Watermelon Mule

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, and what I’ve realized is that all things are more fun with a signature drink. “Want to come over and hang out on the deck?” is 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.

How to make 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.

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 need to start with making watermelon juice: which is very easy using watermelon and a blender! No juicer is required. How to make watermelon juice?

• Simply 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. Then voila: you’ve got watermelon juice!
• 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 this recipe, we’ve called for the quantities for one drink, because it’s mixed right in the cup. One drink requires only ⅓ cup watermelon juice, but that’s such a small quantity that you’ll want to make more: since you’re probably serving more than one drink at a time! So, scale up the amount of watermelon juice to fit the number of drinks you need.

Does a mule have to be served in a copper cup?

Even if you only dabble in cocktails, you’ll probably know that 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 that yes, a mule must be served in a copper cup. One of the reasons is that copper keeps the drink cool in a different way than glass. The copper immediately takes on the temperature of the drink, and the cool copper rim gives a cold sensation when taking a sip.

Probably the most important reason for serving a mule in copper is this: tradition! The drink was invented in the 1940’s, and according to this source, was a clever marketing scheme to sell more vodka, ginger beer, and copper mugs. Whatever the case, 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. Get it: Moscow mule mugs | Amazon

And that’s it: how to make a watermelon mule!

Head down to our 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

This watermelon mule is…

Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free.

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Looking for more drink recipes?

Outside of this watermelon cocktail recipe, here are a few more of our favorite drink recipes:

• Best Frose Recipe (Frozen Rosé)
• Strawberry Daiquiris
• Best Frozen Margarita Recipe
• Fruit Infused Water Recipe
• Frozen Sangria
• Favorite Whiskey Sour
• BEST Classic Margarita
• Lemonade Slushie
• Homemade Cold Brew Recipe
• Simple Lemon Margarita
• Strawberry Margarita with Lime Ice
• Cucumber Lemon Water
• Lime Water with Mint
• Frozen Hot Chocolate
• Blackberry Margarita
• Gin Fizz Cocktail
• Best Piña Coladas (or Virgin Piña Coladas)
• Basil Gimlet Recipe (or Classic Gin Gimlet)
• 4 Must-Try Gin Cocktails
• Smash 4 Ways: Blackberry Bourbon, Maple Bourbon, Whiskey Smash, Berry Vodka Smash