We're leaning into our beverage craze with this blueberry mule recipe. It combines the flavors of a mint mule (without the muddling) with blueberries for a refreshing beverage that's perfect for summer parties, brunches, or anytime you want a beverage that feels fancy but is easy to make.
We make this in both a cocktail and mocktail version and both are refreshingly amazing.
Mocktails continue to have their moment, and this blueberry mint mule is one of our favorites. You can add your favorite spirit to make a delicious cocktail - herbal gin highlights the ginger, vodka keeps it crisp, and rum or whiskey adds warmth. We blend our homemade Mint Simple Syrup with blueberry puree and ginger beer making this drink both customizable and wonderfully refreshing.
The best part! This blueberry ginger beer mocktail recipe is make-ahead friendly! Mix a batch of the blueberry-mint base, and set your bar with the batch mix, soda or spirits (for cocktails), and garnish. Then let guests customize their own drink while you enjoy the company. It's effortless entertaining with a drink that looks as good as it tastes.
Jump to:
Ingredients
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and quantities.
- Lime juice. For best flavor - skip the store bought brands - and squeeze your own.
- Mint simple syrup. Make up a batch of this in advance and keep on hand in the fridge or freezer.
- Blueberry puree. Made with frozen or fresh blueberries.
- Ginger beer. This brings a spicy hit to this drink.
- Spirits of choice. Vodka, gin, whiskey, or tequila all work beautifully with this cocktail.
- NOT PICTURED: Club soda for making a mocktail not needed when making a cocktail.
Make the Blueberry Puree
See the recipe card below for the complete instructions.
We recommend making this in advance to allow enough time for the puree to be chilled before adding to the drink. The blueberry puree can be stored in airtight containers for up to 7 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. For best results thaw in the fridge and stir before using. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to keep extra blueberry puree handy for those spur of the moment drink cravings.
If you don't make this in advance you can place the pureed blueberry mixture into an ice bath to cool. Learn more: How to use an ice bath.
To help the blueberries shine in this drink we're adding only enough sugar and water
to the berries to help the juices start to release.
Add the blueberries (fresh or frozen), sugar, and water to a heavy duty saucepan and cook over medium heat until the berries soften and release their juice, 5-8 minutes. Frozen berries (like in the photo above) will take a little longer than fresh. The berries will release there juice and you'll have a nice thick mixture with soft blueberries.
Transfer the blueberry mixture to a deep container - wide enough for the immersion blender - and carefully blend the mixture until you have a smooth puree.
We use an immersion blender for this step but you can also let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes and then blend in a traditional blender. If using a blender we recommend removing the pour cap on the lid and covering the hole with a clean towel. This helps to release pressure from the hot mixture while blending, preventing the puree from exploding all over the kitchen.
Optional step
For a smooth drink, strain the blueberry puree through a fine mesh strainer to remove any thick skins that did not puree. Use a metal spoon to stir and press the mixture through the mesh. This results in a thick, smooth consistency that is great in a drink.
For a more rustic cocktail, skip this step.
We tested this drink both ways - smooth and strained, rustic and unstrained - and loved both versions! It really comes down to whether you prefer a thicker, more textured drink or a smooth, clear finish.
Set the puree aside until ready to mix your drinks. Store up to 7 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Always store in airtight containers. Press plastic wrap on the surface if storing more than 3 days to prevent a thick film forming.
Pick Your Glass
We recommend a 10-12 ounce glass for these blueberry mule drinks in order to provide a balanced drink. This allows enough room for the blueberry mix, ginger beer, plus the spirit (for a cocktail), or club soda (for a mocktail). A copper Moscow mule mug is a fun touch for serving, but not essential.
Some general information on bar glassware use.
- Collins glass - good for carbonation
- Rocks glass - for a stronger mule, less ginger beer and soda mixer
- Stemless wine glass - stays cold and looks great
- Copper Moscow mule mug - right size and keeps drink cold longer
- Mason jar - for a rustic, casual look
Want to sugar the rim of your glass?
Do that before you begin adding your drink ingredients to the glass. (See more detailed instructions on rimming a cocktail glass in this Raspberry Margaritas post.)
