Peach Moscow mule

This peach Moscow mule is a perfect balance of sweet, fizzy and slightly spicy. When I was thinking about this cocktail, I wanted to avoid making it overly sweet. But with the lime, the spice of ginger beer and, most importantly, the fresh peaches, this summer sip gains complex layers of flavor that make it way more interesting.

A peach Moscow mule is exactly what it sounds like: a riff on the classic Moscow mule (vodka, ginger beer and lime), but with the addition of peach puree or nectar for a fruity, summery twist. I make my own puree when peaches are in season because a great summer peach needs nothing more than a blender. But high-quality peach nectar works just fine and takes less time. Perfect for porch season, I always make extra puree and keep ginger beer stocked to share with the neighbors who just happen by and stop to chat.

Ingredients for Peach Moscow Mule

• Peach nectar or puree: Fresh peach puree is the move when summer peaches are at their peak. Blend two to three peeled, pitted peaches until they’re smooth, and you’re done. In the off-season, a good-quality peach nectar works just as well. Just read the label and make sure peach is the star ingredient, not sugar.
• Ginger beer: There’s no mule without a great ginger beer. Fever-Tree and Q Mixers are reliable products; they’re spicier and more complex than your average grocery store ginger beer, and that zip is what makes the drink. Look for cool, crafty local brews for some super-big flavor. This is not the day to substitute ginger ale, which is much sweeter.
• Vodka: Choose a clean, mid-range vodka brand you’d be happy to sip on its own. The vodka isn’t the loudest voice in this cocktail, but a good one keeps everything tasting fresh and bright.
• Lime juice: Fresh-squeezed lime juice always wins over bottled juice because it has more depth of flavor. Bottled lime juice is sometimes a necessary shortcut, so buy the good stuff. I like Nellie and Joe’s Key lime juice for its signature floral and aromatic Key lime flavors.
• Peach slice and fresh mint: A thin peach slice fanned over the rim, along with a sprig of mint, makes the drink look as good as it tastes. The mint also adds a subtle herbal aroma that plays beautifully with the peach every time you take a sip.

Directions

Step 1: Fill the mug with ice

Pack your copper mug with ice all the way to the top.

Step 2: Add the vodka, peach nectar and lime juice

Pour the vodka, peach nectar or puree, and lime juice directly over the ice. Give the mixture a quick stir with a bar spoon or a long spoon before you add the bubbles.

Editor’s Tip: If you’re making your own puree, blend the peaches until they’re completely smooth, then strain them through a fine mesh strainer to remove any fibrous bits. This gives you a silkier drink with a prettier color.

Step 3: Top it with ginger beer

Pour the ginger beer slowly over the top, and stir gently just once or twice.

Step 4: Garnish the mule

Garnish the cocktail with a thin peach slice and a fresh sprig of mint. Serve it immediately.

Peach Moscow Mule Variations

• Add peach schnapps: An ounce of peach schnapps deepens the peach flavor and adds a bit of sweetness. It’s an easy way to amplify the fruit if your peaches are a little underripe or if your nectar is on the mild side.
• Make it a mocktail: Leave out the vodka and replace it with a nonalcoholic spirit or extra ginger beer. The peach and lime together are so bright that you honestly won’t miss the alcohol.
• Try bourbon instead of vodka: A peach Kentucky mule is a no-brainer. The caramel and vanilla notes in a good bourbon pair almost perfectly with ripe peach. Just swap the spirits, keeping the same measurements.
• Make it a frozen mule: Blend peach puree, vodka, lime juice and ice until they’re smooth, then top the mixture with a small pour of ginger beer for a slushy, frozen version that is unstoppable on a hot day. Or use pebble ice and skip the blender.

How to Make Peach Moscow Mules for a Group

Batching peach Moscow mules for a party is easy. Simply multiply the vodka, peach puree and lime juice by the number of servings you need, and stir everything together in a large pitcher or drink dispenser. Keep the ginger beer separate and pour it over each mug right before serving so everyone gets a properly fizzy drink. The peach-vodka-lime base can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator; give it a good stir before using it. If you’re using fresh puree, I wouldn’t keep it beyond 24 hours, as it will start to oxidize and the color will start to dull. Peach nectar–based batches will keep for up to two days in the fridge.

Peach Moscow Mule Tips

Can you use frozen peaches?

Absolutely. Frozen peaches are a great option when fresh ones are out of season. Let them thaw slightly before blending them so they puree more smoothly, and taste as you go since frozen peaches can vary in sweetness. If the puree tastes a little flat, a small squeeze of extra lime juice and a pinch of sugar will bring it right back to life.

What’s the best type of glass for a peach Moscow mule?

The classic copper mug is the traditional vessel for any Moscow mule, and it’s not just for looks. Copper keeps the drink colder longer and intensifies the carbonation, making every sip feel extra crisp and refreshing. That said, a highball glass, a large stemless wineglass or a tall tumbler works just fine if you don’t have copper mugs on hand.