Published: Aug 9, 2022 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 35 Comments

Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule

Name: Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 4 oz Absolut Peppar Vodka; 4 oz lime juice; 1 Bundaberg ginger beer (regular or diet for keto/lowcarb cocktail); 4 large basil leaves; 1 jalapeno (thinly sliced); ice

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For something bubbly with a kick, a spicy jalapeno basil Moscow mule will hit the spot. When the weather heats up, this twist on a Moscow mule with a mix of jalapeno, fresh basil, lime juice, ginger beer, and spicy pepper vodka over ice is one of my new favorites. This mixed drink is spicy, aromatic, and cool all at once. This jalapeno vodka drink recipe makes a fancy & delicious summer cocktail like my Pina Colada on the Rocks.

Trust me, it is a perfect cocktail once you try it and if you have had an angry mule you will love this one. The Absolut Peppar vodka is the best-flavored vodka for a spicy Moscow mule. When it all comes together, it pleases all the senses. At first, you take in the scent of the ginger and the fresh basil. Then as you sip, the kick from the spicy vodka and jalapenos hits the palate and then everything cools down thanks to the ice.

Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule

Why I Created This Moscow Mule Recipe

My neighbor has made a spicy martini for us a few times during some memorable neighborhood happy hours. It is always soooooo good. I wanted to attempt a similar version but as a mule. This spicy cocktail on the rocks make is refreshing even on a really hot day.

I knew this would be mouthwatering but it really turned out better than I had hoped - which may be dangerous! This alcoholic drink is one of the best ginger beer vodka cocktail recipes you can make.

Why This Moscow Mule is Unique & Refreshing

Spicy from jalapenos and pepper vodka
Bright and citrusy from the lime juice
Sweet and aromatic from the fresh basil
Spiced and refreshing all from the ginger beer
Cool from the ice

Ingredients for a Spicy Moscow Mule

You need to start off with fresh ingredients when it comes to limes, jalapenos, and basil. Please do not use bottled lime juice; fresh squeezed is best. This calls for fresh basil and jalapenos, not jarred pickled jalapenos.

When it comes to the ginger beer of choice, I like to use a diet ginger beer. Having a delicious cocktail and keeping it low-calorie is just a total bonus. For a keto or low-carb Moscow mule, mix this cocktail with diet ginger beer for a less than 5 net carb drink. I found that Bundaberg's is my favorite and it is widely available even in grocery stores so it makes it easy to obtain without a need for a special liquor store run. You can use other brands such as Fever-Tree if you have that for making cocktails.

Here is what you need for the best Moscow mule recipe:

Absolut Peppar Vodka
Bundaberg's diet or regular Ginger Beer
Jalapeno
Limes
Fresh Basil Leaves

spicy jalapeno moscow mule ingredients the short order cook

Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule ingredients

How to Mix a Moscow Mule

In the bottom of copper mugs or tall highball glass, place 2 slices of jalapenos, 2 large basil leaves, and the lime juice. Muddle (crush) with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon handle (which is what I have - nothing fancy needed).

The important thing is you want to break up the jalapenos and basil in the liquid to bring out the flavors and essence in the lime juice. I keep the seeds and membranes on my jalapenos - I like it HOT! (remember don't touch the peppers and then your face or eyes - ouch! - wash your hands!)

muddle jalapeno and basil in the lime juice

Next, fill the mug or glass with ice. Add the vodka and ½ a bottle of the ginger beer which should fill the glass to the top, and stir. Garnish with jalapeno slices and more basil.

How Many Carbs & Calories in a Moscow Mule

This recipe can be made sugar-free and low-carb for the best spicy Moscow mule cocktail. I like to use Bundaberg diet ginger beer so that this becomes a keto-friendly drink. There are only 4.6 carbs & 148 calories in this low-carb mule recipe. The classic version with regular ginger beer is 25 carbs & 240 calories. Either way, this is delish.

Variations of a Moscow Mul

Whether a cocktail party, family gathering or barbecue, these spicy jalapeno Moscow mules are a hit. They can be altered a bit to give you a variety of flavors as well. If you love this drink you will also enjoy the Best Pomegranate Moscow Mule which is a Christmas favorite.

Here are some quick substitutions to make more yummy Moscow mule recipes. With different fruit juices and herbs, this recipe has so much to love.

MANGO - add a splash of mango nectar for a spicy jalapeno mango mule
PINEAPPLE - add a splash of pineapple juice
PEACH - add some peach nectar instead of jalapeno, it goes great with basil
MINT - add fresh mint instead of basil
CILANTRO - add cilantro as well for a Mexican twist on a Moscow mule

What to Serve with Spicy Cocktails

These spicy drinks go well with a lot of food. Enjoy them with some of these Mexican or summer recipes.

Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule

Why is a Moscow Mule Served in a Copper Mug?

The quick answer is that copper is known to retain a cold temperature through conduction and the iced beverage’s chill transfers to the tankard or copper mug. They help in keeping your Moscow mule colder and less likely to become diluted or warm quickly. It is not a must to enjoy this pomegranate cocktail recipe but I highly recommend buying them and sharing my favorite Moscow mule kit for purchase here.

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