Mandarino Mule
A tart, sweet, and slightly bitter cocktail made with Aperol, Orange infused Tequila, Gingerbeer, lime juice, and tangerine juice. Perfect for warm weather days in Spring and Summer.
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If you love an Aperol Spritz, you're going to love this new take on it with ginger beer, tequila, and lime. The name came from what Google Translate told me the Italian word was for “tangerine,” which is how I learned that all tangerines are mandarins, but not all mandarins are tangerines. Tangerines are usually larger than mandarins, and have thicker peels. You could use any of those similar citrus in this recipe and adjust to your taste preference.
I usually stick to some variation of a French 75, Paloma, or a Moscow Mule when I host. These are all fabulous drinks, but in 2026, I want to learn more recipes. This post includes a pitcher version, for when you need to serve to large groups quickly, and a mocktail version for your friends who aren’t drinking.
This drink was developed to complement the Blistered Mandarins over Burrata appetizer, my April 2026 drink and appetizer pairing.
Mandarino Mule
Ingredients - Serves 2
Juice of 2 limes
Juice of 1 tangerine
2 oz Aperol
2 oz Orange Infused Tequila or Tequila Blanco
6 oz gingerbeer
2 Large Whiskey Cubes
2 whiskey glasses, chilled in the freezer
Garnish: Sprig of rosemary and mandarin slice
Method: Combine lime and tangerine juice, Aperol, tequila, and a handful of ice in a cocktail shaker, and shake vigorously. Pour over two glasses with large whiskey cubes. Top with 3 oz each of ginger beer, and garnish with rosemary and tangerine slice.
Pitcher Recipe Version (makes enough for 6)
Ingredients
½ cup lime juice
Juice of 3 tangerines
8 oz Aperol
8 oz Orange Infused Tequila
2 12 oz cans of Gingerbeer
Stir all ingredients to combine. Make up to 1 hour in advance, and store in fridge until ready to serve. Pour over large whiskey ice cube, and garnish with rosemary sprig and tangerine slice.
Mocktail version - Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
4 oz Lime Soda Water
3 oz Gingerbeer
Juice of 1 tangerine
Juice of 1 lime
Garnish: Rosemary sprig and tangerine wedge
Pour ingredients over a large whiskey ice cube, stir, and garnish. Serve immediately.
Mandarino Mule
A tart, sweet, and slightly bitter cocktail made with Aperol, Orange infused Tequila, Gingerbeer, lime juice, and tangerine juice. Perfect for warm weather days in Spring and Summer. Makes 2.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine lime and tangerine juice, Aperol, tequila, and a handful of ice in a cocktail shaker, and shake vigorously.
- Pour over two glasses with large whiskey cubes.
- Top with 3 oz each of ginger beer, and garnish with rosemary and tangerine slice.
Notes
See recipe post for a pitcher and mocktail recipe variations.
