One of my favorite watermelon vodka drinks has to be this watermelon Moscow Mule. Why? Sweet watermelon pairs perfectly with lime, bubbly ginger beer, and fresh mint in the garnish, for the ultimate flavor combo! It’s super easy to make, cold and refreshing, and one of my go-to cocktails for summer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A refreshing twist on a classic. Watermelon flavor gives the traditional Moscow Mule a sweet, summery upgrade!
- Perfectly balanced flavors. Sweet watermelon, spicy ginger beer, tart lime, and smooth vodka create a delicious combination
- Made for summer. This cocktail is ideal for pool parties, cookouts, and warm evenings on the patio
- Easy to make. A few simple ingredients come together in just minutes, with no fancy equipment needed (no cocktail shaker required)!
- Light and easy to sip. The fruit and ginger beer keep the cocktail refreshing and approachable
- Great for entertaining. It’s easy to make individual cocktails or scale up for a crowd
- A great way to use fresh watermelon. Especially when watermelon is in season and at its sweetest (though it’s equally good with bottled juice for convenience)
- Customizable. Adjust the sweetness, add fresh herbs, or make it stronger or lighter to suit your tastes
- The ginger beer adds a flavorful kick. Its spicy bite pairs perfectly with the sweet watermelon and bright lime
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Ingredients List
- 2 ounces watermelon vodka
- 2 ounces watermelon juice (strained freshly pureed watermelon, or bottled)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 2-3 ounces ginger beer (or to taste)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- I use Western Son watermelon vodka, but Smirnoff and Ciroc also make one. If you don’t have watermelon-flavored, use plain or lime-flavored vodka instead
- Bottled watermelon juice like Simply Watermelon is very convenient, but you can also run fresh watermelon cubes through a blender and strain (to remove watermelon pulp) instead!
- Fresh lime juice is truly best, but you can use bottled in a pinch. This is more lime juice than I typically use in a traditional Mule, but I feel you need a little extra to offset the sweetness of the watermelon in this version of the drink
- Instead of ginger beer, you can use ginger ale for a sweeter, less ginger-forward option, or an unsweetened ginger lime sparkling water to reduce sweetness in the drink (Spindrift makes a great one)
Step By Step Instructions
- Fill a copper Mule mug (or similar) with crushed ice
- Add the watermelon vodka, watermelon juice, and lime juice, and stir gently to combine
- Top with the ginger beer (stir again if desired for a more fully blended drink)
- Garnish with fresh mint sprigs, lime wheel, and fresh watermelon wedge if desired. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
A watermelon Moscow Mule is sweet, refreshing, citrusy, and lightly spicy, making it a fantastic pairing for summer foods, light appetizers, and anything coming off the grill. Here are some of my favorites!
Appetizers
- Goat cheese crostini: Tangy cheese complements the sweet watermelon beautifully
- Caprese skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are a natural summer pairing
- Shrimp cocktail: Bright, refreshing flavors work well with the lime and ginger
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon: Sweet and salty flavors shine alongside this cocktail. Double down on flavors with my Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Watermelon!
- Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes and herbs keep the meal light and seasonal
Fresh Summer Sides
- Watermelon feta salad: A natural pairing that highlights the watermelon flavor
- Cucumber salad: Cool and crisp with plenty of contrast
- Pasta salad: A picnic favorite that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings
- Fruit platter: Fresh berries, melon, grapes, and pineapple all work well
- Coleslaw: Crunchy and refreshing next to grilled foods and cocktails
Cookout Favorites
- Grilled chicken: Simple flavors let the cocktail shine
- Fish tacos: Lime and watermelon pair beautifully with seafood
- Shrimp skewers: Light, fresh, and perfect for warm weather
- Burgers: The cocktail helps balance rich, savory flavors
- Pulled pork sandwiches: Sweet watermelon complements smoky barbecue
Tex-Mex Favorites
- Chicken tacos: Especially with a citrus-forward salsa
- Carnitas: Rich pork pairs well with the bright cocktail
- Loaded nachos: Great for parties and casual gatherings. Try my easy Air Fryer Nachos!
- Street corn (elote): The sweet-spicy combination works surprisingly well with the ginger beer. Try my Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn recipe!
- Quesadillas: An easy crowd-pleasing option!
