Mahj Munchies: Moscow Mule Mocktail

If you love the crisp, gingery bite of a classic Moscow Mule but are skipping alcohol this month, this Moscow Mule mocktail delivers all the sparkle without the spirits. Bright, refreshing, and easy to make, it’s the perfect non-alcoholic cocktail for Dry January, casual entertaining, or sipping between hands of mahjong.

One of the best things about a Moscow mule is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients (ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and ice) you get a drink that feels festive and intentional, not like an afterthought. The ginger brings warmth and spice, the lime adds a fresh citrus pop, and the bubbles keep it light and lively.

This mocktail is especially ideal for mahjong game nights because it’s easy to batch, universally appealing, and keeps players feeling clear-headed and energized. Serve it in a copper mug or over ice in a rocks glass, and garnish with lime or fresh herbs for an elevated presentation that still feels relaxed.

Whether you’re hosting friends, setting up a mahjong table, or simply looking for a delicious alcohol-free option, this Moscow Mule mocktail proves that skipping the booze doesn’t mean skipping the fun. Refreshing, balanced, and endlessly sippable, it’s a drink you’ll come back to long after Dry January ends.

Recipe Card

Moscow Mule Mocktail

Bright, herbaceous, and refreshingly spicy 🍃✨ The Moscow Mule mocktail blends zesty ginger with fresh rosemary and citrus for a cocktail that’s both elegant and invigorating. Perfect for cozy gatherings or sipping between hands at game night, this drink pairs spicy ginger beer, tart lime, and aromatic rosemary for a flavor combination that’s unforgettable. Serve over ice and garnish with a rosemary sprig for a drink that tastes as good as it looks. 🍹🌿

Author: Amanda Stevenson Cooking Method: Stovetop Courses: Cocktails

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 5 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins Difficulty: Beginner

Ingredients

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Servings

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup rosemary sprigs, loosely packed
• 1 can nonalcoholic ginger beer (7 1/2-oz.)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
• Ice
• Garnish: rosemary sprig and fresh lime wheel

Instructions

1. Prepare Rosemary Syrup

   Prepare Rosemary Syrup: Bring water, granulated sugar, and loosely packed rosemary sprigs to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high, stirring occasionally. Boil, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Remove from heat, cover, and steep 30 minutes. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a glass or jar, discarding rosemary. Makes 1 1/2 cups. Store in airtight glass jar in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

2. Prepare Drink

   Stir together ginger beer, 2 tablespoons of Rosemary Syrup, and lime juice in a copper mug filled with ice until mug is frosty, about 30 seconds.

3. Garnish

   Lightly smack rosemary sprig against palm to release natural oils. Garnish with rosemary and lime wheel.

Note

Adapted from Southern Living’s Rosemary-and-Ginger Mule recipe.

Keywords: mocktail, Moscow mule, rosemary mule, dry January, alcohol-free cocktail

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