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As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves start their vibrant transformation, I find myself craving cozy comforts that embody the season. Enter the Campfire Mule, a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule that combines the robust smokiness of bourbon with the sweet, warm notes of maple syrup. This cocktail isn’t just a drink; it’s a liquid hug that radiates warmth, making it perfect for everything from an evening by the fire to lively gatherings with friends.

I came across this recipe during a particularly chilly weekend when the urge to escape the mundane fast-food routine hit me hard. With just a few simple ingredients, I discovered a way to elevate my evenings and create cherished moments. Picture this: a chilled glass in hand, the fizz of ginger beer tickling your senses, and a toasted marshmallow resting on top—this drink captures the essence of autumn in every sip.

So let’s dive into making these Campfire Mules and transform your evenings into cozy celebrations!

Why are Campfire Mules a Must-Try?

Utterly Unique: This cocktail provides a fresh spin on the classic Moscow Mule, swapping vodka for smoky bourbon for a warm, autumnal twist.
Cozy Flavors: The harmonious blend of maple syrup and ginger beer creates a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, making each sip a comforting experience.
Effortlessly Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, these cocktails come together in no time, perfect for both seasoned mixologists and newbies alike.
Versatile Enjoyment: Whether shared around a campfire or served at a home gathering, they’re sure to impress everyone in attendance.
Visual Appeal: Raise your glass to the rustic beauty of toasted marshmallows perched atop a copper mug; it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate!

These Campfire Mules are sure to become your go-to autumn cocktail, effortlessly elevating any occasion and creating lasting memories.

Campfire Mule Ingredients

• Gather everything you need for your cozy Campfire Mules with this handy list!

For the Cocktail

Ice – Chills the drink; always use fresh ice for the best experience.
Smoked Bourbon or Whiskey (1 1/2 oz.) – Delivers a warm, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the season; feel free to use regular bourbon or rye for a gentler taste.
Fresh Lemon Juice (1/2 oz.) – Brightens up the drink and balances the sweetness; lime juice works just as well for a citrusy twist.
Pure Maple Syrup (1/4 oz.) – Adds an autumnal sweetness; consider swapping with honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
Ginger Beer (4 oz.) – Infuses the cocktail with a spicy kick and fizziness; opt for a non-alcoholic ginger beer if you prefer.
Marshmallows (for serving, optional) – Bring a playful campfire touch to your drink; toast them for an extra burst of flavor.

Transform your evenings with these Campfire Mule ingredients—each sip is a taste of autumn’s warmth!

How to Make Campfire Mules

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Start by adding fresh, crisp ice to your shaker. This is essential for achieving that perfectly chilled drink you crave.
Add smoked bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup. Pour in 1 1/2 oz. of smoked bourbon, followed by 1/2 oz. of fresh lemon juice and 1/4 oz. of pure maple syrup. These flavors come together to create a delightful mix!
Shake well until chilled and combined. Secure the lid on your shaker and give it a vigorous shake for about 15 seconds, allowing the ingredients to meld and chill perfectly.
Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Remove the lid and use a strainer to pour your beautiful mixture over a glass filled with fresh ice. The fizz is about to come!
Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine. Pour 4 oz. of ginger beer over the top, stirring gently to blend those wonderful flavors while keeping the fizz intact.
Garnish with a toasted marshmallow for the authentic campfire experience. For extra flair, scoop a toasted marshmallow on top—this adds a whimsical touch that’s just magical!

Optional: Consider rimming the glass with cinnamon sugar for an extra seasonal twist.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Campfire Mules are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can mix the smoked bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate the mixture to maintain its quality. Additionally, you can have the ginger beer chilled and marshmallows toasted ahead of time for easy serving. When you’re ready to enjoy your cocktails, just shake the bourbon blend with ice, strain into glasses filled with fresh ice, and top with ginger beer. This way, you’ll have a delightful autumn cocktail ready to impress your guests with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Campfire Mules?

Enhance your cozy autumn gatherings with perfectly paired dishes for your delightful Campfire Mules.

Savory Roasted Nuts: Their warm, crunchy texture complements the smokiness of the bourbon, making for a delightful contrast that keeps guests munching happily.
Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts: The sweetness of maple harmonizes beautifully with the drink, while the earthy sprouts balance the cocktail’s flavors, creating a symphony of autumn tastes.
Ginger-Spiced Cookies: With their rich flavors, these cookies echo the spicy notes of ginger beer, offering a sweet treat that pairs perfectly with each refreshing sip.
Cheese Board: A selection of sharp cheeses and dried fruits brings a varied palate of flavors. The richness of cheese enhances the cocktail’s warmth, creating a luxurious experience.
Toasted Marshmallow S’mores: Embrace the campfire vibes with this classic treat. These sweet morsels will echo the marshmallow garnish and amplify the cozy feel of your evening.
Pork Tenderloin with Apple Chutney: The sweet and savory profile of this dish mirrors the maple syrup in the cocktail, creating an unforgettable pairing that’s both heartwarming and satisfying.

