Kale Cocktail (aka MosKale Mule!)

Kale in a cocktail? Oh yes, we’re going there. This kale cocktail, lovingly named the MosKale Mule, is what happens when your health goals and happy hour plans join forces. It’s everything you love about a classic Moscow Mule—zesty ginger beer, a squeeze of lime, and smooth vodka—made even better with a splash of vibrant kale-cucumber juice. The result? A cocktail that’s fresh, fun, and just a little bit unexpected.

But don’t worry, this kale cocktail isn’t about green juice overload. A small splash of kale-cucumber juice adds a pop of color and a tiny antioxidant boost without overwhelming the drink. It’s the perfect blend of refreshment and creativity, ideal for hosting friends, impressing at parties, or just treating yourself to a sip of something special. Bonus: it looks as good as it tastes, so get ready for some serious cocktail envy.

Why You’ll Love This Kale Cocktail

A cocktail isn’t exactly where you’d expect kale to show up, but let’s be real—if there’s one thing vegans love, it’s sneaking kale into everything. And guess what? It works. This MosKale Mule takes the zingy, refreshing vibes of a classic Moscow Mule and gives it a green glow-up. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your glass:

• It’s the perfect balance of bold and refreshing. The zippy ginger beer and tangy lime bring the party, while a splash of kale-cucumber juice adds a cool, crisp finish.
• Minimal effort, maximum wow factor. Just a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes are all you need to create a cocktail that looks and tastes like a work of art.
• A green twist that’s all about the vibe. That pop of vibrant green is subtle in flavor but big on visual appeal. Plus, you’re sneaking in a touch of nutrition without even trying.
• Versatile and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner or a casual hangout, this cocktail checks all the boxes. Make it in batches or keep it simple for solo sipping.
• It’s totally customizable. Love the taste of green juice? Add more! Want to keep it light? Scale back the kale. This cocktail plays by your rules.

Key Ingredients

This isn’t your typical cocktail ingredient lineup—it’s a mix of fresh, fizzy, and just a little green (in the best way). Each element brings its own vibe to the party, and together they create a kale cocktail that’s bold, balanced, and seriously fun to sip. Here’s what’s shaking in your glass:

• Kale: The star of the show. Just a splash of kale juice brings that gorgeous green hue and a little extra feel-good factor, without overpowering the cocktail’s flavor. (Don’t worry—it’s here to accessorize, not dominate.)
• Cucumber: Smooth and hydrating, cucumber juice mellows out the kale and adds a cooling vibe to balance the boldness of the other flavors.
• Ginger Beer: The zippy, spicy fizz that makes this cocktail sing. It’s bubbly, it’s bold, and it knows how to keep things interesting.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brings the bright, tangy zing this cocktail needs. It’s the citrusy spark that wakes up your taste buds and gives the drink its signature mule vibe.
• Vodka: The smooth operator that pulls it all together. We use Koskenkorva. Subtle but essential, vodka is the foundation of this cocktail—it’s what makes the fun happen.

How To Make

Mixing up this kale cocktail is almost as fun as sipping it! With just a few fresh ingredients and a couple of simple steps, you’ll have a vibrant, refreshing drink in no time. Ready to give your cocktail a green glow? For full recipe details, scroll to the end of this post!

Step 1: Juice It Up! Start with the green stuff. Wash your kale and cucumber, then remove the leaves from the stems and cut a one-inch slice of cucumber. Feed them into a juicer, letting the machine work its magic to separate the smooth, vibrant juice from the pulp. That’s your secret sauce for the perfect MosKale Mule.

Step 2: Ice, Ice, Baby – Fill a cocktail glass to the brim with ice. You’ll want your drink chilled and ready for action—because nobody likes a warm mule.

Step 3: Pour Like a Pro – Add the good stuff: ginger beer, vodka, and a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice. (Pro tip: use a citrus press for maximum juice with minimal effort, but hands work just fine in a pinch. To get the most juice, roll a room-temperature lime under your palm first to loosen up the pulp, then slice and squeeze.)

Step 4: Stir the Magic – Grab a spoon or a fancy cocktail stirrer, and give everything a good mix. That swirl is what brings all the flavors together—ginger, lime, vodka, and that hint of kale-cucumber goodness.

Step 5: Bonus Round – Got leftover kale-cucumber juice? That’s your ticket to extra MosKale Mules—or enjoy it as a green juice shot for a refreshing bonus. Either way, it’s a win-win.

How To Serve

The way you serve your MosKale Mule can take it from a simple drink to a total experience. From glassware to garnishes to the perfect pairing, every little detail can make this kale cocktail feel extra special. Here are a few fun and creative ways to serve it:

• Get fancy with the glassware. Show off that vibrant green hue by serving it in your favorite cocktail glass or copper mug. Feeling playful? Try fun-shaped ice cubes or rim the glass with a mix of lime juice and coarse salt for a pro-level touch. A small kale leaf and lime wedge garnish will seal the deal.
• Pair it with an addictive snack. Every great cocktail deserves a sidekick, and this one pairs perfectly with light and crispy bites. Think creamy, dreamy white bean hummus, pickled vegetables, crispy tofu fries, vegan protein balls, or even a batch of cheezy kale chips to stay on theme.
• Make it a post-dinner treat. With its ginger-forward flavor and refreshing vibe, this drink doubles as a fabulous after-dinner digestif. Sipping on one is the perfect way to wind down a meal in style.
• Switch up the juice. Not feeling the kale? No problem. Swap it for another fresh juice—like apple, carrot, or beet—for a twist that’s just as delicious. The ginger beer and vodka combo plays well with almost any flavor you throw at it.
• Serve it at your next party. This cocktail’s jewel-toned hue and unexpected ingredients are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Set up a DIY cocktail station with kale juice, ginger beer, and all the garnishes for a make-your-own-MosKale moment that guests will love.