In this post, we reveal the top 7 Jamaican Mule recipes anywhere on the internet. Read on to learn how to make this delicious and refreshing cocktail!

Introduction

Now that summer is around the corner, we have the perfect drink option that we know you'll enjoy. Unlike its more conventional cousin, the classic Moscow Mule, which is typically prepared with vodka, the Jamaican Mule is made with rum. This Mule is a fun alternative to the original, able to give any event a festive atmosphere, and ideal for summer events. The combination of rich tones of the rum and the spicy ginger beer will have you daydreaming of Caribbean beaches, palm trees, and reggae music.

History of Rum

It's only fair to mention a little bit of rum's origin. Not only did Columbus take slaves with him on his escapades, but he also took sugarcane to the island of Barbados. Around the year 1650, plantations of sugarcane were starting to take shape in the Caribbean. They soon discovered that with molasses (which is the leftover substance of the sugarcane after it has been processed) they could make rum. At the time it went by names such as "kill-devil", "rumbullion" or "Barbados water". Back then all the rums were full-bodied with an amber tone, and it was not until the 19th century that production of lighter-bodied rums began in Puerto Rico. Today people use rum in mixed drinks, such as the famous Jamaican Mule. 

History of the Jamaican Mule

After the original Moscow Mule was invented in Los Angeles in 1941, it became widely popular throughout the United States as well as internationally. It came as no surprise that bartenders started playing with its ingredients and flavors by adding, mixing, and subtracting ingredients. Amazing variations of this drink came about from this experimentation, and one of them was the Jamaican Moscow Mule. They named it the Jamaican Mule due to the sweet Jamaican rum used as the heart of the drink.

How and When to Serve the Jamaican Mule

We all know that cocktails can take an occasion from just fun to a truly memorable one. The magic of this is all in the details; when and how to serve your Mule, what foods to pair it with, and how much to make are details worth paying attention to. Here's some information that you might find useful.

Spring and Summer Events

The Jamaican Mule is sensational for every occasion year-round, but it is undoubtedly fitting for spring and summer events, such as tropical destination weddings, summer and spring weddings, tropical-themed parties, and just about any occasion where the weather is nice.

Appetizers

Knowing what appetizers are best paired with each cocktail is important when hosting. Just as a merlot goes astonishing well with filet mignon, certain foods should be served with this particular drink to get the most out of the experience.

Cheese 

Cheese and rum are a well-known pairing. But not all cheeses pair best with the Jamaican Mule. Rum, being sweet, will naturally go well with a sweeter cheese like havarti, blue and gouda cheese. 

You can offer a cheese board or a plate. You could also offer up loaded fries. You could use some of the cheeses mentioned for a great pairing with the rum in your Jamacian Mule. 

Chicken

Chicken and rum have been an indisputable combo throughout the centuries. Chicken dishes go perfectly with the Jamaican Mule. In particular, any fried chicken is a fun and delicious option. 

Chocolate

I bet you didn’t know that chocolate and rum were a thing. Well, now you do. The intense notes of the rum pairs perfectly with the smooth, woody flavors of the chocolate.  As a dessert option, you can make some chocolate brownies topped with shaved coconut.

If you're looking to stick with the Caribbean vibes and looking for something a bit more tropical, here are a few options for you...

Jibarito Bites 

The Jibarito is typical of the Caribbean. It is essentially a sandwich made with flattened fried plantains instead of bread. It can include meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato.  

Pineapples

Ahi poke bowls with grilled pineapple and avocado is a great rum companion. 

Plantain

What's more native to the Caribbean than the plantain? This is an obvious pairing must. Sweet and spicy bacon wrapped plantains are easy to whip up and full of Caribbean flavors. 

Big Batches

Speaking of events and parties, we don’t want you to find yourself in a predicament when you realize that you took on more than you signed up for. Sometimes making cocktails in big quantities is more practical and efficient than making drinks one by one. Not only will this save you time, but it will also save you unnecessary work. There are a few guidelines to follow when making in batches. Here are some things you can do the night before to prepare. 

Figure out measurements. How many people are you going to serve and how many pitchers or gallons of the cocktail do you need to make in advance?

Make lots of ice.  

Combine all the shelf-stable ingredients.

Prepare freshly squeezed lime juice. We recommend getting a juice squeezer if you don't already own one.

Jamaican Mule Recipes

There are a few different Jamaican Mule recipes out there. Here are a few that we think you might enjoy. 

The Classic Jamaican Mule

The first Jamaican Mule recipe we have for you is the most conventional and popular. This Mule is rich in flavor and easy to make. 

Ingredients:

• 4oz ginger beer
• 2oz rum 
• Freshly squeezed lime juice
• Cubed ice
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pour rum into a glass.
2. Add ice.
3. Add lime juice and top it off with ginger beer.
4. Garnish with the lime wedge.