With these pairings, your Campfire Mules will shine even brighter, making every moment a cherished memory.

Campfire Mules Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with these delightful variations that twist the Campfire Mules into exciting new directions!

Spiced Rum: Swap smoked bourbon with spiced rum for a sweet and aromatic flavor profile that brings a festive vibe.
Fruit Infusion: Add muddled fresh berries or apple slices for fruity undertones that make each sip even more refreshing.
Citrus Zing: Replace fresh lemon juice with blood orange juice for a unique, vibrant color and a deliciously sweet bitterness.
Maple Twist: Experiment with flavored maple syrups, like vanilla or cinnamon-infused, to deepen the autumnal flavor without losing that sweet essence.
Fiery Kick: Introduce a splash of hot sauce or muddled jalapeños for those who crave a spicy twist that dances on the palate!
Herbal Harmony: Garnish with fresh herbs—like rosemary or thyme—adding aromatic layers that elevate the drink’s complexity with each sip.
Non-Alcoholic Delight: For a simple mocktail, omit the bourbon and double the ginger beer and lemon juice, making it a bubbly treat for everyone.
Chai-Infused: Add chilled chai concentrate instead of ginger beer for a uniquely spiced version that’s wonderfully cozy and aromatic.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect Campfire Mule, tailored to your taste buds!

Expert Tips for Campfire Mules

Quality Matters: Always choose a high-quality smoked bourbon to elevate your Campfire Mules; even the best ingredients deserve the best spirit!
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the maple syrup according to your sweetness preference—start with less and add more gradually.
Chill Ingredients: For a frosty drink, chill your ginger beer and glass beforehand for an extra refreshing Campfire Mule experience.
Garnish Wisely: If you’re using marshmallows, toast them just before serving for an authentic campfire flavor that enhances the drink!
Batch it Up: If serving a crowd, consider making a larger batch in a pitcher; it saves time and ensures everyone enjoys a perfectly mixed cocktail.

Enjoy your warm, comforting Campfire Mules!

Storage Tips for Campfire Mules

Fridge: Store leftover ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy freshly mixed Campfire Mules at your convenience.

Freezer: For long-term storage, consider pouring prepared cocktails without ice into a freezer-safe container; they can last up to 2 months. Just thaw and mix with fresh ice!

Reheating: If using marshmallows for garnish, toast them just before serving to maintain that delightful campfire flavor. Simply reheat your ginger beer if it has been chilled for a cozy touch.

Mixing: When you’re ready to serve, mix chilled components together again for the best flavor and fizziness.

Campfire Mule Recipe FAQs

What type of bourbon works best for Campfire Mules?
Absolutely! I recommend using a high-quality smoked bourbon for a richer flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, feel free to substitute with regular bourbon or rye. Each option offers a different experience, allowing for personal preferences to shine through.

How should I store leftover ingredients for my Campfire Mules?
For the best results, store leftover ingredients separately in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep your smoked bourbon, lemon juice, and maple syrup in airtight containers, and remember to zest up your ginger beer before serving for that fizz!

Can I freeze prepared Campfire Mules?
Yes, you can freeze your Campfire Mules! Pour the prepared cocktail (without ice) into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and mix with fresh ice to restore that delightful frostiness!

What if my ginger beer isn’t fizzy enough?
If you find your ginger beer lacks fizz, it might have gone flat. To prevent this, always check the expiration date and store it in the fridge. If necessary, consider using a different brand or even a flavored ginger beer for a more vibrant kick!

Are there any dietary considerations for this drink?
Very! While the Campfire Mule is generally safe, be mindful of those with alcohol sensitivities or preferences. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon, increase the ginger beer and lemon juice proportion, and enjoy a cozy mocktail. Plus, if you’re serving kids or pets, make sure to offer them a fun non-alcoholic alternative!

How can I make my Campfire Mules even more festive?
For an extra touch of autumn, consider rimming your copper mugs with cinnamon sugar! To do this, wet the rim with lemon juice and dip it into a mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon. It adds a delightful flavor that enhances the entire drinking experience!