copper cups with lemonade and basil in them

At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Easy Basil Lemonade Moscow Mule

There’s nothing better than lemonade in summer, right?

Well- that’s wrong right off the bat… Moscow Mules are one of my summer favorites.

They are light, refreshing, delicious- and get you there without filling you up. The combination of vodka and ginger beer is divine- and the ginger beer always helps settle my stomach after a big meal, or keep me from feeling full like beers often can.

The virgin version of moscow mules are also one of my all-time favorite drinks!

So I decided to combine my two favorite drinks- lemonade and moscow mules- for an epic summer sipper.

(important note: I do get questions often about Ginger Beer. Ginger beer is NOT alcoholic- it is made like root beer or ginger ale- but has a LOT more ginger flavor than ginger ale. You can find ginger beer almost everywhere these days- but I am pretty picky about brands.)

I love these basil lemonade moscow mules- refreshing and delicious!

While moscow mules do traditionally use citrus to cut the ginger beer’s flavor, I decided to switch it up a bit with lemonade.

Adding basil is a great way to take the flavor up even more- it is a fabulous compliment to slightly tangy and sweet lemonade, and gingers’ spicy heat.

And like a lot of my mocktails, this is truly one of the most delicious drinks even without booze. I’m using juniper soda for a bit of a dry, earthy kick- I might even like the virgin version more than the alcoholic one! (Well, we all know that isn’t true— but I do love a balanced, unique mocktail that doesn’t just rely on sugary sodas or juice. These are perfect for sipping all day long!)

This is an excellent party drink- you can pre-mix the basil, lemonade, and vodka/juniper soda (this actually helps the flavors develop and “marry” more) and display it in a cute jug or pitcher, and have guests top up their cocktail or mocktail with ginger beer when they are ready to drink it.

For an extra fun and delicious version, try adding cherry ginger beer!

I personally recommend the Cock ‘n Bull brand of ginger beer. It isn’t too sweet and has more spicy ginger flavor, which keeps the drink balanced and interesting. I also like to use a good premium lemonade for balanced flavor that doesn’t taste fake.