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Two copped mugs filled with cucumber basil moscow mules.

Cucumber Basil Moscow Mule Recipe

Enjoy this refreshing and low-sugar version of the popular Moscow Mule, which features the fresh flavors of cucumber, basil, and ginger. Cut back on sugar by swapping in ginger kombucha instead of ginger beer.

Prep: 5-10 minsTotal: 5-10 mins
Servings: Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 12 cucumber slices 
  • 8 large basil leaves, plus more for garnish
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
  • 16 ounces ginger beer (may substitute ginger kombucha*)
  • 4 ounces vodka (omit for a mocktail and replace with additional sparkling water)
  • 12 ounces sparkling water
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Place 2 cucumber slices, and 2 basil leaves in the bottom of each of four copper mugs or other short glasses.
  2. Using a cocktail muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon gently muddle the ingredients together. Tip: You just want to bruise them up a bit, not make a mash.
  3. Fill each mug ½ full with ice. Add 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1 ounce vodka to each mug.
  4. Add 4 ounces ginger beer to each mug then top each one with sparkling water. Stir gently. Garnish each mug with a cucumber slice and basil leaves.

Notes

Some ginger beer brands we like are Q Ginger Beer, Reed’s Stronger Ginger Beef (for a more spicy mule), and Fever Tree Ginger Beer.

* If you prefer kombucha, you can use that instead of ginger beer. A few we like are GT’s Organic Gingerade Kombucha, Revive Citrus Ginger Kombucha (available at Thrive Market), and Health-Ade Ginger Lemon Kombucha.

These are our favorite nickel-lined solid copper mugs.

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size: 1 mule
  • Calories: 94
  • Fat: 0 g
  • (Sat Fat: 0 g)
  • Sodium: 11 mg
  • Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • (Fiber: 0 g
  • Sugar: 2 g)
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Dietary

© The Real Food Dietitians