Make a Batch Mix - for a crowd
With the blueberry puree and mint simple syrup prepped, this blueberry mule comes together effortlessly. This recipe is for a crowd, meaning you're going to batch the mix for easy mixing, however, it is easy to adjust for one or two drinks (instructions follow).
Batching a drink mix is a great way to let your guests build their own cocktail with their
spirit of choice or keep it alcohol-free as a mocktail.
Combine the mint simple syrup, fresh lime juice, and blueberry puree in a large container with a lid. Stir or shake until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to set your bar. Pour your batch mix into a pitcher and it's ready for your guests to mix their own drink.
Make the Blueberry Mule
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and quantities.
Add the batch mix and a few ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. With the lid on tight shake to mix, then strain into your ice filled glasses.
For individual blueberry mules - without a batch mix
Add the mint simple syrup, fresh lime juice, and blueberry puree to a cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes, shake to chill, strain into your ice filled glasses. If making more than one drink, divide the mixture evenly between the glasses. See recipe NOTES for exact amounts.
For a cocktail
Add your spirit of choice and top off the glass with ginger beer.
For a mocktail
Skip the spirits and add 2-4 ounces of ginger beer to the glass then top off with club soda.
Setting a DIY Bar
Batching part of a drink is a great way to let your guests customize their own drink. If they're making their own drinks, just set up your bar with everything they'll need for this blueberry mint mule.
For more information on setting your own bar read our
15 Holiday Beverages and DIY Bar Tips.
- Club soda is our preferred mixer, but tonic water and seltzer water work just as well. See our Cranberry Mocktail post for more info on the differences.
- If you're serving cocktails set out a selection of spirits to give guests options. Vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey are all good with this bluebery mint mule.
- Bitters are optional but add amazing depth to this drink. Traditional bitters are high in alcohol, similar to vanilla, but the tiny amount used means the drink has very little alcohol. There are alcohol-free bitters available to keep the mocktail completely alcohol free.
- Have a selection of garnishes - lime wedges, slices, or peels and sprigs of fresh mint make the drink feel extra festive.
Make Ahead and Time Saver Tips
- Juice the limes. Use an electric juicer, or hand juicer, to juice the limes in advance. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make the mint simple syrup. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-6 months or up to a year in the freezer.
- Make the blueberry pure. Store in the fridge up to a week or in the freezer up to 3 months.
- Prep the batch mix. Mix a batch of the simple syrup, blueberry puree, and mint simple syrup. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
Favorite Riffs
- The blueberries pair perfectly with the spicy ginger beer, but if you're not a blueberry fan substitute raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries in the puree.
- Use as much or as little of the ginger beer as you like. If you love it, go all-in and skip the club soda for a mocktail. If you prefer a lighter ginger flavor, use just 2 ounces in your drink and finish with the club soda.
- For mocktails we usually reach for club soda, but any bubbly mixer works - seltzer, sparkling water, or tonic. We cover the differences between these in the Cranberry Mocktail post.
- Just a drop or two of bitters can add great depth to a mocktail. Use alcohol-free bitters to keep things completely zero-proof!
- For extra sweetness and a festive touch, add a sugar rim. For more details on adding a sugar rim, see this Raspberry Margaritas post.
Some Favorite Bar Bites
Some FAQ's
Herbal gin highlights the ginger, vodka keeps it crisp, and rum or whiskey adds warmth. We've made it with all of these spirits and they are all delicious and refreshing.
The ginger beer is a big part of what makes this blueberry mint mule shine - the mint, blueberry, and spicy ginger beer combo is fantastic. If you're not a ginger beer fan, start with a small splash, taste, and add more little by little until it's just right for you.
Muddling fresh blueberries works if in a pinch on time, but we recommend taking the time to make the puree. The result will be a stronger blueberry pop and a smoother drink.
Yes, you can muddle fresh mint leaves instead of using mint simple syrup, but the balance of the drink will change. Muddling brings out some mint flavor, just not as much as the syrup. The syrup gives this blueberry mule its stronger mint note to stand up to the ginger beer. You'll also loose the sweetness the syrup provides, so add a little honey, sugar, or agave to bring the drink back into balance.
