Photo copyright A Bar Above
Table of Contents:
Today, the Moscow Mule is enjoyed by many people around the world, and this classic cocktail has even become one of the most popular cocktails in America. If you’re looking to make your own Moscow Mule, all you need is a combination of vodka, a lime (for fresh lime juice and wedge of lime for garnish), and ginger beer.
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail that’s commonly traced to Los Angeles in 1941, and it quickly became popular due to its unique flavor and the fact that it can be enjoyed on any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for something to sip on a hot summer day or you want a festive alcoholic drink to enjoy during the holidays, the Moscow Mule is the perfect choice and one of my favorite drinks all year-round.
The Moscow Mule is a fantastic “gateway drink” for getting into craft cocktails. Low prep time, beautiful in presentation, and delicious… You can’t go wrong with a Moscow Mule.
Photo copyright A Bar Above
HISTORY OF THE MOSCOW MULE
The history of this classic vodka cocktail is one of my favorites. The story goes that copper mug salesperson Sophie Berezinski happened into the Cock n’ Bull pub in LA in 1941.
The new president of Smirnoff vodka, John Martin, and bar owner & wannabe ginger beer mogul, Jack Morgan, were there at Jack’s bar, trying to figure out how to sell more of their respective products when Sophie came in and joined the conversation.
Photo copyright A Bar Above
The result of this meeting was the creation of one of the most recognized drinks in many craft bars around the world: the Moscow mule.
Note: For choice of vodka, we’re using Ketle One, but obviously grab your favorite 2 ounces of vodka and make it. Also, we’ve seen this drink made with ginger ale and fresh mint sprigs– neither are traditional, and the ginger ale won’t offer quite the same spicy ginger bite of the ginger beer, but hey… As always, drink what you like.
Photo by M Cooper via www.unsplash.com
Do You Need a Copper Mug for a Moscow Mule?
The copper mug is part of the Moscow Mule’s signature look, but you don’t need one to make a great drink. A highball or Collins glass works well, provided it has enough room for the cocktail, ice, and garnish.
If you’re shopping for a copper mug, look beyond that shiny exterior:
- Interior: Choose a mug with a food-safe lining, such as stainless steel, that keeps the acidic drink from touching bare copper.
- Capacity: Check that it comfortably holds your recipe with plenty of ice and a little space below the rim.
- Handle: A comfortable grip matters when the outside gets cold and wet with condensation.
- Care: Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, particularly for the lining and exterior finish.
And about that famously frosty feel: a cold mug against your hand doesn’t tell you how cold the drink inside actually is. Start with chilled ginger beer and plenty of ice, whichever vessel you choose.
Photo copyright A Bar Above
Moscow Mule Ingredients: Three Things to Get Right
This drink is super easy to make: You only need vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice!
- Vodka: Use a bottle you enjoy. We’re using Ketel One, but you don’t need to hunt down a particular brand to follow this recipe.
- Ginger beer: This is where much of the drink’s personality comes from. Some brands are fiery and dry-tasting; others are sweeter and gentler. Choose one you enjoy on its own, and then taste the finished cocktail before making adjustments.
- Fresh lime juice: Lime gives the ginger beer’s sweetness a bright counterpoint. A citrus juicer makes quick work of the prep, and a jigger helps you repeat the balance you like once you’ve figured it out.
Our starting recipe uses 2 ounces vodka, approximately 4 ounces ginger beer, and ¾ ounce fresh lime juice. Want a less-boozy drink? Add a little more ginger beer. Prefer a gentler citrus bite? Start with slightly less lime and adjust.
Photo by Getty Images via www.unsplash.com
Easy Moscow Mule Variations
Once you have the basic combination down, switching the spirit gives you several directions to explore.
For the simple swaps below, start with 2 ounces of your chosen spirit, ¾ ounce lime juice, and 4 ounces ginger beer. Build over ice, stir gently, and adjust to taste. These are starting proportions for our variations, rather than a claim that every version has one fixed recipe, so make sure to taste and adjust accordingly!
| Variation | Base spirit | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Moscow Mule | Vodka | Keeps the ginger beer and lime at the center of the drink. |
| Mexican Mule | Tequila | Adds agave character; try blanco tequila for a fresh, lively version. |
| Kentucky Mule | Bourbon | Brings vanilla, oak, and a rounder flavor alongside the ginger. |
| Gin Mule | Gin | Adds botanicals, with the result depending on your gin’s particular profile. |
| Mezcal Mule | Mezcal | Introduces agave flavor and, depending on the bottle, smoky notes. |
What About a Gin-Gin Mule?
Audrey Saunders’s Gin-Gin Mule is more than a vodka-for-gin swap. It combines gin with mint, lime, sweetener, and homemade ginger beer. If you want to explore that modern classic, follow a dedicated Gin-Gin Mule recipe.
Chris’s Mezcal-and-Hibiscus Variation
Chris also enjoys mezcal with hibiscus ginger beer from Q Mixers. Try it using the starting proportions above, adjusting for your mixer’s sweetness and acidity.
For another easy twist, add a mint sprig or a couple of dashes of aromatic bitters to your finished Mule. Change one thing at a time so you can figure out what earns a place in your next round.
Copper mug or highball glass, vodka or a spirit swap, there’s plenty of room to make this drink your own. Start with our Moscow Mule recipe below and find your favorite balance of ginger, lime, and fizz.
Moscow Mule
Equipment
- 1 Wine Opener if using a bottle of ginger beer
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 4 oz Ginger Beer
- 3/4 oz Lime Juice
- 1 Slice of Lime (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add vodka and lime juice.
- Stir well.
- Top your glass with ginger beer, and garnish with a lime wedge.
Moscow Mule FAQs
Q: Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer?
A: Yes, but expect a very different drink. Ginger ale generally gives a milder ginger flavor, while ginger beer often delivers a stronger, spicier bite. Sweetness varies between brands, so taste before adjusting the lime or adding any sweetener.
Q: Does ginger beer contain alcohol?
A: Many ginger beers sold as cocktail mixers are non-alcoholic, but alcoholic versions also exist. Check the label on your specific bottle or can, especially if you’re making a non-alcoholic drink.
Q: Do I need a copper mug to make a Moscow Mule?
A: No. A highball or Collins glass works well. Choose a vessel with enough room for the drink and ice. If you use a copper mug, select one with an intact food-safe lining suitable for acidic drinks.
Q: Should a Moscow Mule be shaken or stirred?
A: Our recipe is built directly in the serving mug or glass. Add the vodka and lime to the ice, stir, then add ginger beer and give it a gentle stir to combine. Don’t shake carbonated ginger beer in a sealed shaker.
Q: Can I prepare Moscow Mules ahead of time?
A: You can measure and combine the vodka and lime juice ahead of serving and keep that mixture refrigerated. Add the ginger beer and ice when you serve so the drink stays fizzy and doesn’t become diluted while it waits.
Q: How strong is a Moscow Mule?
A: Our recipe contains 2 ounces of vodka. With 40% ABV vodka and non-alcoholic ginger beer, it’s approximately 12% ABV before dilution from ice. The final strength depends on your vodka, the amount of mixer, and how much your ice melts.
