Mule Kick Raspberry Cupcakes

Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic cocktail! These Raspberry Moscow Mule Cupcakes are an absolute dream come true for anyone who loves the zesty, ginger-infused flavor of a Moscow Mule but prefers to enjoy it in dessert form. Light, fluffy, and crowned with a vibrant raspberry buttercream, these cupcakes capture the essence of the iconic drink beautifully. They are not only incredibly delicious but also visually stunning, making them the perfect centerpiece for any celebration or a sweet treat for an afternoon pick-me-up.

If you’re a fan of unique, boozy-inspired desserts, you might also adore our Lavender Mimosa Cupcakes, which bring another beloved cocktail to life in cake form. And for those who prefer their Moscow Mules in a glass, be sure to check out our refreshing Blueberry Moscow Mule recipe. But for now, let’s dive into the magical world of these raspberry-infused ginger-lime treats!

Contents

The Inspiration: From Copper Mug to Cupcake

My love affair with Moscow Mules goes way back, largely thanks to my dad, who was crafting these distinctive cocktails long before they became the trendy sensation they are today. The refreshing blend of ginger, lime, and a hint of something special has always captivated my palate. While my blog features several beloved cocktail recipes, transforming the iconic Moscow Mule into a dessert was a new and incredibly exciting challenge. I wanted to capture all those signature flavors – the fiery kick of ginger, the bright tang of lime – in a form that everyone could enjoy, whether they’re cocktail enthusiasts or simply dessert lovers.

What makes these Raspberry Moscow Mule Cupcakes truly stand out is that they are entirely alcohol-free. While traditional Moscow Mules feature vodka, I opted to create a delightful, family-friendly version. The foundational flavors of ginger and lime are perfectly preserved, delivering that familiar Moscow Mule experience without any added spirits. The “raspberry” element, which takes these cupcakes to a whole new level of deliciousness, comes from a luscious, fruit-packed buttercream frosting generously piped on top. The moment you take your first bite, you’ll understand why I’m absolutely thrilled with how these cupcakes turned out – they are pure perfection!

Understanding the Key Flavors: Ginger and Lime

For those unfamiliar, ginger beer, a crucial component in any Moscow Mule, is a non-alcoholic beverage. It offers a much stronger, spicier ginger flavor compared to ginger ale, providing the distinct warmth and zest that defines the cocktail. If you’ve always enjoyed ginger ale, I highly recommend trying ginger beer on its own as a refreshing drink – you might just find a new favorite! In these cupcakes, ginger beer is indispensable, infusing the batter with its characteristic spicy-sweet notes, making them undeniably a ginger beer cupcake sensation.

Beyond the ginger, the bright, citrusy essence of lime plays an equally vital role. The fresh lime zest and juice woven into the cupcake batter contribute a vibrant tartness that perfectly balances the ginger. In fact, if you didn’t know these were Moscow Mule-inspired, you might even mistake them for exceptionally delicious lime cupcakes, given the prominence of that fresh, clean flavor. This harmonious blend of spicy ginger and tangy lime forms the irresistible base for our raspberry delight.

Essential Ingredients for Your Raspberry Moscow Mule Cupcakes

Crafting these delectable treats requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need for both the light and airy cupcakes and the rich, fruity buttercream.

Grocery List for Lime Ginger Beer Cupcakes

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for a rich, tender crumb. Ensure it’s truly softened for easy creaming.
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a moist texture.
Freshly grated zest of 1 lime: This is where much of the vibrant lime flavor comes from. Don’t skip fresh zest!
3 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cupcake’s structure and richness.
1 teaspoon Adams Extract vanilla: A high-quality vanilla extract enhances all other flavors.
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Adds an essential tartness and complements the zest.
1/4 cup Ginger beer: The star ingredient for that Moscow Mule kick! Provides unique flavor and moisture.
1/3 cup buttermilk: Reacts with baking powder for extra lift and contributes to a tender, moist crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tsp of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structural foundation of the cupcake.
1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Boosts the ginger flavor profile, ensuring it stands out.
1 teaspoon baking powder: The primary leavening agent, ensuring light and airy cupcakes.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

For the Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The creamy base for our frosting.
1 pint (6 oz) fresh raspberries: Provides natural color, intense flavor, and a delightful tang.
2-3 cups powdered sugar: The sweetener and thickener for the frosting. Adjust to your desired consistency and sweetness.
2 tablespoons milk: Helps achieve the perfect fluffy consistency.
Fresh April Sprinkles; The Final Rosé Swanky Sprinkle Blend: For that extra touch of sparkle and festive flair!