Yes, the batch mix can be frozen. Thaw in the fridge and shake or stir well before using.
📖 Recipe
Blueberry Mint Mule
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 drinks 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
We're leaning into our beverage craze with this blueberry mule recipe. It combines the flavors of a mint mule (no muddling needed) with blueberries for a refreshing beverage that's perfect for summer parties, brunches, or anytime you want a beverage that feels fancy but is easy to make.
Ingredients
Blueberry puree (Makes 1 ½ cup)
- 435-450 grams (18 ounces=~3 ⅓ cups) blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 3 teaspoons water
Batch Mix (Makes 12 Drinks)
- 12 ounces mint simple syrup (make in advance)
- 10 ounces fresh lime juice
- 14 ounces (1 ½ cups) blueberry puree
To Serve (Per Drink)
- 2 ounces spirit of choice per drink
or club soda for mocktails - 3 ounces batch mix
- 6-10 Ginger beer (enough for 12 drinks)
- Ice
- Mint for garnish
Non-Batch - For 2 Drinks
- 4 ounces spirit of choice or club soda for mocktails
- 2 ounces mint simple syrup (make in advance)
- 1 ½ ounces fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce (2 Tablespoons) blueberry puree
- Ice
- 1-2 Ginger beers
- Mint for garnish
Instructions
MAKE BLUEBERRY PUREE
- Cook. Combine blueberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until the berries soften and release their juice, 5-8 minutes. Frozen berries will take a little longer than fresh.
- Blend. Use an immersion blender to blend mixture until smooth. Alternatively, let mixture cool for about 10 minutes and then use a blender. If using a full size blender with hot liquids, remove the center cap on the lid and cover with a cloth to release heat and pressure as you blend.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer. Use a metal spoon to stir and press the mixture through the mesh. For a more rustic cocktail, skip this step.
- Set aside until ready to mix drinks. This can be done in advance and stored until ready to use: up to 7 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. Always store in airtight containers. Press plastic wrap on the surface if storing more than 3 days to prevent a thick film forming. For best results thaw in the fridge and stir before using.
MAKE BATCH MIX
- Stir or shake mint simple syrup, fresh lime juice, and blueberry puree in a large container with an air tight lid. Set aside until ready to mix drinks. This can be done up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
MIX THE DRINKS
- Add spirit of choice and batch mix with some ice to a cocktail shaker (or container with an airtight lid). Shake for about 10 seconds to mix and chill the drink. This can also be stirred instead of shaken!
FOR 1-2 Drinks. Add spirit of choice (if using), mint simple syrup, lime juice, blueberry puree, and some ice to a shaker and shake to combine. - Fill your glasses with ice and strain the mixture from the shaker into the glasses, dividing evenly. A smaller rocks glass will use less ginger beer and be more spirit forward while a larger glass (stemless wine glass or Collins glass) may use closer to the 6 ounces and be a little lighter on the spirit flavor.
- Add 3-6 ounces of ginger beer to each glass.
For a Mocktail. Add 2-4 ounces ginger beer to each glass and top off with club soda. - Garnish with a sprig of mint.
Notes
Spirits. This recipe is written for you to add your spirit of choice. Highlight the ginger with herbal gin, vodka keeps it crisp, and add rum or whiskey for warmth.
Mocktail. Make this a mocktail by leaving out the spirits and topping your glass with club soda.
Blueberry puree will give a more balanced, clean drink with a bold fruity flavor. Strain the puree for a smoother drink or leave unstrained for a more rustic beverage. You can muddle the blueberries, instead of a puree, for a lighter blueberry flavor with chunks of fruit in the drink.
This drink has bold flavors, so adjust it to your taste! Use less blueberry puree for a lighter blueberry, more ginger-forward mule, or add more for a richer blueberry flavor and thicker body drink. You can also tweak the ginger beer - add more if you love that spicy kick, or less for a softer profile. For mocktails, you can use all ginger beer or a mix of ginger beer and club soda. We recommend keeping at least a splash of ginger beer since it's a key part of the drinks balance.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mocktail
- Calories: 263
- Sugar: 64 g
- Sodium: 60.5 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 67.2 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Comments
No Comments