We’ve always been fans of the classic Moscow Mule, but the Ruby Mule adds a vibrant twist that elevates this fizzy favorite to new heights. With its ruby red grapefruit infusion, it brings a tart sweetness and eye-catching hue perfect for summer soirées or cozy evenings alike.
This delightful cocktail originated as a modern variation on the 1940s original, blending ginger beer’s spice with fresh citrus notes we know you’ll love. We’re excited to guide you through our simple recipe that promises to impress every time.
Ingredients
In our exploration of the Ruby Mule recipe, we gather fresh, vibrant ingredients that bring out its signature tart sweetness and spicy kick. We’ve organized this list in the order these elements are typically prepared and added, ensuring you have everything ready for a seamless mix.
- 2 oz vodka: Our base spirit, choose a high-quality, smooth vodka to complement the citrus notes without overpowering them.
- 1 oz fresh ruby red grapefruit juice: Squeezed from ripe grapefruits for that essential Ruby Mule infusion—aim for freshly juiced to capture the bright, tangy flavor that defines this twist.
- 1 oz fresh lime juice: Adds a zesty acidity; we recommend rolling the lime before juicing to extract maximum juice for balance.
- 4 oz ginger beer: The spicy backbone of the cocktail—opt for a premium brand with real ginger for authentic fizz and heat.
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (optional): For a touch of sweetness if your grapefruit is extra tart; dissolve equal parts sugar and water beforehand for easy incorporation.
- Ice cubes: About 1 cup, crushed or cubed, to chill and dilute the drink perfectly as you stir.
- Garnish: 1 ruby red grapefruit wedge and a fresh mint sprig: These not only enhance presentation but also add a burst of aroma and color to your Ruby Mule.
Tools Needed
To craft the perfect Ruby Mule, we rely on a few essential bar tools that streamline the mixing process and enhance the cocktail’s refreshing flavors. These items help us measure, shake, and serve with precision, ensuring our vibrant grapefruit twist shines through.
Essential Bar Tools
When preparing our Ruby Mule, we recommend these Essential Bar Tools to achieve a professional-quality drink. Below is a detailed list of the key items, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Cocktail Shaker: A sturdy Boston or cobbler shaker is indispensable for combining ingredients like vodka, grapefruit juice, and lime juice. We use it to chill and aerate the mixture quickly, preserving the cocktail’s tart sweetness.
- Jigger: This double-sided measuring tool allows us to accurately portion out 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of ruby red grapefruit juice, and 1 oz of fresh lime juice. Precision here ensures our Ruby Mule’s balanced flavors without any guesswork.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Essential for straining the shaken mixture into the glass, it removes pulp or ice shards for a smooth, crystal-clear presentation that highlights the cocktail’s vibrant red hue.
- Citrus Juicer or Reamer: We use this tool to extract fresh juice from ruby red grapefruits and limes, yielding about 1 oz per fruit for optimal tartness. It maximizes juice efficiency and minimizes waste, elevating our cocktail’s fresh, zesty profile.
- Highball Glass or Copper Mug: The serving vessel of choice for our Ruby Mule, as it keeps the drink cold and enhances the ginger beer’s spicy notes. We recommend a 12-16 oz size to accommodate the 4 oz of premium ginger beer and garnishes for a visually appealing serve.
- Bar Spoon: Perfect for gently stirring in the ginger beer after shaking the base ingredients, ensuring even distribution without over-dilution. This tool helps us maintain the cocktail’s effervescent texture and aromatic mint garnish.
Directions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s craft the vibrant Ruby Mule with precision and ease. We’ll walk you through each step to deliver a refreshing, tart-sweet cocktail that elevates any gathering.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before mixing, we ensure all components are prepped for optimal flavor and presentation. Start by juicing the citrus to capture their zesty essence:
- Juice the citrus: Squeeze 1 oz of fresh lime juice and 1 oz of ruby red grapefruit juice using a citrus juicer. We aim for pulp-free liquid to highlight the smooth, tangy brightness that balances the ginger’s spice.
