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    Home » Appetizers & Drinks

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

    Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule

    Jump to Recipe

    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

    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

    spicy jalapeno moscow mule

    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!)

    picy jalapeno moscow mule muddle

    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.

    • BEST KETO CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
    • WATERMELON PICO DE GALLO
    • SMOKED BEEF SHORT RIBS
    • PULLED PORK 
    Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule

    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.

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

    Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule

    Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule PIN

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    spicy jalapeno moscow mule with basil garnish in copper mugs

    Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule

    Angela
    A refreshing and spicy twist on a Moscow Mule that includes jalapenos and basil. A wonderful vodka cocktail that is an easy recipe and a crowd-pleaser.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Servings 2

    Equipment

    • Moscow mule mugs

    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

    Instructions
     

    • Place 2 slices of jalapeno, 2 basil leaves, and 2 oz of lime juice into each copper mug or tall glass.
    • Muddle (crush)using a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon handle. Muddle until the jalapeno and basil are broken into small pieces and the lime juice has taken on the flavors from the ingredients.
    • Fill each glass ¾ high with ice.
    • Pour in 2 oz of Absolut Peppar vodka and ½ a ginger beer in each mug or glass. Stir with a long stir stick or spoon.
    • Garnish with slices of jalapeno and a basil leaf.

    Notes

    Nutrition info is for when made with regular ginger beer
    Nutrition Facts
    Servings: 2
    Amount per serving  
    Calories 240
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 0.1g 0%
    Saturated Fat 0g 0%
    Cholesterol 0mg 0%
    Sodium 23mg 1%
    Total Carbohydrate 25.5g 9%
    Dietary Fiber 0.5g 2%
    Total Sugars 21.4g  
    Protein 0.4g  
    Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
    Calcium 10mg 1%
    Iron 0mg 1%
    Potassium 85mg 2%
    *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
     
    FOR A KETO/LOW CARB version with DIET ginger beer & less than 5 net carb 
    Nutrition Facts
    Servings: 2
    Amount per serving  
    Calories 148
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 0.1g 0%
    Saturated Fat 0g 0%
    Cholesterol 0mg 0%
    Sodium 2mg 0%
    Total Carbohydrate 5g 2%
    Dietary Fiber 0.4g 1%
    Total Sugars 1g  
    Protein 0.4g  
    Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
    Calcium 17mg 1%
    Iron 0mg 1%
    Potassium 85mg 2%
     
    Keyword alcohol, beverage, cocktail, drink, easy, gluten-free, grain-free, happy hour, party, spicy

    Did you make this The Short Order Cook Recipe?

    Tag @theshortordercookblog (Instagram & Facebook) or @shortorder_cook (Twitter). 

    I would love to see your latest creations and kitchen adventures.

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kyndall Bennett says

      June 13, 2019 at 5:01 pm

      I want to try it, but I feel like I might tap out after the second sip!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 13, 2019 at 7:32 pm

        That's ok, make a mini one for yourself and share with others. More to the party!

        Reply
    2. Joanne says

      June 21, 2019 at 9:27 am

      Love this! Spicy and pretty!

      Reply
    3. Suzan Ferreira says

      June 21, 2019 at 11:45 am

      I need to give this a try. I love any kind of spicy drink and this sounds yummy!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 21, 2019 at 4:55 pm

        This is really quite fabulous if I say so myself. I have had a few people text me photos or message me with their drinks to share their love for it. Cannot wait to hear what you think!

        Reply
    4. Holly Bird says

      June 21, 2019 at 12:37 pm

      Great recipe...spicy but sounds really good! I am not a bloody mary drinker, when we have brunch this could be a great drink to also have on hand!! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 21, 2019 at 4:56 pm

        Yes, this would be great for brunch too. Let me know what you think when you try it.

        Reply
    5. Haley Kelley says

      June 21, 2019 at 2:24 pm

      Cannot wait to try this! Great summer drink!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 21, 2019 at 4:58 pm

        Cheers, I am always happy to hear what readers think. You can also post to my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages and share your drink photos. My links are at the top & bottom of the recipe page.

