A Moscow Mule with a mischievous streak. Ginger beer brings the snap, citrus keeps it lively, and Krampus adds a warm, honeyed depth that nudges this classic into darker territory. Refreshing enough for a crowd, interesting enough to sip slowly—this mule behaves just well enough to get invited back.
The Naughty Mule is our take on the Moscow Mule, the ginger beer and lime highball that made copper mugs famous. Instead of vodka, it's built on Krampus Herbal Liqueur with a splash of orange juice.
It's lighter and easier-drinking than the classic, an easy holiday party pour that takes about a minute to make.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Krampus Herbal Liqueur
- ½ oz orange juice
- ¼ oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz chilled ginger beer
- 1 lime wedge, to garnish
Directions
- Fill a copper mule mug with ice.
- Add the Krampus, orange juice and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer, stir once and garnish with the lime wedge.
Glass: Copper mule mug · Garnish: Lime wedge
Tip
Reach for a spicy ginger beer, not ginger ale. Krampus already brings honeyed sweetness, and a drier, sharper ginger beer keeps the drink snappy.
Variations
For a stronger mule, add 1 oz vodka or bourbon. For a crowd, mix 8 oz Krampus, 4 oz orange juice and 2 oz lime juice in a pitcher, then top each glass with ginger beer as you pour so it stays fizzy.
A Brief History of the Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule was born in Los Angeles around 1941, usually credited to Jack Morgan of the Cock 'n' Bull pub, who had ginger beer to sell, and John Martin of Heublein, who was trying to sell Americans on a little-known spirit called Smirnoff vodka.
They served it in copper mugs and promoted it bar to bar with Polaroid photos of bartenders holding one. It worked, and the mule became one of the drinks that put vodka on the American map.
Why Make It With Krampus
Vodka gives a mule its alcohol but almost no flavor, so the drink tastes mostly of ginger beer. Krampus Herbal Liqueur brings raw honey, roasted hazelnut and warming spice that play off the ginger's bite, and the honey rounds out the lime. The result is a mule with more going on and a seasonal warmth the original doesn't have.
FAQ
Do I need a copper mug for a mule?
No, but it keeps the drink very cold, which is part of the appeal. A highball or rocks glass works fine.
What is the best ginger beer for a mule?
A spicy, not-too-sweet ginger beer. Since Krampus already adds honey, a drier ginger beer keeps the drink balanced.