Pretend you’re on the streets of Londontown with a gin-filled London Mule. This fragrant gin version of the classic Moscow Mule is a feast for the senses.
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About this London Mule recipe
A few summers ago, my husband and I visited London and, like we do anywhere we go, visited as many cocktail bars as we could. I had one mission: Try as many gins as we could!
Gin is a flavorful, herbaceous spirit that works beautifully in so many cocktails, from the gimlet to the French 75. I didn’t love it when I was younger, but now I can appreciate the complexity of its flavor.
While gin doesn’t hail from the U.K. (it’s from Holland), as of 2022, it was home to 820 gin distilleries, according to The Independent.
This mule is a spin on both the classic Moscow mule and my gin-gin mule, only this London version is made with any gin from the Big Smoke, plus lime juice and ginger beer. The garnish features fresh cucumber, mint and lime for a delicious libation representative of Londontown.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Perfectly showcases English gin. Made with your favorite English gin, the London Mule is sweet and flavorful.
- Easy to make. This gin cocktail has just three ingredients, so it’s easy to assemble.
- Refreshing for summer. With hints of both mint and cucumber, the London Mule is a refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm weather!
Ingredients & essentials
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
The London Mule only uses a few simple ingredients.
The base of this gin mule cocktail is Old Tom Gin or a London Dry Gin. This is the key to making it a true London Mule! You can also use zero-proof gin for a non-alcoholic version.
Ginger beer is a key ingredient in mule recipes, including this one.
Ginger beer is a fizzy, non-alcoholic beverage made from fermented ginger. I prefer the flavor of a spicy ginger beer, which has more of a zing of ginger, but you can go sweeter here if you like. Check out my list of the best brands of ginger beer to help you decide on a spice level that’s right for you.
Ginger ale is a ginger-flavored soda and is much sweeter than ginger beer. However, you can make a mule with ginger ale if you prefer or don’t have ginger beer on hand.
Lime juice adds brightness to this cocktail and pairs well with the botanicals in the gin. I always recommend fresh lime juice if you have it on hand, but feel free to use a good quality lime concentrate. I use a citrus squeezer to get the most juice out of my limes.
You are also welcome to use lemon juice or grapefruit juice.
Mules are usually served in copper mugs *, which keep them ice cold. They’re not a necessity, though — feel free to use a rocks glass instead if it’s what you have.
favorite mule mugs
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Best gin for a London Mule
In order to make a true London Mule, you must use a London Dry Gin or Old Tom Gin.
London Dry Gins are what most people know as gin. They’re light-bodied and perfect for using in a gin and tonic or dry martini. Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, and Beefeater are three of the most popular brands of London Dry Gin.
Old Tom Gin, on the other hand, is sweeter and more full-bodied. It is what you’d use in a Tom Collins or gin rickey.
Either type of gin works well in this recipe. I also really like Hendrick’s Gin from Scotland, which has notes of rose and cucumber, making it a perfect fit, though then it’s not a London Mule.
Don’t miss Gin 101 where you can learn more about which bottles to buy.
How to make a London Mule
You can pull off this easy London Mule cocktail in just a few steps. There’s no shaking required for this mule recipe — simply assemble in the glass, garnish, and enjoy!
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- Fill a copper mug with ice cubes or crushed ice, then pour the gin over ice.
- Add the lime juice. If you’re using fresh lime juice, you can drop in the spent shell, too. The zest of the lime will add extra citrus bite as the
drink infuses.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Add a lime wedge, a cucumber ribbon on a cocktail pick, and fresh mint for garnish.
Tips & tricks
- Use the trademark copper mug or other metal mug to keep the
drink ice cold. - Add the ginger beer last so that it can bubble and foam to the top.
- Run a
vegetable peeler * down the length of a cucumber to create cucumber ribbons. Fold and spear them on a cocktail pick.
Flavor variations
Plymouth Mule: Use Plymouth gin, which is from Plymouth, England.
Scottish Mule: For a Scottish version, use scotch whisky instead of gin.
Irish Mule: Use any Irish whiskey instead of gin for an Irish version.
Non-alcoholic mule: Use a zero-proof spirit such as Ritual gin alternative *.
Serving suggestions
My Moscow Mule cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with your gin mule.
You can also serve your London Mule with any British treats, such as Baileys chocolate chip cookies, rich Guinness chocolate cake or simple Earl Grey shortbread cookies.
For dessert, enjoy it with a Milk Tart or a Bakewell Tart.
Follow it up with another British cocktail, the Pimm’s Cup.
FAQ
The Moscow mule is traditionally made with vodka. When made with a gin from London, it’s called a London Mule.
No! Copper mugs help keep your mule cocktails cold, but you can serve your London Mule in a rocks glass if you don’t have a copper mug.
Yes. Use your favorite zero-proof gin for a non-alcoholic version of this London Mule.
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London Mule
ingredients
- 1 ½ ounce gin London Dry or Old Tom
- 1 ounce lime juice approximately half of a lime
- 4-6 ounces ginger beer
- 1 lime wedge for garnish
- 2 cucumber ribbons for garnish
- mint sprigs for garnish
- ice
instructions
- Fill a copper mug or rocks glass * with crushed ice.ice
- Add gin and lime juice. (If using a fresh lime, drop in the spent shell.)1 ½ ounce gin, 1 ounce lime juice
- Top with ginger beer.4-6 ounces ginger beer
- Garnish with a lime wedge, cucumber ribbons and fresh mint.1 lime wedge, 2 cucumber ribbons, mint sprigs
notes
- Plymouth Mule: Use Plymouth gin, which is from Plymouth, England.
- Scottish Mule: Use scotch whisky instead of gin for a Scottish version.
- Irish Mule: Use any Irish whiskey instead of gin for an Irish version.
- Non-alcoholic gin mule: Use a zero-proof spirit such as Ritual gin alternative.
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nutrition information
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