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.

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.

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.

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.

mule mugs

black mule mugs

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copper mugs

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stemless mule mugs

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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:

• Tequila: Mexican Mule
• Bourbon: Kentucky Mule
• Whiskey: Irish Mule
• Brandy: French Mule
• Gin: Gin-Gin Mule (Get it?)
• Dark rum: Dark + Stormy
• Light rum + cranberry juice: Yule Mule (for the holidays) or pomegranate juice
• Absinthe: Gingerbread Mule
• Becherovka: Czech Mule

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