Classic Moscow Mule

The classic Moscow Mule is a vodka cocktail with sweet and spicy ginger beer with a touch of lime. Learn how to make the traditional mule and customize it to your liking.

Irish mule recipe in a mule mug on a green cloth napkin

I’m having a serious addiction to ginger these days.

For months, I have been snacking on candied ginger, adding ground ginger to baked goods and craving it in my cocktails as well.

In fact, the very first cocktail recipe that I posted on this blog was for a Bourbon + Ginger Ale.

But it’s even better with ginger beer, which is a non-alcoholic soda made with ginger. We call that a Moscow Mule.

Classic Moscow Mule recipe

The Moscow mule is an alcoholic cocktail traditionally made with vodka, lime juice and ginger beer. It’s an easy, quaffable drink that can be enjoyed all year long.

Though it’s called a “Moscow” mule, it’s actually an American drink. The name refers to the vodka, not its origin.

It is often served in a copper mug, but feel free to use a glass if you don’t have one handy! If you’re a mule lover, it might be time to invest in some though! Here are some of my favorite mugs:

The beauty of the Moscow mule recipe is that it’s very versatile and can be made with myriad flavors and spirits.

picture of Irish mules on green napkins and a green citrus juicer

Best ginger beer for Moscow Mules

It’s kind of a cross between root beer and ginger ale, and also totally delicious. My favorite brand of ginger beer is Bundaberg, but Reed’s is a close second!

In fact, I compiled a taste test of ginger beers and ranked them by how spicy they are.

Now, I bring you the Classic Moscow Mule. It’s a classic but simple cocktail that combines vodka, lime juice and ginger beer for a lovely and succulent treat.

These flavors are delicious in drinks and desserts. Try them in a Bourbon Ginger Ale Cake or some Moscow Mule Cookies too.

two irish mule cocktails in copper mugs

Moscow Mule mugs

Traditional Moscow Mules are served in copper mugs to keep the beverage cold, but a Collins or similar glass filled with ice will work just fine.

Moscow Mule variations

And if you’re either out of vodka or just not a vodka lover, you can substitute other liquors in this classic cocktail recipe for similar results. Case in point:

And you can make any of them into a frozen Moscow mule! One of my favorites for super hot days.

I hope you enjoy your weekend! I’m planning to spend most of mine curled up with a book. And a Moscow Mule, probably. (I’ve been drinking these all week!) // susannah

picture of Irish mules on green napkins and a green citrus juicer

Classic Moscow Mule

Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

A classic vodka cocktail with spicy ginger beer and a hint of lime.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 4 to 6 ounces ginger beer, chilled
  • Lime slices

Instructions

  1. Fill a copper mug with ice. Squeeze lime juice into the mug and drop in the spent shell. 
  2. Then, pour in the vodka and top with ginger beer. Stir gently. Garnish with another lime slice, if desired.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 8 ounces
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 526Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 54mgCarbohydrates: 105gFiber: 2gSugar: 97gProtein: 1g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #feastandwestrecipes!

The Golden Ratio Guide:

Mix the perfect cocktail, every time

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. ANNIE says

    I used to have some of those copper cups for Mules and just saw then for sale online.That was a very popular drink in the mid ’80, at least in N. CAL. Yum!

Skip to Recipe

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!