Campfire Backwoods Mule Recipe

When you’re out in the woods, simplicity is king — and that’s exactly why the Backwoods Mule is a campsite favorite. With just three ingredients, it’s a breeze to mix up, even if your “bar” is just a folding table next to a tent. Inspired by the classic Moscow Mule, this version trades in the flashy copper mug for a trusty camp cup and brings that same satisfying fizz and bite with none of the fuss.

Vodka gives the drink its clean, smooth base, while ginger beer adds that signature spicy kick that mule lovers crave. A squeeze of lime juice cuts through with brightness, balancing the flavors and giving it a refreshing edge perfect for warm afternoons or fireside chats. It’s light, fizzy, and flavorful — everything you want when you’re winding down after a day of hiking, kayaking, or just soaking up the quiet.

This drink is especially great for camping because all the ingredients travel well. Ginger beer comes in cans that don’t need refrigeration, vodka can be packed in a small flask or bottle, and a couple of limes can easily be tossed into your cooler or dry bag. It’s the kind of cocktail that doesn’t need anything fancy to feel like a treat — no muddling, no garnish, no extras.

Whether you’re sipping it in a lawn chair under the stars or enjoying it on a breezy porch after a long trail, the Backwoods Mule is everything a campfire cocktail should be: easy, refreshing, and just a little bit wild.

Backwoods Mule Recipe

A crisp, zesty twist on a classic Moscow Mule… no copper mug required.

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Course: Drinks

Keyword: mule

Total Time: 2 minutes minutes

Cost: 2

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz ginger beer
• ½ oz lime juice

Instructions

• Fill a cup with ice, pour in vodka and ginger beer, and squeeze in lime juice.
• Stir and enjoy.