Spicy Jalapeño Mule Cocktail Recipe – If you’re someone who loves your cocktails with a kick, then you’re going to fall in love with this Spicy Jalapeño Mule Cocktail Recipe. It takes everything you love about a classic Moscow Mule—the zingy ginger beer, fresh lime, and crisp vodka—and turns up the heat with slices of fresh jalapeño.
This drink is bold, spicy, citrusy, and incredibly refreshing. The slight burn from jalapeños combined with the sharp fizz of ginger beer makes for a one-of-a-kind cocktail experience. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking to impress guests with something new and exciting, this recipe is a must-try.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Active Time: 4 minutes
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Resting Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 9 minutes
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Servings: 1 cocktail
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Cuisine: American / Modern
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Course: Cocktail / Beverage
Equipment You’ll Need
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Muddler or spoon
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Copper mug or cocktail glass
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Jigger or shot glass
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Citrus juicer (optional)
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Bar spoon
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Ice cubes
Ingredients
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2 oz vodka (or tequila, if you want a smokier edge)
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½ oz fresh lime juice
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2–3 thin jalapeño slices (adjust based on heat preference)
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½ tsp simple syrup (optional for balance)
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4 oz ginger beer (chilled)
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Ice cubes
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Garnish: Lime wheel, jalapeño slice, or mint sprig
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 165 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Alcohol Content | ~12–14% ABV |
Instructions
Step 1: Muddle the Jalapeño
In your copper mug or cocktail glass, place 2–3 thin jalapeño slices (remove seeds for less heat). Gently muddle using a muddler or back of a spoon to release their spicy oils.
Step 2: Add Vodka and Lime Juice
Pour in 2 oz vodka and ½ oz fresh lime juice. Add ½ tsp simple syrup if you want a touch of sweetness to offset the spice.
Step 3: Fill with Ice
Add a generous amount of ice to fill the mug or glass. This chills the cocktail and also slightly mutes the intensity of the jalapeño.
Step 4: Top with Ginger Beer
Slowly pour 4 oz chilled ginger beer into the glass. Stir gently with a bar spoon to mix without losing too much fizz.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a fresh lime wheel, a thin jalapeño slice, or a sprig of mint. Serve immediately with a straw so you can sip through the spice!
Flavor Profile
The Spicy Jalapeño Mule offers a bold and complex flavor:
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Zesty and citrusy from fresh lime
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Spicy and pungent from jalapeño
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Fizzy and warming from ginger beer
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Clean and crisp from vodka
Each sip starts refreshing and ends with a subtle (or bold!) kick of heat that lingers pleasantly.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Jalapeño Mule Cocktail Recipe
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Unique twist on a classic cocktail
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Balanced heat with citrus and fizz
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Ready in under 10 minutes
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Customizable to your spice level
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Perfect for cocktail hour, BBQs, or game nights
Tips & Variations
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Control the spice: Remove the seeds and veins of the jalapeño for a milder drink. Leave them in for extra fire.
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Switch the spirit: Try tequila for a Jalapeño Mexican Mule, or mezcal for a smoky kick.
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Make it sweeter: Add more simple syrup or use a honey-ginger syrup for extra balance.
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Infuse your vodka: Let sliced jalapeños sit in vodka for 24 hours for a naturally spicy infusion.
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Non-alcoholic version: Skip the vodka, and mix muddled jalapeños with lime and ginger beer for a fiery mocktail.
FAQs
Q1: How spicy is this cocktail?
It depends on how many jalapeño slices you use and whether you include the seeds. Start with 2 slices and adjust to taste.
Q2: What kind of vodka works best?
Use a clean, smooth vodka. If you want more depth, try a citrus-infused or pepper-flavored vodka.
Q3: Can I make it ahead of time?
You can muddle the jalapeños and mix the vodka/lime juice ahead of time, but always add the ginger beer just before serving to keep it fizzy.
Q4: Can I strain out the jalapeños after muddling?
Yes! If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the drink before adding ice and ginger beer.
Q5: Is this cocktail too spicy for most people?
Not necessarily—when balanced with lime and ginger beer, the spice is pleasantly warming rather than overwhelming. You can easily adjust it to your liking.
