Pina Colada Mule

Pina Colada Moscow Mule – Make a Cocktail or Mocktail!

Whether summer is just starting, half over, or nearing its end, there is one thing we can agree on – it’s always a good time for bright, summery tropical cocktails (or mocktails!). And this Pina Colada Moscow Mule is just the drink for sunny days and endless summer nights! It combines the tropical sweetness of a Pina Colada and the bubbly zing of a Moscow Mule for a crisp and cool drink that will keep you refreshed on a hot summer day. Here’s why you’ll love it…

• Two classic cocktails in one. When you mix the ginger beer and lime from a Moscow Mule, but swap out the vodka for coconut rum and add pineapple juice to get the tropical flavor of a pina colada, you get a sweet but not overly sweet drink that nobody can resist.
• Or make a mocktail. This is so tasty that everyone will enjoy the flavors, and everyone from kids to those looking for a non-alcoholic option can when you use coconut water instead of the rum. It’s still just as bright and tasty.
• Simple and fun. It’s super easy to prepare these cocktails – just pour everything over ice. But you can make it feel like you are on an exotic island just by adding a few simple garnishes to make it extra special.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a brief rundown of what’s in this tasty cocktail (plus the swap to make it a mocktail), as well as some helpful information for you. You’ll find the full amounts in the recipe card further down in the post.

• Ginger beer. This is NOT the same as ginger ale. You can usually find ginger beer in the regular grocery store near either bottled root beers or other cocktail mixers like tonic water. It has a stronger ginger flavor to give it that kick that defines a Moscow Mule. Some good brands are Fever-Tree and Reed’s.
• Pineapple juice.
• Coconut rum (for the alcoholic version) or coconut water (for the non-alcoholic version). Since rum is distilled from sugar cane, it’s naturally gluten free, and many brands use coconut flavoring that is gluten free, including, at the time of this writing, Malibu and Bacardi. Always confirm updated information.
• Lime. Yes, you’ll want the juice of a fresh lime.
• Garnish. Serve it over ice with a garnish of a cherry, pineapple chunk, and lime wedge and you’ll be instantly transported to the tropics. 

Quick Tips

• Serve in a copper mug. Mules are traditionally served in a copper mug, as some people say it keeps the drink colder and enhances the taste. While not necessary, they do make for a gorgeous presentation. I opted for glasses for the Pina Colada Mule mocktails.
• Make a mocktail. Speaking of the non-alcoholic version, you can eyeball the coconut water and add more to taste, if you like.
• Enjoy right away. Because the fizziness of the ginger beer really adds to making this cocktail so bright and refreshing, this isn’t one you want to make in a big batch and let it sit for a while. I recommend mixing each one up as you are ready to sip them!

More Fruity Drinks

• Grapefruit Margaritas
• Mango Lava Flow Smoothies
• Sparkling Cider Rainbow Sherbet Floats
• Strawberry Pineapple Margarita from Dietitian Debbie
• Pineapple Lime Luau Slushy Punch from Tatertots and Jello