Rum Mule Cocktail Recipe – Imagine sipping a cool, zesty drink on a warm evening, where the bold kick of rum meets the fiery fizz of ginger beer and a splash of lime. That’s exactly what the Rum Mule Cocktail Recipe brings to your glass.

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This tropical twist on the classic Moscow Mule replaces vodka with rum, giving the drink a richer, slightly sweet character. It’s incredibly easy to make, uses minimal ingredients, and looks as stunning as it tastes (especially when served in a copper mug!).
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Active Time: 3 minutes
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Total Time: 8 minutes
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Servings: 1 glass
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Cuisine: Caribbean / American
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Course: Beverage / Cocktail
Equipment
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Copper mug or glass
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Jigger or measuring spoon
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Citrus juicer
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Bar spoon
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Ice cubes
Ingredients
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2 oz white or spiced rum
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½ oz fresh lime juice
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4–6 oz chilled ginger beer
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Ice cubes
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Garnish: Lime wedge or mint sprig
Optional: dash of bitters or ½ tsp simple syrup for depth.
Instructions
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Fill your mug or glass with fresh ice cubes.
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Pour in 2 oz rum of your choice.
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Squeeze in fresh lime juice – about half a lime.
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Top with 4–6 oz ginger beer, adjusting for strength.
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Stir gently to combine without losing fizz.
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Garnish with lime or mint. Serve and enjoy immediately!
Why You’ll Love This Drink
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Ready in under 5 minutes
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Only 3 main ingredients
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No bartending skills required
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Customizable with white or spiced rum
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Perfect for summer evenings or weekend get-togethers
Nutrition
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 165 kcal |
Carbs | 11g |
Sugar | 9g |
Fat | 0g |
Alcohol | ~14% ABV |

Flavor Profile
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Sweet + Tangy + Spicy + Refreshing
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Rum gives warmth, lime brings brightness, and ginger adds that fizzy kick!
Tips
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Want it sweeter? Add ½ tsp of simple syrup.
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Want it spicier? Use a stronger ginger beer brand.
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Hosting guests? Batch it in a pitcher—just stir gently before serving.
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Want it zero-sugar? Use diet ginger beer.
FAQs
Q1: What type of rum works best in a Rum Mule?
A: It depends on your taste!
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White rum: Clean, light, and refreshing—great for classic versions.
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Spiced rum: Adds warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla.
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Dark rum: Richer and more intense flavor—perfect if you like bolder drinks.
You can even experiment with flavored rums like coconut or mango for a tropical flair.
Q2: Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Rum Mule?
A: Absolutely! Just skip the rum and mix ginger beer with fresh lime juice. You can also add a splash of pineapple or coconut water for extra flavor.
Q3: Why is it traditionally served in a copper mug?
A: Copper mugs are not just for looks! They keep your drink colder longer and enhance the refreshing feel of the mule. But don’t worry—any highball glass works just fine too.
Q4: What’s the difference between a Moscow Mule and a Rum Mule?
A: The base spirit!
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Moscow Mule uses vodka.
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Rum Mule uses rum.
Both use ginger beer and lime, but the flavor difference is huge—rum adds a deeper, tropical note that many prefer.
Q5: Can I make this drink ahead of time for a party?
A: You can pre-mix the rum and lime juice in a pitcher and chill it. Right before serving, pour into individual glasses over ice and top with ginger beer to keep the fizz fresh.
Q6: Is ginger ale the same as ginger beer?
A: No—ginger beer is spicier and less sweet, giving the cocktail its signature kick. Ginger ale can be used in a pinch, but it will result in a milder, sweeter drink.
Q7: How do I lower the sugar or calories in this drink?
A: Use diet or sugar-free ginger beer and measure your lime juice carefully. You can also reduce the rum to 1.5 oz for a lighter version.