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Fernet Ginger Mule Cocktail

Sweet, spicy, and so delicious – this Italian Mule Cocktail with Fernet and Ginger Beer is a delicious twist to

  • Serves 1 drink
  • Prep 2 minutes
  • Total 2 minutes
Jump to the recipe
Fernet Ginger Mule Cocktail

Fernet has been a bit of a specialty lately and is enjoying recent trendiness (like similar earthy/bitter liqueurs like Campari gaining in popularity), and I couldn’t be happier about the recent surge in popularity! These Fernet cocktails are perfect for a party, great for a bridal shower, good for day drinking (no shade here), or a perfect happy hour indulgence that won’t take over your tastebuds like many cloyingly sweet cocktails can!

Two mugs with ice and a bottle of Italian Mule Cocktail, Fernet Branca.

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.

italian mule cocktail with a lime in it and on the side

How to Make Fernet Ginger Italian Mules

First assemble the following ingredients:

  • Fernet-Branca (1½ oz) – This bold Italian amaro adds a deep, herbal bitterness that anchors the drink with complexity.
  • Fresh lime juice (¾ oz) – Bright and tangy lime juice cuts through the bitterness and adds refreshing citrus balance.
  • Ginger beer (1 can) – Spicy, effervescent ginger beer brings warmth and lift to the cocktail, tying the flavors together.
  • Lime wedge (1) – A simple lime wedge garnish enhances aroma and offers an extra squeeze of zest if desired.
A white cup with limes and a bottle of bourbon, perfect for a Fernet Branca Cocktail Recipe.

Combine and Top

Add the fernet-branca and lime juice to a glass, stir to combine. Top with ginger beer and garnish if desired with a lime wedge, enjoy!

italian mule cocktail in a metal cup with limes in it and on the edge.

Tips and Tricks To A Perfect Italian Mule

Stir it up. Stir the fernet and lime juice over ice to get it really cold – it will taste the best, and it will keep the ginger beer’s carbonation nice and fizzy!

Look for low sugar ginger beer – I like Fever Tree or Q.

Fresh is always best for lime juice – you can use the stuff from a bottle, but i think fresh always wins.

Use high-quality ginger beer – Opt for a spicy, robust ginger beer to balance Fernet’s intense herbal notes.

Chill all ingredients – Cold Fernet, lime juice, and ginger beer keep the drink crisp and refreshing.

Use fresh lime juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness and freshness that bottled juice can’t match.

Stir gently, don’t shake – To preserve the ginger beer’s carbonation, gently stir the cocktail instead of shaking.

Serve in a copper mug or highball glass – A copper mug enhances the traditional mule experience and keeps the drink icy cold.

Add ice last – Fill the glass with ice after adding Fernet and lime, then top with ginger beer to maintain effervescence.

italian mule cocktail in a metal cup with limes in it and on the edge.

FAQs

Fernet-Branca has a strong, bitter, and herbal flavor with notes of mint, spice, and menthol.

Fresh lime juice is best for brightness and balance, but bottled can work in a pinch if it’s 100% juice.

Use a spicy, high-quality ginger beer (like Fever-Tree or Q Mixers) to stand up to Fernet’s boldness.

Yes, it has a distinctly bitter and herbal profile, but the lime and ginger beer help balance it out.

Yes, mix the Fernet and lime juice ahead of time, then add ginger beer and ice just before serving to keep it fizzy.

Try using a zero-proof herbal amaro alternative, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer for a similar flavor profile without alcohol.

italian mule cocktail in a metal cup with limes in it and on the edge.

Other Delicious Cocktails

Cranberry Moonshine

Red White and Blue Patriotic Punch Recipe (4th of July)

French Christmas Wine (Vin Chaud)

Summer Rum Punch

White Sangria and Virgin Sangria

Sparkling Berry Basil Lemonade

Israeli Cardamom Coffee

Coffee Soaked Bread Pudding

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italian mule cocktail in a metal cup with limes in it and on the edge. Fernet branca italian mules written on it

The recipe

Fernet Ginger Mule Cocktail

Sweet, spicy, and so delicious – this Italian Mule Cocktail with Fernet and Ginger Beer is a delicious twist to a traditional Moscow mule with an herbal liqueur kick thanks to Fernet Branca for a fernet cocktail everyone loves.

  • Serves 1 drink
  • Prep 2 minutes
  • Total 2 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1½ oz. Fernet-Branca
  • ¾ oz. fresh lime juice
  • 1 can ginger beer (enough to top off glass)
  • 1 lime wedge (to garnish)

Method

  1. 1

    Pour fernet and lime juice over ice, stir vigorously to chill.

  2. 2

    Top with ginger beer and garnish with lime.

Equipment

  • will’s Moscow Mule Copper Mugs – Set of 4-100% Pure Solid Copper Mugs – 16 oz Premium Gift Set with 4 Cocktail Copper Straws, Shot Glass and Recipe Booklet

Nutrition

  • Serving1 g
  • Calories330 kcal
  • Carbohydrates60 g
  • Protein1 g
  • Sodium28 mg
  • Fiber2 g
  • Sugar52 g

Questions

What does Fernet-Branca taste like?

Fernet-Branca has a strong, bitter, and herbal flavor with notes of mint, spice, and menthol.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lime juice is best for brightness and balance, but bottled can work in a pinch if it’s 100% juice.

What type of ginger beer should I use?

Use a spicy, high-quality ginger beer (like Fever-Tree or Q Mixers) to stand up to Fernet’s boldness.

Is this drink very bitter?

Yes, it has a distinctly bitter and herbal profile, but the lime and ginger beer help balance it out.

Can I batch this cocktail for a party?

Yes, mix the Fernet and lime juice ahead of time, then add ginger beer and ice just before serving to keep it fizzy.

Is there a non-alcoholic version?

Try using a zero-proof herbal amaro alternative, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer for a similar flavor profile without alcohol.