Cocktail enthusiasts and amateur mixologists alike will be impressed by this tasty cocktail recipe. A Moscow Mule is a delicious and refreshing drink. It's ready in just 3 minutes and made with just 3 ingredients: vodka, ginger beer, and lime.
Table of Content
The classic Moscow mule cocktail is one that needs copper Moscow mule mugs. Right? Well, not really but honestly, it feels so good drinking in one! I think the first time I drank a mule cocktail was just so I could hold that copper mug.
The Moscow mule was a cocktail invented as a marketing scheme in the 1940s by a marketing executive, John G Martin, for the purpose of increasing sales of Vodka, ginger beer, and copper mugs. Apparently, the film industry of Hollywood was fascinated with these copper mugs so much they often used them in their shots. Since then, everyone wanted to hold on to these mugs at pubs and parties.
Why make this recipe
- This is the easiest drink you can make in less than 3 minutes.
- The best part is, it needs only main 3 ingredients and a garnish.
- While Moscow mule is served with crushed ice in a copper mug, it is not made in a cocktail shaker but directly in the mug itself. But, if you don't have a Moscow mule mug, don't let that stop you from having this absolutely delicious cocktail, go ahead and enjoy in a collins glass or highball glass.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Vodka - I used Absolute Vodka but you can use your favorite brand such as Smirnoff vodka, Tito's vodka, or Grey Goose. In fact, you can even use flavored vodka if you prefer.
- Ginger beer - There are many wonderful brands of ginger beer so pick any one you fancy. Find one without artificial flavors or sweeteners and with real ginger. And if you like a little spice, fry a spicy ginger beer. Ginger ale is not the same as ginger beer, but when you want a little twist to the classic Moscow mule try a spicy ginger ale. And if you're looking for a good ginger beer, try Fever tree ginger beer, Mains hot and spicy ginger beer, or Reeds ginger brew.
- Lemon - Oh, please use fresh lemon juice with lemon slices or wedges for garnish. It makes a huge difference to the taste.
- Garnish - I am using a thyme today, but a sprig of mint works great. You can also try rosemary instead of fresh mint. You can use a muddler to crush the mint for a stronger mint flavor but I like to just leave it as a garnish.
How to make the best Moscow mule
- Add ice to a copper mug. Pour the vodka, lemon juice and top with ginger beer. And if you like it sweeter, add the simple syrup too. Use a stirrer or spoon and give it a gentle stir.
Pro tip - You can also use a collins glass or highball glass. - Garnish with lemon slices and a sprig of fresh mint. I prefer a sprig of thyme in mine, but you can also use rosemary for garnish.
- Cheers!
Moscow mule variations
- Kentucky Mule - Use bourbon or whiskey instead or Vodka.
- Apple cider mule - Add some apple slices and a cinnamon stick in the fall. Or use apple vodka instead of regular vodka. Of course top with apple cider instead of ginger beer.
- Mexican Mule - Use tequila instead of vodka with spicy ginger ale.
- Gin Mule - Use gin with ginger ale.
- Cuban or Jamaican Mule - Is made with dark rum.
- Christmas mule in winter is perfect with pear vodka and ginger beer.
- Sweet mule - If you like sweet cocktails, add a splash of simple syrup to any of the mule recipes you make.
- Irish Mule - Use Irish whiskey instead of regular whisky.
More cocktail recipes
- Cherry Champagne Cocktail
- Strawberry Vodka Cocktail
- Homemade Mulled Wine
- Cranberry Margarita
- Baileys Irish Cream or Butterscotch Irish Cream
- Baileys Chocolate Martini
- Homemade Classic Eggnog or Homemade Eggless Eggnog
- See all Cocktail recipes
Freuquently asked questions
While this cocktail looks lovely in a copper mug, you certainly do not need one. And if you do choose to buy one, I highly recommend this one and this one. You can also use collins glass or highball glass.
A Moscow mule can be served at any party from simple dinner parties to cocktail parties, weddings, or happy hour. There is no one special occasion for this drink. It's a favorite any time of the year.
It is tradition to serve this cocktail in a Moscow mule mug. It is believed that this drink was invented as a marketing scheme in the 1940s for the purpose of increasing sales of Vodka, ginger beer, and copper mugs. Apparently, the film industry of Hollywood was fascinated with these copper mugs so they used it very often in their movies which because so popular. Also, copper keeps the drink cooler longer.
You may also like
Did you enjoy this recipe? Please ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ it.
Save it for later.
You can also find a collection of my recipes and tutorials here on Pinterest. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
And, don't forget to subscribe to my blog to receive new recipes by email.
Printable Recipe
Classic Moscow Mule
Print Pin Rate Share by Email Share on FB Save GrowDescription
Conversions Used
1 lb = 453 grams, 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 stick = 113g, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp= 5 ml,
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) Vodka
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 4 oz (120 ml) Ginger beer (chilled)
- 2 Lemon slices (for garnish)
- 1 sprig Mint (or similar for garnish)
- 2 tablespoon Simple syrup ((If you like it sweeter) )
Instructions
- Add ice to a copper mug. Pour the vodka, lemon juice and top with ginger beer. If you like it sweeter, add the simple syrup too. Use a stirrer or spoon and give it a gentle stir.Pro tip - You can also use a collins glass or highball glass.
- Garnish with lemon slices and a sprig of fresh mint. I prefer a sprig of thyme in mine but you can also use rosemary for garnish.
- Cheers!
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Sara Welch
Wound down with this after dinner last night and it was exactly what I needed after a long day. Quick, easy and perfectly refreshing; excited to have another one again tonight!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Sara, for the lovely feedback. Happy that you enjoyed this drink.
Lisa
This is one of my favorite cocktails! And I love that you added fresh mint.
Artney
I love Moscow Mules and I love the simplicity of this recipe! Definitely making these again for the holidays!
MJ
Just tried your apple cider mule variation and loved it! Can't wait to try more of the versions you listed, although your classic recipe hits the spot, too!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, MJ.