Bright, zesty, and seriously refreshing, the Blue Mule is one of those cocktails that always feels like a party in a glass. It’s a playful spin on the classic Moscow Mule, swapping out the usual citrusy notes for something a little more fun and colorful. Thanks to the splash of blue curaçao, this drink not only tastes great-it looks stunning too. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it’s become my go-to for summer nights on the patio.
Blue Mule
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Copper mug (preferred) or highball glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) blue curaçao
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
– Ginger beer, to top (about 4-6 oz / 120-180 ml)
– Ice (enough to fill your glass)
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
– Lime wedge or wheel, for garnish
Method
- Chill your glass. If you’re using a copper mug, pop it in the freezer for a few minutes. It’ll keep your drink ice-cold longer.
- Fill your mug or glass with ice. Use plenty-it helps keep the drink crisp and prevents it from watering down too quickly.
- Pour in the vodka. This is your base spirit and gives the drink its kick.
- Add the blue curaçao. It brings that gorgeous ocean-blue color and a subtle orange flavor.
- Squeeze in the lime juice. Fresh is best here. Bottled lime juice can taste flat or overly acidic.
- Top with chilled ginger beer. Fill to the top of your glass. It should fizz gently and add that signature zing.
- Give it a gentle stir. Just enough to mix everything together without killing the bubbles.
- Garnish. Add a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lime. The aroma from the mint really lifts the drink.
Tips for a Better Blue Mule
– Use fresh lime juice. It makes all the difference in brightness and flavor.
– Keep your ginger beer cold. Warm ginger beer will flatten the fizz and dull the flavor.
– Don’t skip the garnish. That fresh mint isn’t just pretty-it adds a refreshing aroma with every sip.
Make-Ahead & Storage
While this cocktail is best made fresh, you can prep a pitcher mix (vodka, blue curaçao, lime juice) ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just pour over ice and top with ginger beer.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Sometimes you’ve got to work with what’s in the kitchen. Here are a few easy swaps and fun twists:
- Vodka: Try gin for a more botanical flavor or tequila for a bold twist.
- Blue curaçao: No blue curaçao? Use triple sec. It won’t be blue, but the taste will still be citrusy and delicious.
- Ginger beer: Ginger ale works in a pinch-it’s milder and less spicy but still fizzy.
Blue Mule Variations
Blueberry Mule
– Replace blue curaçao with 0.5 oz (15 ml) blueberry syrup
– Add a few muddled fresh blueberries
Blue Hawaiian Mule
– Add 1 oz (30 ml) pineapple juice
– Keep the blue curaçao for that tropical color and flavor
Blueberry Mint Mule
– Muddle 4-5 blueberries and a few mint leaves before adding your spirits
– Build the rest of the drink as usual
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Replace vodka and blue curaçao with blue lemonade or a blue sports drink
– Top with ginger beer or ginger ale
– Perfect for kids or anyone skipping alcohol
What It Tastes Like
It’s crisp and fizzy with a citrusy pop from the lime and blue curaçao. The ginger beer gives it a spicy kick, and the mint adds that cool, fresh finish. The balance of sweet, tangy, and zesty makes it incredibly refreshing. I really love how the flavors come together-it’s like a beach vacation in a mug.
Food Pairings
The Blue Mule is light and citrusy, so it pairs well with foods that aren’t too heavy:
Seafood
– Shrimp cocktail
– Ceviche
– Grilled fish tacos
Grilled Veggies
– Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms work great
– Add a sprinkle of feta for extra flavor
Cheese Platter
– Sharp cheddar, goat cheese, or blue cheese
– Add a few fresh fruits like grapes or sliced apples
Common Questions
What makes it blue?
Blue curaçao! It’s a citrus-flavored liqueur made from dried laraha peels (a type of bitter orange) and dyed that signature electric blue.
Can I use a different alcohol?
Yes! Gin adds herbal notes, while tequila gives it a punchier profile. Just know the overall taste will shift.
How do I make it healthier?
Use a low-sugar ginger beer or a splash of soda water to cut the sweetness. You can also reduce the amount of blue curaçao.
Is it vegan?
Yep-all the ingredients are plant-based.
How long does it keep?
Once mixed with ginger beer, it’s best enjoyed right away. But you can mix the vodka, curaçao, and lime juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Mule is one of those cocktails that never fails to impress-whether you’re hosting a summer get-together or just relaxing after a long week. Its bold color and bright flavor make it a standout, and it’s simple enough to whip up anytime. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-work cocktails with you, and I hope it brings a little extra sparkle to your evening. Cheers!
