Moscow Mule Mocktail – Easy Recipe
Thinking of not drinking (or maybe not as much)? Maybe you just don’t like alcohol, but wish for a fancy drink when other people are having one? Perhaps you’re hosting a party, and want to have something for everyone? Enter the Moscow Mule mocktail… MOCKscow Mule… get it!!?? 
So, #mocktails are a big thing now... festive drinks with all the flavor and none of the alcohol! These non-alcoholic cocktails are great both for the non-drinker and the mindful drinker at any party, safe for pregnant people, and even kids!
Some mocktails are complex, with botanical extracts you might not have around the house, and are most easily enjoyed made for you by a trained mixologist. However, this Moscow mule mocktail is one of my favorite zero-proof renditions because it is soooo simple.
The main botanicals in this concoction are ginger, lime, and mint. Although the name suggests that Ginger Beer contains alcohol, it’s actually a non-alcoholic soda. This soft drink is less sweet and has a zippier flavor than ginger ale, which is why so many people enjoy it as a mixer. However, since it is does have some sugar, you don't need to come up with a simple syrup, which makes the Mockscow Mule one of the easiest NA drinks to mix.
A few tips for a great Mockscow Mule
The copper mug is the signature of this spicy drink, but it's not just for decoration. Copper has the unique property of immediately becoming the temperature of what's in it, so it keeps the drink ice cold for much longer. In an abundance of caution, choose mugs that have a food-safe lining on the inside (usually stainless steel).
To preserve the carbonation from the ginger beer, this drink is not made in a cocktail shaker, rather mixed right in the mug.
Be sure to replace the volume of alcohol with sparkling mineral water or tonic water. The acidic flavor gives the drink depth, and additional water maintains the mouthfeel and texture.
Garnishes really finish off this Mocktail
When you are squeezing your limes fresh, cut a thin wheel of lime from the center for a floating garnish. If you are using a wedge, slice into the center to perch a wedge on the rim.
For your sprig of fresh mint, give it a little clap between your hands to express the vibrant essential oils and push the stem down into the ice next to the lime.
As a festive option, you can rim the mug with ginger sugar. To make, combine 2 tbsp sugar with 1 tbsp ground ginger, and spread on a small plate. Before mixing the beverage in the mug, moisten the rim with lime juice, then press into the sugar mix so it sticks.
Mealtime conversation starters
Many times we hold tight to what we think we know and feel negative or confronted when you realize you were wrong. But maybe sometimes, much to your surprise, a contradictory realization warms your heart or even delights you.
Q: When have you been pleasantly surprised to be mistaken?
MOCKscow Mule
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 1 sprig fresh mint optional
- 2 tbsp lime juice (1 medium lime worth of juice)
- 6 oz ginger beer (¾ cup) spicier brands are better for this, I like Maine Root
- 2 oz sparkling mineral water (¼ cup) or tonic water
- lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug with ice.
- Optionally, take one mint leaf from your sprig and muddle it with the ice by stirring with a spoon, enough to release the fragrance.
- Add lime juice, then mineral water and ginger beer.
- Garnish with a wedge or wheel of lime, and optionally a sprig of fresh mint.
Hand Size Portions
Hand Portions
Some handy advice: You can use your hands to practice calorie control without weighing and measuring.
Using hand position size is an alternative way to decide how much to eat visually. It gives you a way to quickly estimate what's on your plate, using protein, vegetables, carbohydrates, and fat. It's an alternative to counting macros which generally has you weighing and reading nutrition labels to count protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
To learn more, read How to Get Started with Hand Portion Sizes.
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