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. For a sweet version without the kick, try my Pomegranate Moscow Mule.
Jump to:
- Why this Spicy Moscow Mule is the Best
- Why This Moscow Mule is Unique & Refreshing
- Ingredients for a Spicy Moscow Mule
- Best Ginger Beers to Make Moscow Mules
- How to Make a Spicy Moscow Mule
- How Many Carbs & Calories in a Moscow Mule
- Variations & Substitutions
- What to Serve with Moscow Mules
- Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule
Why this Spicy Moscow Mule is the Best
This alcoholic drink is one of the best ginger beer vodka cocktail recipes you can make. Be warned - you may crave it all the time, especially on vacation. This is a fun summer cocktail.
- It is sweet & spicy
- It is cool & refreshing served over ice
- Fresh herbs & ingredients are delightful
- It is so easy to make in just 5 minutes
- It's pretty enough for a party & special occasions
- It's a fun drink for poolside, BBQs, & all summer events
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; freshly squeezed is best. This calls for fresh basil and jalapenos, not jarred pickled jalapenos.
Here is what you need for this spicy Moscow mule recipe:
- Absolut Peppar Vodka - the spicy vodka is perfect for this mule.
- Bundaberg's diet or regular Ginger Beer - is my favorite brand for making cocktails & the diet version is the best tasting.
- Jalapeno -fresh jalapenos (not pickled in the jar)
- Limes -fresh lime juice is best
- Fresh Basil Leaves - for the aromatic sweet touch that offsets the spicy pepper flavor perfectly
- Ice -since Moscow mules are served on the rocks, you need a lot of ice
See the recipe card for amounts & full instructions
Best Ginger Beers to Make Moscow Mules
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.
How to Make a Spicy 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!)
Make sure you have plenty of ice since this vodka drink is served on the rocks. If you need to make ice quickly, here are some tips on how long it takes to freeze water.
Next, fill the mug or glass with ice. Add the vodka and ½ a bottle of 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 & Substitutions
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 Moscow Mules
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
- GRILLED TRI-TIP STEAK
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.
Product Recommendations for this Recipe:
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Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule
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 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. | |
| 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% |
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Kyndall Bennett says
I want to try it, but I feel like I might tap out after the second sip!
Angela says
That's ok, make a mini one for yourself and share with others. More to the party!
Joanne says
Love this! Spicy and pretty!
Suzan Ferreira says
I need to give this a try. I love any kind of spicy drink and this sounds yummy!
Angela says
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!
Holly Bird says
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!
Angela says
Yes, this would be great for brunch too. Let me know what you think when you try it.
Haley Kelley says
Cannot wait to try this! Great summer drink!
Angela says
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.
Alexandra says
This is very interesting, thank you for sharing! not a drinker, but may share with my russian friends 🙂
Angela says
Great, thanks for passing this along to your friends! lol!
Lisa Manderino says
Sound super spicy for sure!
Angela says
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.
Karla says
I've never tried spicy in my drinks. Hmmmmm
Angela says
Try it, you will not be disappointed.
Lina says
This looks so refreshing! I will have to make it. Thanks!
Angela says
Please do make this and would love to hear what you think.
Laura Lee says
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!
Angela says
I hope your husband and guests enjoy this.
Kendra says
I love Absolut Peppar Vodka and anything spicy!! This sounds amazing!
Angela says
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.
Chris says
Great post! I look forward to serving this at my next party.
Tricia Snow says
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!
Angela says
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.
Nicole says
This looks really good! I'll have to give it a try!
Shirley says
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!
Angela says
Shirley, thanks for your comment and sharing this with your friend. I hope she loves it.
Liz says
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!
Heather says
Ohhh... I need to share this with my sister. She loves anything spicy!
Angela says
Great, I am sure your sister will love it.
Pauline says
This looks great. I bet my husband would love this. He likes spicy!!
T.M. Brown says
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.
Cindy says
This looks so intriguing and refreshing!
Eva says
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.
Stefanie says
Had to leave a comment. This drink is all the WOWWWW. Absolut Peppa is my new favorite vodka thank you.