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    Home » Recipes » Drinks and Cocktails

    Aperol Moscow Mule Cocktail

    Published: Mar 11, 2023 by Melissa · This post contains links that pay me a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Pinterest image of the cocktail with the words “Italian Aperol Mule” in text overlay.
    Pinterest image of the cocktail with the words “Aperol Moscow Mule” in text overlay.
    Pinterest image of the cocktail with the words “Easy Aperol Mule” in text overlay.
    Pinterest image of the cocktail with the words “Aperol Moscow Mule” in text overlay.
    ↓ Jump to Recipe

    Looking for a fun and flavorful variation of the classic Moscow Mule? Look no further than the Aperol Mule! This refreshing cocktail combines Aperol, lime juice, orange juice, ginger beer, and orange bitters for a delicious twist on a beloved classic cocktail.

    Mule cocktail on a wood surface with a bottle of Aperol in the background.

    If you enjoy this Aperol Mule recipe, be sure to check out some of my other Moscow Mule variations and Aperol cocktails like this Italian Mule with Amaretto, Aperol Negroni, or Paper Plane Cocktail.

    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • What is a Mule Cocktail?
    • What is Aperol?
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • FAQ
    • Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Refreshing and easy: It’s a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion.
    • Unique flavor: The Aperol adds a unique and delicious new twist to the classic Moscow Mule. The combination of ginger beer, citrus juices, and orange bitters creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
    • Low ABV cocktail: This Aperol Mule has a low alcohol content compared to other cocktails. This makes it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a drink without overdoing it. 

    What is a Mule Cocktail?

    A mule cocktail is a type of mixed drink typically made with ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and vodka. The cocktail is traditionally served in copper mugs, which helps to keep the drink cold and is said to enhance the flavor of the ginger beer.

    What is Aperol?

    Aperol is an Italian liqueur made from gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona. It has a bright orange color and a unique bitter-sweet orange flavor that is both refreshing and complex. For more info on this bittersweet liqueur and how it compares to its Italian cousin, Campari, check out my post about Aperol vs. Campari. 

    Ingredient Notes

    Ingredients for the cocktail spread out on a round cutting board.
    • Aperol: Adds a bitter-sweet orange flavor and a beautiful orange color to the cocktail.
    • Lime juice: Adds acidity and brightness to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
    • Orange juice: Fresh orange juice adds sweetness and a subtle citrus flavor that compliments the Aperol’s bittersweet flavor.
    • Ginger beer: Adds spice, sweetness, and effervescence to the cocktail. Make sure to use a quality ginger beer. 
    • Orange bitters: Using orange bitters adds a complex and aromatic flavor that ties all the ingredients together.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Steps 1 and 2 showing adding Aperol and lime juice to the copper mug.

    Step 1: Add the Aperol to a cocktail glass or copper mug. 

    Step 2: Add the lime juice. 

    Steps 3 and 4 showing adding the orange juice and topping the cocktail with ginger beer.

    Step 3: Add the orange juice. 

    Step 4: Top with ginger beer and a few dashes of orange bitters. 

    Steps 5 and 6 showing stirring the cocktail and garnishing with an orange slice.

    Step 5: Stir well, moving the cocktail spoon up and down to evenly distribute the flavors. 

    Step 6: Garnish with an orange slice, if desired. 

    Expert Tips

    • Use a copper mug to enhance the flavor of the ginger beer and keep the cocktail cold.
    • Use spicy ginger beer instead of typical ginger ale to add more flavor and heat to the cocktail. See FAQ for specific brands of ginger beer that are perfect for this cocktail. 

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Try different types of citrus juices in place of the lime and orange juice to create different flavor profiles, such as grapefruit juice or lemon juice.
    • Try substituting Campari for Aperol for a more bitter and complex flavor profile.

    FAQ

    What is the best way to drink Aperol?

    It’s best enjoyed as an aperitif, either on its own with a splash of soda water, or in a cocktail like the Aperol Spritz or Aperol Mule.

    Can I make a batch of Aperol Mules?

