mint sprig.

    Leftovers and Storage

    This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftover grapefruit juice, store it in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Avoid storing the mixed drink—ginger beer loses its fizz quickly.

    Conclusion

    The Grapefruit Moscow Mule is fresh, fizzy, and full of flavor—a fun twist on a classic! Whether you’re enjoying it solo or serving it at a party, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments. Did you add your own twist? Cheers to citrusy sips! 🍹✨

    Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!