The Falernum Twist

Falernum is a nonalcoholic syrup native to the Caribbean. It contains lime, ginger, and almond flavors that complement the Mule perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rum
• 1 oz falernum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• Crushed ice

Instructions:

1. Combine rum, falernum, lime juice, and ice into a shaker and shake well. 
2. Strain mix into a glass with ice.
3. Add ginger beer.

Jamaican Mule With Homemade Syrup

Making simple syrup yourself gives you full control of the flavors you want to create in your Mule. It also gives you the chance to decide how sweet or not sweet you want to make it, which is something you can’t control with store-bought syrup.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of water
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 juiced lime slices
• 1-inch piece fresh peeled and sliced ginger 
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 4 oz rum
• Crushed ice

Instructions:

1. Mix the water, sugar, and half of the ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir.
2. Cook until sugar is dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. Put remaining ginger in a shaker and add lime, rum, and 2-4 tablespoons syrup.
5. Shake well.
6. Strain into two glasses filled with crushed ice.
7. Top each with ginger beer. 
8. Garnish with lime wedges.

Jamaican Mule with Ginger Root

Ginger complements the ginger beer perfectly and adds an extra zing to the already delicious drink. You can add its juice or simply slice it up and use it as a garnish.  

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum 
• 3.5 oz ginger beer 
• 1.5 oz ginger root 
• 0.35 oz lime juice 
• 1.25 oz cucumber
• 11oz ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill up a glass with ice.
2. Juice 6 slices of ginger root in a juicer.
3. Muddle 4 cucumber slices in a shaker.
4. Put 1/2 oz of ginger root juice, 2 oz of dark rum, and 0.35 of lime juice into the shaker.
5. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake.
6. Strain into the rocks glass.
7. Top it off with ginger beer and stir gently.
8. Garnish with ginger root and cucumber slices.

The Jamaican Mule Mocktail

There's no need to sacrifice flavor when making a mocktail. By simply excluding the rum and adding a few other ingredients, you can still enjoy a flavorful Jamaican Mule. Here are some ways you can prepare the Jamaican Mule without alcohol.

• Exclude the rum and ginger beer.
• Substitute ginger beer with ginger ale.
• Substitute rum with Ronsin, which is a non-alcoholic substitute for rum. It still has that sweet, woody, molasses flavor that tricks your taste buds into think you're having the real thing.
• Vanilla extract for flavor.
• You can always add orange juice for extra flavor.

The Low Calorie Jamaican Mule

Rum is high in sugar, and therefore not so diet-friendly. If you're watching your calorie intake, we have some helpful tips to turn this sensationally rich, tasteful yet sugary drink into something that won't weigh heavy on your conscience later...all while not compromising flavor.

• Use sugar substitutes like a sweetener.
• Use diet ginger beer instead of regular ginger beer.
• Only add 1/2 part rum and increase other ingredients.
• Use rum that is low in calories. There are rum brands that only have 51 calories per ounce, which is a lot less than most rums out there.

The Spicy Jamaican Mule

Making the Jamaican Mule spicy is not too far-fetched a concept. Rum and spicy flavors go perfectly well with each other. It's super easy to make this Mule spicy. It's as simple as adding a few garnishes and spices to it. Here's what you can add to make this Mule anything from a little warm to sizzling hot.

• Add a splash of hot sauce into the Mule.
• Add chili salt on the rim of the glass or in it.
• Cut up some jalapeno slices as garnish. 
• Use spicy ginger beer instead of regular ginger beer.

Add-Ons For Your Jamaican Mule 

Angostura Bitters

This is a concentrated herbal made from bitters. People use it to add flavor to beverages and it goes great with the Jamaican Moscow Mule.

Ginger Root 

You can add ginger root juice to the drink to add an extra zing.

Garnishes

Try adding other garnishes like apple slices, cucumber, cranberries, and/or jalapeno slices to make this Mule your own.

Types of Rum

White Rum 

This rum is of lighter body than other rums. Most popular for creating cocktails.

Gold Rum

This rum is usually aged for several years. Rich in flavors of vanilla, citrus, and coconut. Usually enjoyed on the rocks.

Dark Rum

This rum is aged in oak barrels for long periods of time and has a very robust note.

Black Rum 

The black rum is the most bodied and richest in color and flavor. This variation of rum has a high concentration of molasses which is what gives it its heaviness.

The Bottom Line

The Jamaican Mule cocktail is a fun twist on the classic. The rum's rich flavors give it a particular taste, and its flexibility and versatility when it comes to adjustments makes it a great addition to any occasion. It can be prepared in big batches just as easily as singly. You can customize it by adding different garnishes that best suit your taste. Make it a mocktail, spice it up, or make it low calorie. Anything is possible with the Jamaican Mule!

Did You Enjoy This Article?

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, you might also like the following articles: Top 9 Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipes and Top 9 Mermaid Mule Recipes

Relevant Products

Top 7 Jamaican Mule Recipes