Go Back
Two frosted copper mugs of Spiced Orange Mule beside a pitcher of citrus base and a bottle of ginger beer
Jorj Morgan

Spiced Orange Mule

Fresh orange juice, zesty lime, spicy ginger beer, and homemade Vanilla-Orange Simple Syrup. Served ice-cold in copper mugs, a bright and comforting sip for hearty comfort food all year long.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drinks
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vanilla-Orange Simple Syrup
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Zest of 1 large orange (removed in wide strips)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise)
Spiced Orange Mule
  • 1 cup chilled fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/3 cup Vanilla-Orange Simple Syrup
  • 2 cups chilled ginger beer
  • Ice
Garnishes
  • Orange wheels
  • Lime wheels
  • Fresh mint sprigs
  • Candied ginger (optional)

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • Large glass pitcher
  • Copper mugs

Method
 

Vanilla-Orange Simple Syrup
  1. Combine the sugar, water, and orange zest in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Bring just to a gentle simmer, then remove from the heat. If using a vanilla bean, add it now and steep for 20 minutes. If using vanilla extract, stir it in after the syrup has cooled slightly.
  3. Strain and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
Preparation
  1. Fill four chilled copper mugs with ice.
  2. In a pitcher, combine the orange juice, lime juice, and Vanilla-Orange Simple Syrup. Stir well.
  3. Just before serving, gently stir in the ginger beer.
  4. Pour into the prepared mugs and garnish with an orange wheel, a lime wheel, a sprig of fresh mint, and, if desired, a piece of candied ginger. Serve immediately.

Notes

For the best flavor, use a bold ginger beer rather than ginger ale. The spicy bite of the ginger beautifully balances the sweetness of the orange and vanilla, creating a drink that's refreshing without being overly sweet.