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfection

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of irresistible Raspberry Moscow Mule Cupcakes. Precision is key in baking, but don’t be afraid to enjoy the process!

Cupcake Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper or silicone muffin cups. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking. Set the prepared tin aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a large mixing bowl and a hand mixer, add the softened butter. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air, contributing to the cupcakes’ light texture.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Next, add the vanilla extract, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and buttermilk. Mix on low speed until just combined. Gently fold in the freshly grated lime zest – this ensures its delicate aroma and flavor are preserved.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, baking powder, and salt. This step distributes the leavening and seasonings evenly throughout the flour.
Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. A few streaks of flour are acceptable.
Fill Muffin Cups: Using a 1/4-cup measuring scoop or a large spoon, evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full. This will yield about 18 cupcakes.
Bake the Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden and spring back when gently touched.
Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial that the cupcakes are entirely cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.

Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Instructions

Cream Butter for Frosting: In a large bowl of your stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until it’s smooth and creamy. Set aside about 12 of your fresh raspberries to use as a garnish later.
Add Raspberries, Sugar, and Milk: Add the remaining pint of fresh raspberries to the butter and beat until mostly incorporated. Then, slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with splashes of milk (about a tablespoon at a time). Continue beating on medium-high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and reaches your desired consistency. You may need more or less powdered sugar and milk depending on the juiciness of your raspberries and your preferred frosting texture.
Pipe and Garnish: Transfer the finished raspberry buttercream into a piping bag fitted with your favorite decorative tip (a large star tip works beautifully). Pipe generous swirls of frosting onto each cooled cupcake. For the final flourish, garnish each cupcake with one of the reserved fresh raspberries, a small lime wedge, and a sprinkle of those fabulous Fresh April Sprinkles.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Serving Suggestions

Aren’t these Raspberry Moscow Mule Cupcakes just absolutely adorable? Their vibrant colors and unique flavor profile make them incredibly versatile for various celebrations. They would be an absolute hit for a festive Spring party, bringing a refreshing zest to the spread. Imagine them alongside our mimosa party ideas, creating a delightful pairing of cocktail-inspired treats. They’re also wonderfully elegant for a baby shower or bridal shower, adding a touch of sophisticated sweetness that guests will adore.

For an extra touch of charm, consider serving these cupcakes on a decorative platter with some actual copper mugs (the traditional vessel for Moscow Mules) placed nearby. A few extra fresh raspberries and lime wedges scattered around will enhance the visual appeal, making your dessert display truly pop. The delicate balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy makes them suitable for everything from casual gatherings to more formal events.

Tips, Variations, and Customization

One of the joys of baking is the ability to adapt and customize recipes to suit your taste and what you have on hand. These Raspberry Moscow Mule Cupcakes offer plenty of room for creative variations:

Berry Bonanza: While raspberries are fantastic, feel free to experiment with other berries! You can easily make these cupcakes with fresh strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries in the buttercream for different fruity notes. Or, if you prefer the pure ginger-lime experience, simply omit the berries from the frosting for classic Moscow Mule cupcakes.
Ginger Beer Alternatives: If ginger beer is hard to find, or you just prefer a milder ginger flavor, you can substitute it with ginger ale. For an even more unique twist, Sprite or 7-Up could work in a pinch, though you’d want to add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger to the dry ingredients to boost the ginger essence lost from the ginger beer.
Raspberry Replacements: Fresh raspberries are ideal for the buttercream, but if they’re out of season or not looking their best, don’t fret! You can use 1/2 cup of a high-quality raspberry jam (seedless, if possible) in place of the fresh berries in the frosting. Start with less powdered sugar and adjust as needed, as jam is already quite sweet.
Add a Boozy Kick (Optional): For an adult-only version, you could add a tablespoon or two of raspberry liqueur or vodka to the buttercream, or even brush a tiny amount of vodka over the cooled cupcakes before frosting. *Note: This is an optional addition and not part of the original non-alcoholic recipe presented here.*
Garnish Get-Creative: Beyond fresh raspberries and lime wedges, consider adding candied ginger pieces, a sprinkle of lime zest, or even finely chopped mint leaves for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

I just adore these Fresh April Sprinkles! They would be absolutely PERFECT for a Bachelor or Bachelorette party. Full of sparkling gold and pink, who doesn’t love a little extra shimmer? A huge thank you to Fresh April Sprinkles – I can’t wait to use them again for my little girl’s birthday cupcakes! Be sure to check out her amazing collection!