        Reply
    6. Alexandra says

      June 21, 2019 at 2:30 pm

      This is very interesting, thank you for sharing! not a drinker, but may share with my russian friends 🙂

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 21, 2019 at 5:00 pm

        Great, thanks for passing this along to your friends! lol!

        Reply
    7. Lisa Manderino says

      June 21, 2019 at 4:34 pm

      Sound super spicy for sure!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 21, 2019 at 4:59 pm

        It can actually be mildly spicy if you use regular vodka or remove the seeds/membranes from the jalapenos. It is very versatile and can be made at any heat level. I hope you try it anyway you like it - mild, medium, or hot.

        Reply
    8. Karla says

      June 21, 2019 at 11:27 pm

      I've never tried spicy in my drinks. Hmmmmm

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 23, 2019 at 2:35 pm

        Try it, you will not be disappointed.

        Reply
    9. Lina says

      June 22, 2019 at 5:57 am

      This looks so refreshing! I will have to make it. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 23, 2019 at 2:36 pm

        Please do make this and would love to hear what you think.

        Reply
    10. Laura Lee says

      June 22, 2019 at 11:24 am

      I'm not much of a drinker, but this looks like something my husband would love to whip up for guests! He was a bartender in a former life!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 23, 2019 at 2:37 pm

        I hope your husband and guests enjoy this.

        Reply
    11. Kendra says

      June 22, 2019 at 4:56 pm

      I love Absolut Peppar Vodka and anything spicy!! This sounds amazing!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 23, 2019 at 2:38 pm

        Cheers Kendra, I have a feeling you will just love this. When you make it, would love to hear what you think and always happy to see photos too. You can always post to my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages and share your drink photos. My links are at the top & bottom of the recipe page.

        Reply
    12. Chris says

      June 22, 2019 at 6:00 pm

      Great post! I look forward to serving this at my next party.

      Reply
    13. Tricia Snow says

      June 22, 2019 at 7:24 pm

      I know this is all the rage to use jalapenos in a drink but I am not sure I will love it. But I HAVE to try! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 23, 2019 at 2:39 pm

        I am glad I can intrigue you and inspire you to step out of your comfort zone - this makes me soooo happy. I hope you come back to share what you think.

        Reply
    14. Nicole says

      June 23, 2019 at 6:54 am

      This looks really good! I'll have to give it a try!

      Reply
    15. Shirley says

      June 23, 2019 at 7:05 am

      I love the mule drink and this sounds like a fun twist to it. I am not a big spicy person, but I know my drinking buddy will love this! I cant wait to share it with her. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 23, 2019 at 2:40 pm

        Shirley, thanks for your comment and sharing this with your friend. I hope she loves it.

        Reply
    16. Liz says

      June 23, 2019 at 3:45 pm

      Sounds like a fun twist on the moscow mule! I don't like spicy drinks very much, but I know a bunch of people who do, I'll have to show them this!

      Reply
    17. Heather says

      June 24, 2019 at 9:14 am

      Ohhh... I need to share this with my sister. She loves anything spicy!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 24, 2019 at 8:50 pm

        Great, I am sure your sister will love it.

        Reply
    18. Pauline says

      June 25, 2019 at 8:04 am

      This looks great. I bet my husband would love this. He likes spicy!!

      Reply
    19. T.M. Brown says

      June 25, 2019 at 1:25 pm

      I'll have to pass this recipe on to my hubby. I'm not much of a "spicy" flavor type of person with my drinks, but he may very well like the kick this one has.

      Reply
    20. Cindy says

      October 03, 2019 at 7:20 pm

      This looks so intriguing and refreshing!

      Reply
    21. Eva says

      November 10, 2021 at 4:25 pm

      5 stars
      I love spicy cocktails and this is a great recipe. The pepper vodka and jalapenos are so spicy good. I wasn't sure about the basil but I am sold.

      Reply
    22. Stefanie says

      May 18, 2022 at 8:27 pm

      5 stars
      Had to leave a comment. This drink is all the WOWWWW. Absolut Peppa is my new favorite vodka thank you.

      Reply

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