Citrus-Spiced Highland Mule
A zesty twist on the classic mule, combining fresh citrus with warming spices for a refreshing yet cozy cocktail. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together vodka, fresh lime juice, ginger beer for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- a pinch ground cinnamon
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 lime wheel
- 1 fresh mint sprig
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a copper mule mug with ice cubes to the brim.
- Step 2: Pour in 2 oz vodka and 1 oz fresh lime juice.
- Step 3: Add 2 dashes of orange bitters and a pinch of ground cinnamon.
- Step 4: Top with 4 oz ginger beer and stir gently with a bar spoon for 15 seconds to combine and chill.
- Step 5: Garnish by placing a lime wheel on the rim and tuck a fresh mint sprig alongside it for aroma.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with a reusable straw.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Spiced Highland Mule take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Spiced Highland Mule?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-spiced highland mule in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Spiced Highland Mule?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Spiced Highland Mule for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus-Spiced Highland Mule?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