And another heartfelt thank you to Adams Extracts for providing the vanilla extract. You are always my trusted go-to for the absolute best flavoring, ensuring every bake is a success!

Celebrating Spring with #SpringSweetsWeek

Welcome to #SpringSweetsWeek 2020, an exciting event hosted by Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks! What could be a better way to embrace the arrival of warmer weather and blooming flowers than with an array of delectable treats and a fantastic giveaway? This year, 27 talented bloggers from across the country have come together to share over 100 sweet recipes, all perfectly crafted for the spring season. So, let go of those winter blues and get ready to indulge in the best spring sweets, including delightful cupcakes, scrumptious cookies, fudgy brownies, classic pies, and even refreshing beverages!

Our generous #SpringSweetsWeek sponsors have made it possible to offer some truly incredible prizes. We extend our immense gratitude to Dixie Crystals, Millican Pecan, Door County Coffee, Anolon, Deiss Cookware, Adams Extract, and Fresh April Sprinkles for their incredible generosity. We have an outstanding giveaway detailed below, and we’d be thrilled if you took a moment to learn about the amazing prizes you can win!

Check out the amazing prizes you can win in our #SpringSweetsWeek Giveaway!

Prize #1: Millican Pecan Tower of Treats!

Our friends at Millican Pecan are offering one lucky winner their spectacular Tower of Treats! This elegant and unique gift is perfect for a special friend, family member, client, or associate. The tower features three beautifully stacked decorative gift tins. The bottom tin holds their 2 lb. Chocolate Pecan Sampler, the middle tin is filled with their Flavored Pecan Sampler, and the top tin contains an 8 oz. tin of delicious Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (similar to popular turtle candies). Millican Pecan’s rich history began in the late 1800s with E.E. Risien, who founded the West Texas Pecan Nursery. His pioneering experiments helped establish San Saba as the “Pecan Capital of the World.” Today, the 5th generation continues this legacy. Visit https://millicanpecan.com/ to explore their products, discover recipes, and learn more about their incredible pecan story.

Prize #2: Door County Coffee & Mug Set!

Door County Coffee is generously giving one winner 20 full-pot bags of coffee along with an exclusive Door County Coffee mug. The selection of full-pots will include a delightful variety of seasonal, flavored, and non-flavored coffees. Founded in 1993 in scenic Door County, Wisconsin, Door County Coffee & Tea Co. is a small, family-owned business dedicated to roasting coffee the old-fashioned way—in small batches and to exacting standards. Their mission has always been to produce some of the best-tasting, highest-quality coffee available. With over 100 types of coffee, all roasted on-site, there’s a flavor for everyone. Explore their extensive selection of coffees and teas, and find fabulous recipes at https://www.doorcountycoffee.com/.

Prize #3: Dixie Crystals Nordic Ware Bundt Pan Set!

Dixie Crystals is providing one winner with a beautiful set of Nordic Ware Bundt Pans. This set includes both a Chiffon Bundt Pan and a Vaulted Cathedral Bundt Pan, perfect for creating stunning and decorative baked goods. Since 1917, Dixie Crystals® has been the South’s trusted choice for high-quality sugar and sweeteners. Their pure cane sugar products are all-natural, non-GMO, and consistently deliver delicious results in every recipe. Head over to www.dixiecrystals.com for hundreds of recipes, festive holiday ideas, engaging ways to get kids baking, and a wealth of helpful baking videos.

Prize #4: Anolon Advanced 5-Piece Bakeware Set!

