Campfire Mules Recipe Easy and Refreshing Drink Idea

Updated On: October 13, 2025

There’s something magical about sipping a refreshing cocktail around a campfire, watching the flames dance against the night sky. The Campfire Mule is the perfect drink to elevate your outdoor experience – a smoky twist on the classic Moscow Mule that’s easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.

Whether you’re camping with friends, enjoying a backyard bonfire, or simply craving a unique cocktail with a hint of campfire charm, this recipe will become your go-to.

Infused with the zing of fresh lime, the warmth of ginger beer, and a subtle smoky aroma, the Campfire Mule is as fun to make as it is to drink. Grab your favorite copper mug, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into how you can craft this delightful beverage that marries rustic charm with zesty refreshment.

Ready to impress your fellow campers or friends? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Campfire Mule is a perfect balance of bold flavors and refreshing zest. It takes the beloved Moscow Mule and adds that cozy campfire twist by incorporating a smoky essence that transports you right to the heart of the great outdoors.

Its simplicity is a major plus – requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal equipment, making it ideal for camping trips or casual gatherings. Plus, this recipe is versatile; you can tweak the smokiness level or substitute ingredients to match your taste preferences.

If you love cocktails that are both easy to make and packed with flavor, you’ll appreciate how quickly this drink comes together. It’s a fantastic companion for chilly evenings, storytelling sessions, or just unwinding under the stars.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka (choose your favorite brand)
  • 4 oz ginger beer (spicy and crisp works best)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh lime wedges (for garnish)
  • Fresh mint sprigs (optional garnish)
  • Smoked salt (a pinch, optional for rimming the mug)
  • Wood chips or a small piece of charred wood (for infusing smokiness, optional)

Equipment

  • Copper mugs or sturdy glasses
  • Campfire or portable grill (for smoking)
  • Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
  • Jigger or measuring spoons
  • Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)
  • Tongs (for handling wood chips near fire)
  • Small strainer or sieve (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your smoking setup: If you want to add a smoky flavor, light a small piece of wood or wood chips over your campfire or grill using tongs. Let it smolder to produce smoke rather than flames.
  2. Smoke the mug: Hold your copper mug or glass upside down over the smoke for about 30 seconds to infuse a subtle smoky aroma. This step is optional but highly recommended for that authentic campfire flavor.
  3. Rim the mug: Lightly wet the rim of your mug with lime juice, then dip it into smoked salt to coat the edge. This adds a savory, smoky kick with every sip.
  4. Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, combine 2 oz vodka with 1 oz fresh lime juice. Add ice cubes and stir or shake gently to chill.
  5. Assemble the mule: Fill the smoked mug with fresh ice cubes. Strain the vodka and lime mixture into the mug.
  6. Add ginger beer: Top the drink off with 4 oz ginger beer, pouring slowly to maintain fizz.
  7. Garnish and serve: Add a fresh lime wedge and a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm campfire ambiance with your refreshing mule.

Tips & Variations

“For a deeper smoky flavor, try infusing the vodka with a few drops of liquid smoke before mixing.”

  • Non-alcoholic version: Simply replace vodka with sparkling water or extra ginger beer for a delightful mocktail.
  • Herbal twist: Add a splash of fresh rosemary or thyme syrup to bring an earthy note to the drink.
  • Spicy mule: Muddle a few slices of jalapeño in the shaker for a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the ginger beer.
  • Fruit-infused: Swap lime juice with fresh grapefruit or blood orange juice for a fruity variation.
  • Sweetener options: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add a teaspoon of honey or agave syrup to the mix.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 150 kcal
Carbohydrates 12 g (mostly from ginger beer)
Alcohol 14 g (from vodka)
Sugars 10 g
Fat 0 g
Protein 0 g

Serving Suggestions

The Campfire Mule pairs wonderfully with hearty, smoky foods that complement its rustic vibe. Try serving it alongside grilled veggies, smoked sausages, or even a warm bowl of campfire chili.

For a fully immersive outdoor dining experience, set out some Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping to keep your meals light and delicious while you enjoy your drinks. Alternatively, for a quick snack, try a savory grilled sandwich from Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

If you’re looking to explore more bold flavors, check out the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for a vibrant and flavorful dish to accompany your campfire evening.

Conclusion

The Campfire Mule is a delightful cocktail that brings a fresh, smoky twist to a classic favorite. Its simple ingredients and quick preparation make it an ideal choice for outdoor gatherings, camping trips, or even a cozy night by the fire pit in your backyard.

With the ability to customize the smokiness and add personal flair through various garnishes and flavor twists, this recipe offers plenty of room for creativity. Whether you stick to the traditional vodka and ginger beer or experiment with herbal infusions and fruit variations, the Campfire Mule is sure to become a staple in your cocktail repertoire.

So next time you’re ready to relax under the stars, whip up a Campfire Mule and enjoy the perfect blend of warmth, zest, and refreshment. Cheers to memorable moments and delicious drinks!

📖 Recipe Card: Campfire Mules

Description: A smoky twist on the classic Moscow Mule, perfect for enjoying around the campfire. Combines ginger beer, lime, and bourbon with a hint of smoky flavor.

Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT5M

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 oz bourbon
  • 8 oz ginger beer
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 sprigs fresh mint
  • Ice cubes
  • 1 small piece of smoked wood chip (optional for smoke infusion)
  • Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill two copper mugs with ice cubes.
  2. Add 2 oz bourbon to each mug.
  3. Pour 4 oz ginger beer into each mug.
  4. Add 0.5 oz fresh lime juice and a dash of bitters to each mug.
  5. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Optionally, light the smoked wood chip and hold the mugs over the smoke to infuse flavor.
  7. Garnish each mug with a lime wedge, cinnamon stick, and mint sprig.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 12g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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