This cucumber Moscow mule is a refreshing cocktail that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Made with simple ingredients including lime, ginger beer, fresh cucumbers, and vodka, enjoy this cucumber mule which takes under 5 minutes to make.
I love a good Moscow mule! They are light, easy to drink, and oh so refreshing. If the sun is shining, it is likely I am drinking a Moscow Mule. Well, to be fair, I also drink them when the sun is not out.
Moscow Mules are one of my favorites due to their simplicity. They do not require a lot of ingredients, nor do they require a lot of time.
Moscow mules typically include ginger beer, vodka, and limes.
The best part of a moscow mule, however, is that you can play around with the flavor of it. You can basically add any muddled fruit or any flavored vodka and the moscow mule will transform.
While moscow mules are already refreshing, a cucumber moscow mule truly takes the cake.
Fresh and crisp muddled cucumbers mixed with spicy ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and smooth vodka make this the ultimate refreshing cocktail.
As you know, I am quiete lazy in the kitchen. Hence the motto of my blog - lazy vegan recipes. I am the same exact way with cocktails. So do not worry, this one is a quick one.
This cucumber moscow mule recipe takes under 5 minutes to make and requiress very little effort.
Toss back this tasty cocktail while enjoying your day.
Why We Love This Cucumber Mule
Refreshing- the cucumber is this cocktail pairs perfectly with fresh lime and refreshing zesty ginger beer making it the ultimate refreshing drink. This cocktail is perfect for anytime of the year, but especially when it is hot hot hot.
Easy to Make - this simple cucumber moscow mule requires only four ingredients and takes under 5 minutes to make. That means you can spend more time doing what you want and less time preparing your mixed drink.
Crowd Pleaser - there are not many people I know who do not enjoy moscow mules or cucumber. Pairing them together will make you look like a bartending genius while ensuring all of your guests are happy.
Ingredients For This Cocktail
To make this cocktail, you only need four ingredients: a fresh cucumber; a lime; ginger beer; and vodka. Fresh mint is optional.
The quality of ingredients is extremely important in this.
A fresh cucumber is required for this, as it will muddle better than an older, drier one. You will want your cucumber juicy.
If you cannot tell what cucumber is juicy or fresh, look for firm cucumbers, without blemishes or soft spots. Be sure there are no yellow spots on it, which occur when the cucumber is overripe.
Do not substitute lime juice for lime. Okay, well you can if you HAVE to, but try your best to find to use fresh lime juice from a lime. This will make all the difference in the cocktail.
Before juicing the lime, roll the whole lime on the counter with a slight amount of pressure. This will soften it and make it juicer. Think of a rolling pin motion.
Picking out ginger beer is pretty simple. If you are like a spicier kind, try DG Ginger Beer.
Seeking a little more relaxed flavor? Fever Tree is a great ginger beer.
I personally go for a lower-calorie ginger beer; my favorite is Regatta.
The vodka you chose can make all the difference. Make sure to pick a quality vodka, like Titos or Western Sun Vodka. The quality you pick will change the taste of the drink, as the lower quality vodkas can taste harsh. If you have a favorite, use that one.
You are welcome to add fresh mint to this recipe too if you want to make it even more refreshing. Be sure it is fresh, not dried, or you will end up with chunks.
Cucumber Fanatic? Infuse your vodka!
Of course, if you are a true cucumber fanatic, you can infuse your vodka with cucumber or buy cucumber vodka.
To infuse your vodka with cucumber, simply cut up your cucumber into bite size pieces. You will need approx 1 cup. Then remove the seeds and place it in a mason jar with 1 cup of vodka. Let it sit for 2 hours then strain the mixture. Compost the cut up cucumber peices or throw them in your drink to make it extra boozy.
How To Make This Cucumber Moscow Mule
This recipe is so simple!
Cut your cucumber into ⅓ inch slices. Think of half of the width of a water bottle cap.
Add your cucumber (and mint) to a shaker or glass. Muddle it until ¾ of it muddles. Muddling basically means mushing.
If you do not have a muddler, you may use the handle of a spoon or a quarter sized dull surface that is similar to a muddler.
Next, add in your lime juice, vodka, and ginger beer.
Stir again then pour in a moscow mule mug or glass and add ice!
Why Must I Muddle?
Muddling allows the juices of the cucumber to release. This, in turn, will help to release fresh flavors and encourage a harmonization between the cucumber, the ginger beer and the vodka.
The key is not to over muddle, or you will end up with complete mash. I am not saying this will not taste as good, but you may need a strainer to drink it.
The perfect amount of muddling with a softer fruit like a cucumber (and mint) is to muddle it until about 75% of the fruit is muddled.
You do not need an official muddler to do this, as you can use the handle portion of a wooden spoon. If you do need a muddler, I use this muddler.
FAQ and Tips!
No, you do not. Copper glasses do keep moscow mules colder for a longer period of time, but there is no need to order some if you do not have them!
Yes, you certainly can. If you love cucumber flavor, keep the recipe the same. If you do not like too much cucumber flavor, remove the muddled cucumbers from the recipe.
You certainly can. Muddling any type of fruit with the standard moscow mule ingredients (ginger beer, vodka and lime juice) always turns out well. Raspberries would be a perfect substitution for this mule.
Refreshing Cucumber Moscow Mule
Equipment
- Muddler
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Vodka Unflavored
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
- 7 oz Ginger Beer
- 3-4 Slices Cucumber
- 1-3 Sprigs Mint optional
Instructions
- Cut your cucumber into approximately ⅓ inch slices
- Place your cucumber (and mint) in your copper mug or glass and muddle it. You can muddle with a muddler, or the handle of a wooden spoon (or anything with a flat, quarter size surface). Muddle the cucumbers until they are about 75% muddled (mashed).
- Add in your lime juice, vodka and ginger beer.
- Stir then top with your desired amount of ice (I tend to do ½ cup). Cheers!
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