Desserts
- Lemon bars: The citrus flavors echo the lime in the cocktail.
- Key lime pie: Bright and refreshing without being too heavy.
- Fruit sorbet: Especially watermelon, raspberry, or lemon.
- Strawberry shortcake: A light dessert that fits the summer theme.
When to Serve
This cocktail is perfect for backyard barbecues, pool parties, beach days, brunches, summer happy hours, and Fourth of July celebrations when you want something refreshing, fruity, and a little different from the classic Moscow Mule!
Recipe FAQs
What Alcohol Goes Best With Watermelon?
Vodka is one of the most popular choices because its neutral flavor lets the watermelon shine. Tequila, rum, gin, and even bourbon can also pair well with watermelon, depending on the cocktail.
Can I Make This Into A Frozen Mule?
Absolutely! Blend the watermelon, vodka, lime juice, and 1-2 cups (depending on consistency preference) ice until smooth, then stir in the ginger beer after blending. This helps preserve the ginger beer’s signature fizz and spicy flavor.
How To Make A Fruity Moscow Mule?
The easiest way is to add fresh fruit juice or puree to the classic combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. Popular options include watermelon, strawberry, peach, pineapple, raspberry, and blackberry for a fresh, flavorful twist!
Tips For the Best Watermelon Mule
- Mule mugs vary in size. You can adjust the amount of ice and ginger beer to fit your mug. For very large mugs, you should use 1.5x the other ingredients to preserve proportions (though of course you can adjust all ingredients to suit your taste and strength preferences)!
- Feel free to freeze some watermelon cubes in advance to use in lieu of some of the ice for a colder drink with less dilution (plus they’re boozy and fun to eat once you finish your drink)!
Serving Tips
- Serve ice cold. A Moscow Mule is at its best when it’s thoroughly chilled, so serve immediately after preparing
- To prepare ahead, you can combine the vodka, watermelon juice, and lime juice ahead of time and store in a pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir, pour over ice, and top with ginger beer just before serving for maximum freshness
- Serve in a copper mug if you have one. It’s the traditional vessel for a Moscow Mule and helps keep the drink cold longer. If you don’t have one, try a mason jar or pint glass, or a similar serving glass
- Use quality ginger beer. A bold ginger beer provides the spicy kick that makes a Mule so refreshing!
Final Thoughts
This watermelon Moscow Mule is one of my favorite summer cocktail recipes! It’s sweet, refreshing, bubbly, and just feels extra summery thanks to the watermelon flavor. That melon flavor pairs perfectly with lime and a hint of mint too, making this a great combo!
It’s super easy to make, since you don’t need any fancy equipment (just measure, stir, and enjoy)! I also love that you can use fresh fruit puree, or pre-made bottled juice, so it can be a great way to use up leftover melon, or keep it super convenient for easy entertaining.
Katie’s tip
Looking for more boozy options for your next summer party? Check out all of my Watermelon Vodka Drinks for sweet, smooth sips you’re sure to love!
Watermelon Moscow Mule
Equipment
- Copper Mule mug (or similar)
- Spoon (cutlery; for stirring)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces watermelon vodka
- 2 ounces watermelon juice (pureed and strained fresh, or bottled)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 2-3 ounces ginger beer (or to taste)
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- Fill your Mule mug (or similar) with crushed iceCrushed ice
- Add the watermelon vodka, watermelon juice, and lime juice, and stir gently to combine2 ounces watermelon vodka, 2 ounces watermelon juice, 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- Top with the ginger beer (stir again if desired for a more fully blended drink)2-3 ounces ginger beer
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, lime slice, and fresh watermelon wedge if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- I use watermelon vodka (Western Son, Smirnoff, and Ciroc are common brands that have one). If you don’t have watermelon-flavored, use plain or lime-flavored vodka instead
- Bottled watermelon juice like Simply Watermelon is convenient, but you can also blend and strain (to remove the pulp) fresh watermelon instead!
- Fresh lime juice is truly best for flavor, but you can use bottled in a pinch. This is more lime juice than I typically use in a traditional Mule, but I feel you need a little extra to offset the sweetness of the watermelon in this version of the drink
- Instead of ginger beer, you can use ginger ale for a sweeter, less ginger-forward option, or an unsweetened ginger lime sparkling water to reduce sweetness in the drink (such as Spindrift)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