    Yes, you can make a batch of Aperol Mules! Simply multiply the recipe by the number of servings you’d like to make and mix all the ingredients together in a pitcher or punch bowl. I’ve included measurements for 8 Aperol Mules in the notes section of the recipe. 

    Can I make a batch of Aperol Mules in advance?

    Yes, you can make a batch of Aperol Mules up to 1 day in advance, but be sure to leave out the ginger beer until just before serving to ensure the cocktail stays fizzy and fresh.

    How should I store Aperol?

    Aperol should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, it should be consumed within a few months for best flavor.

    What ginger beer should I use?

    For an this mule, use spicy ginger beer to add more flavor and heat to the cocktail. Some good options include Fever-Tree and Q Ginger Beer, which are my favorites. 

    Where can I buy orange bitters?

    You can usually find orange bitters in the cocktail mixer section of the grocery store. Or, you can also find it on Amazon. 

    Mule cocktail on a wooden surface with a bottle of Aperol and citrus fruit on the side.

    Related Recipes

    • Italian mule in a copper mug with ice spilling out onto a wood board and marble counter.
      Italian Mule Cocktail with Amaretto  
    • Aperol spritz sitting on a wood cutting board with a bottle of Aperol in the background.
      Aperol Spritz Recipe (for One or a Batch)
    • Aperol negroni on a wood cutting board with cut and whole oranges and a green plant in the background.
      Aperol Negroni (Aperol Gin Cocktail)
    • Glass of aperol tonic on a wood surface with a cocktail spoon and a bottle of aperol on the side.
      Aperol Tonic Cocktail Recipe

    Did you love this cocktail?
    Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating & review in the comments below.
    Reviews will help others find this recipe! 

    📖 Recipe

    Mule cocktail on a wood surface with a bottle of Aperol in the background.

    Aperol Mule Cocktail Recipe

    Melissa
    Looking for a fun and flavorful variation of the classic Moscow Mule? Look no further than the Aperol Mule! This refreshing cocktail combines Aperol, lime juice, orange juice, ginger beer, and orange bitters for a delicious twist on a beloved classic cocktail.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Aperitif, Mule
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 1 cocktail

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 ounces Aperol
    • ½ ounce lime juice
    • ½ ounce orange juice
    • 4-5 ounces ginger beer
    • 3-4 dashes orange bitters
    • Orange slice for garnish (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Add the Aperol, lime juice, and orange juice to a cocktail glass or copper mug.
    • Top with ginger beer and orange bitters. 
    • Stir gently, moving the spoon up and down as you stir to evenly distribute the flavors.
    • Garnish with an orange slice, if desired.

    Notes

    For a batch of 8 Aperol Mule cocktails:
    • 2 cups Aperol
    • ½ cup lime juice
    • ½ cup orange juice
    • 4-5 cups ginger beer
    • 25-30 dashes orange bitters
    • Orange slices for garnish (optional)
    1. Add the aperol, lime juice, and orange juice to large pitcher or punch bowl.
    2. Top with ginger beer and orange bitters. Stir well.
    Tips for serving a batch:
    • A batch can be made up to 1 day in advance but be sure to leave out the ginger beer until just before serving to ensure the cocktail stays fizzy and fresh.
     
    CLICK TO DISPLAY NUTRITION INFO

    Nutrition

    Calories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 29IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.2mg
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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Mary

      March 23, 2023 at 6:12 pm

      5 stars
      I love Aperol and Moscow Mules, so this was perfect for me!

      Reply
      • Jason Werner

        December 15, 2023 at 11:31 pm

        5 stars
        Super tasty! Might become my new post work drink. Or my AT work drink, as I’m a bartender.

        Reply
        • Melissa

          December 16, 2023 at 3:58 pm

          I’m so glad you liked it! I feel ya on the AT work drink – this kind of work has it benefits! 🙂

          Reply

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    Hi, and welcome! 👋🏻 I’m Melissa, a RD with a Food Science degree living in Pittsburgh, PA. I love sharing all my favorite food and cocktail recipes right here.

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