- Measure the liquids: Use a jigger to portion out 2 oz of high-quality vodka and 4 oz of premium ginger beer. If desired, add 0.5 oz of simple syrup for a touch of sweetness, adjusting based on your preference for the drink’s vibrant tartness.
- Prepare garnishes and ice: Cut a wedge from a ruby red grapefruit for garnish, and pluck a fresh mint sprig to release its aromatic, cooling notes. Fill a container with ice cubes to chill the cocktail effectively.
This preparation sets the stage for a seamless mix, ensuring each element contributes to the Ruby Mule’s eye-catching ruby hue and invigorating taste.
Mix the Drink
With ingredients ready, we combine them step by step for a perfectly chilled and effervescent result:
- Fill the glass: Add ice cubes to a highball glass or copper mug until about two-thirds full, allowing the cold to enhance the cocktail’s crisp, fiery ginger buzz.
- Combine the base: Pour in the 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of ruby red grapefruit juice, and 1 oz of lime juice. Stir gently with a bar spoon to blend the liquids, creating a vibrant fusion of citrus sharpness and smooth spirits.
- Add the fizz: Top with 4 oz of ginger beer, then stir once more to incorporate without losing the carbonation’s lively sparkle, which amplifies the drink’s spicy-sweet aroma.
- Incorporate optional sweetness: If using, drizzle in 0.5 oz of simple syrup and stir lightly to mellow any tart edges, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Strain and garnish: For a polished finish, use a fine mesh strainer to pour the mixture into the glass if needed, then add the grapefruit wedge and mint sprig on top. This step elevates the visual appeal, showcasing the Ruby Mule’s radiant red color and fresh scent.
Serve immediately to savor the cocktail’s invigorating blend of ginger heat and citrus refreshment.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing how the Ruby Mule brings a fresh spin to your cocktail nights. It’s not just a drink—it’s a vibrant way to spark joy and conversation.
Try experimenting with our tips to make it your signature serve. We’re confident it’ll become a favorite in your home bar arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Ruby Mule cocktail?
A Ruby Mule is a modern twist on the classic Moscow Mule, featuring ruby red grapefruit for a tart, sweet flavor and vibrant color. Originating from the 1940s original, it combines ginger beer’s spice with fresh citrus, making it a refreshing drink perfect for parties or casual evenings.
How is a Ruby Mule different from a Moscow Mule?
The Ruby Mule swaps traditional lime for ruby red grapefruit juice, adding a sweeter, tangier taste and pinkish hue. While both use vodka and ginger beer, the grapefruit infusion in the Ruby Mule provides a fresh, fruity variation, elevating the original’s simple profile without changing its core spicy kick.
What ingredients are needed for a Ruby Mule?
You’ll need 2 oz vodka, 1 oz ruby red grapefruit juice, 1 oz lime juice, 4 oz ginger beer, and optional 0.5 oz simple syrup. Add ice for chilling and garnish with a grapefruit wedge and mint sprig. These fresh ingredients create a balanced, vibrant cocktail in just minutes.
What tools are required to make a Ruby Mule?
Essential tools include a cocktail shaker for mixing, a jigger for measuring, a citrus juicer for fresh juice, a fine mesh strainer for smoothness, a highball glass or copper mug for serving, and a bar spoon for stirring. These help ensure a professional, refreshing result with minimal effort.
How do you prepare a Ruby Mule?
Start by juicing grapefruit and lime, then measure ingredients. Fill a glass with ice, add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz grapefruit juice, 1 oz lime juice, and optional simple syrup. Top with 4 oz ginger beer, stir gently, and garnish with a grapefruit wedge and mint. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Can you customize the Ruby Mule recipe?
Yes, you can adjust sweetness with more simple syrup or substitute vodka with gin for a botanical twist. Experiment with different garnishes like rosemary or reduce ginger beer for a milder version. Always use fresh ingredients to maintain the cocktail’s refreshing, vibrant character.