Anolon is offering one lucky baker an Anolon Advanced 5-piece Bakeware set. This high-quality nonstick bakeware collection includes two 8-inch round cake pans, one 8-inch square cake pan, a 10 x 15-inch cookie pan, and a 9.25 x 14-inch cooling rack! It’s truly the perfect comprehensive set for any passionate home baker. Meyer Manufacturing, established in the 1950s, began by selling flashlights before venturing into cookware in 1971. By 1986, they revolutionized home cooking with the world’s first hard-anodized nonstick cookware. Today, Anolon offers bakeware with a sapphire-reinforced, triple-coated nonstick interior and exterior. Discover their wide selection of cookware, bakeware, tools, and amazing recipes at https://anolon.com.

Prize #5: Fresh April Sprinkles – Your Choice of Three Bags!

Fresh April Sprinkles is treating one winner to their choice of three 4-ounce bags of gorgeous sprinkles! The lucky winner can select from popular blends like the Birthday Party Blend, Cotton Candy Blend, Pink Lemonade Blend, and many more delightful options! Fresh April Sprinkles was founded in the summer of 2019 by Lynn April, who also runs the popular food blog Fresh April Flours. They specialize in small-batch, hand-blended sprinkles, carefully crafted with beautiful desserts in mind, and they even offer custom blends. Visit https://freshaprilsprinkles.com to view their stunning sprinkle collection and find more delicious recipes from Lynn!

Prize #6: Adams Extract Baking Pack!

Adams Extract is gifting one winner an Adams baking pack, featuring 4-6 essential items, including their renowned 4oz Adams Best® Vanilla Flavor. This prize package is ideal for anyone who loves to spend time baking in the kitchen! The story of Adams Extract began in 1888 with John A. Adams. In 1905, he developed a new vanilla formula that his wife declared “the BEST flavoring I have ever used,” leading to the birth of Adams Best! Today, Adams continues to manufacture and market products under various banners, including Adams Best®, Adams Extract®, and Adams® Seasoning & Spice. To learn more about Adams Extract, shop their products, or find delicious recipes, visit https://www.adamsextract.com.

Prize #7: Deiss Kitchenware Utensil Prize Package!

Deiss Kitchenware is providing one winner with a fantastic kitchen utensil prize package! This includes a digital thermometer, a high-quality grater, an apple slicer and corer set, and a versatile 5-piece utensil set. Deiss Kitchenware is a small, family-driven company built on the belief that cooking with pleasure is easy when you have the right tools. They are committed to customer satisfaction and developing easy-to-use, innovative, and reliable products for your kitchen. Discover more about their company and products at https://deisskitchenware.de/.

Friday #SpringSweetsWeek Recipes

Don’t forget to check out all the other incredible recipes shared today as part of #SpringSweetsWeek! There’s a spring-inspired treat for everyone:

Blueberry French Toast Casserole by Fresh April Flours
Buttermilk Birthday Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Caramel Pecan Cannoli by Palatable Pastime
Carrot Cake Muffins by Books n’ Cooks
Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread by Shockingly Delicious
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Almond Truffles by Family Around the Table
Disney Spring Treat Lemon Cheesecake by Simply Inspired Meals
French Silk Tartlets by That Recipe
Gluten Free Blackberry Mocha Brownies by Frugal & Fit
Hummingbird Pancakes with Homemade Pineapple Syrup and Candied Pecans by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Lemon Blueberry Fritters by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Lemon Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze by Blogghetti
Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream with Strawberries by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
Lemon Poppy Seed Poke Cake by Cheese Curd In Paradise
Lemon Poppyseed Bars by Cookaholic Wife
PEEPS Crispy Treats by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Raspberry Rosé Cupcakes by The Spiffy Cookie
Spring Cut Out Cookies by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Strawberry Banana Bread with Cinnamon Chips by Sweet Beginnings
Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes by Jen Around the World
Strawberry Rhubarb Bread by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
Strawberry Shortbread Bars by A Savory Feast
Vegan Lemon Berry Sweet Rolls by The Baking Fairy

Thank you #SpringSweetsWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Millican Pecan, Door County Coffee & Tea Co., Anolon, Fresh April Sprinkles, Deiss Kitchenware, and Adams Extracts for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #SpringSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The #SpringSweetsWeek giveaway is open to residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Seven (7) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #SpringSweetsWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #SpringSweetsWeek posts or entry.

Thank you for joining us on this delicious journey through #SpringSweetsWeek! We hope you enjoy making these Raspberry Moscow Mule Cupcakes and find joy in all the sweet inspirations shared during this event. Happy baking!