Grapefruit Moscow Mule

The Grapefruit Moscow Mule is a sweet-tart cocktail for any season. Tangy grapefruit, ginger beer and vodka make a terrific trio.

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Four years ago this week, I had a grapefruit Moscow mule on a first date with a guy.

Last September, I married that guy.

So today we’re toasting to the last four years, all the ups and downs, with a grapefruit Moscow mule recipe of our own.

When I saw the rosemary grapefruit Moscow mule on the menu at the cocktail bar we went to (he let me pick, supposedly because I know a thing or two about cocktails), I had to have it.

I adore mule drinks, as evidenced by the many you’ll see here: the classic vodka Moscow mule, the Kentucky mule with bourbon, Mexican mule with tequila, the yule mule for the holidays. I love them all.

There’s something about that ginger beer and citrus combo that is absolute magic.

Now add grapefruit? Sold. So that’s what I ordered.

Chris didn’t know what to order, so he ordered the same thing I did.

Honestly, I was kind of surprised, because he seemed like a whiskey dude and… I knew he just ordered a pink drink.

I wasn’t sure if he knew it would be a pink cocktail, but I figured he just had menu paralysis (something I am familiar with). But if he was surprised to be served a peachy pink drink, he didn’t show it.

However, his first sip resulted in major pucker face, and he spent the next 30 minutes trying not to make that face again. It was very clear he was not a fan of grapefruit!

Yet I pretended I didn’t notice. But he drank it! And obviously neither of us let that ruin our date! The rest, well, you know.

Okay, so first date nostalgia aside, let’s talk about this Grapefruit Moscow Mule.

WHAT IS A MOSCOW MULE?

A Moscow mule is a cocktail made with vodka, lime juice and ginger beer, and it’s often served in a copper mule mug with crushed ice.

It’s an easy sipper that nails the balance between a smooth spirit, the hint of sour lime and the sweet but spicy kick of ginger beer.

I love the mule for its versatility. Change out the liquor or citrus and you have a new cocktail — but it’s still a mule. Take this kumquat Moscow mule for example.

The mule is one of the easiest cocktails to make your own.

Which is why this grapefruit mule works.

MAKING A GRAPEFRUIT MOSCOW MULE

Instead of lime, we’re opting for grapefruit. Its semi-sweet juices make for an elevated Moscow mule.

Some say this bitter fruit is an acquired taste (and it well may be, given my husband’s avid disregard for it), but it’s a star in this cocktail.

Vodka and ginger beer provide balance — smoothness and sweetness to pair with the sourness.

For a garnish, I chose a sprig of rosemary from my herb garden. The green leaves contrast beautifully with the peachy hues of the grapefruit juice, and the fresh scent is a perfect match for grapefruit. They are a perfect match.

WHY DOES A MOSCOW MULE HAVE TO BE IN A COPPER CUP?

To be quite honest with you, a Moscow mule cocktail can be served in a copper mug — or not!

Copper mule mugs are the quintessential glassware for a mule drink because they help to keep the drink ultra cold. But they’re totally not necessary.

If you don’t have one and only have a regular glass, that’s totally fine! This is your cocktail.

The sweet-tartness of this grapefruit Moscow mule will be incredibly refreshing this summer.

I hope you fall in love with it just as I did! (And maybe you’ll fall in love too, just as I did!) // susannah