Moscow Mules are one of the best cocktails. With just three ingredients, they are so easy, yet they are also very flavorful and versatile. Learn how to customize this effervescent vodka cocktail with different spirits, juices and syrups for an even more delicious drink.
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There’s the Moscow Mule, made with vodka, and then there are her many sisters, from the Kentucky Mule to the Raspberry Mule. Let’s discuss them all, from what they are to serving them and making them your own.
What is a Moscow Mule?
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 year-round.
Invented at a bar in Los Angeles, this popular drink has been recognized by the International Bartender Association as an official IBA cocktail.
Though it’s called a “Moscow” mule, it’s actually an American drink. The name refers to the vodka’s origin in Russia.
It is often served in a copper mug, but you can also use a glass if you don’t have one handy!
Why you’ll love these recipes
The Moscow mule is a classic cocktail that you are going to love.
- Moscow mules are light, refreshing and not overly boozy.
- They’re refreshing for summertime yet cozy enough for wintertime.
- Great for beginner mixologists, the recipe is super easy to put together.
Moscow mule ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a basic Moscow mule:
Ginger beer
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 ginger beer brands 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 if you don’t have ginger beer on hand. You can also substitute a combination ginger syrup and club soda to adjust the sweetness level to your tastes.
Lime juice
I always recommend fresh lime juice if you have it on hand, but feel free to use a good quality lime concentrate. I use one of these citrus squeezers to get the most juice out of my limes. You are also welcome to use lemon juice to switch things up!
Tip: Room temperature citrus is easier to juice than cold, refrigerated fruit. Set your citrus fruits out on the counter for a couple hours to warm up before juicing them.
Vodka or another spirit
The classic Moscow mule recipe calls for plain vodka, but it’s totally acceptable to use a flavored vodka like sweet tea vodka or caramel vodka. In other words, have fun at the liquor store and dream up your own creations.
You can also omit the alcohol or substitute a zero-proof spirit to make a Moscow mule mocktail.
Basic Moscow mule recipe
Use this ratio to help you dream up your own Moscow mule concoctions:
- 1 ½ ounce vodka (or other spirit)
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- ½ to 1 ounce muddled fruit or simple syrup, optional
To make a mule, here’s the basic process:
- Pour your spirit of choice into a mule mug. Add lime juice and stir them together. (If you are adding another type of juice or simple syrup, add it now and stir it in.)
- Top with ice cubes.
- Add ginger beer over the top. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge or lime wheel.
How to customize Moscow Mules
The mule is a very versatile drink because you can make it in lots of different ways. There are two main variations to try:
- Switch up the main spirit. The Moscow mule is classically made with plain vodka, but you can swap it out for flavored vodkas and other spirits like whiskey, gin and tequila. This substitution usually gives the drink a different name, such as the Mexican Mule for tequila or the Scotch mule for Scotch whisky.
- Experiment with flavor. Try adding fruit flavors with juices, infused alcohol or simple syrup. You can also add muddled fruit and creative garnishes to play with the taste and aroma of the drink.
How to serve them: Copper mugs
The mule is often served in a copper mug known as a mule mug. Copper insulates them to keep them ice cold, which also helps to bring out the flavors in this classic cocktail. It also makes the drink really feel like the Hollywood drink that it is.
but you can also use a glass if you don’t have one handy! In fact, the rum version of the mule, called the Dark & Stormy, is usually served in a Collins glass or highball glass.
If you’re looking for a set of mugs to add to your collection or to give to the Moscow Mule lover in your life, look no further than these copper beauties:
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Classic Choice
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Moscow Mule variations
From changing up the main spirit to adding juices, syrups or muddled fruit, there are so many ways to make a delicious Moscow mule. Here are some of our favorites:
Variations on the Classic Mule recipe
Mules with Different Spirits
Flavored mules
What to serve with Moscow Mules
Try a sweet and spicy Moscow mule with savory, salty and cheesy snacks. Try them with baked brie or marinated cheese for an appetizer.
You can also enjoy these flavors as poppable Moscow mule jello shots or chewy, iced Moscow mule cookies. Both of these would be great for parties where you serve Moscow mules.
FAQ
The Moscow mule is a classic cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer and lime. Its name comes from Russia, where vodka originated, though it can be made with other spirits, including rum, bourbon, gin, brandy, tequila, mezcal, and more.
Traditionally, mules have been served in copper mugs, but this is more due to science than history. Copper naturally conducts temperature well, so this material works to insulate the drink inside. Mules are best served ice cold, and the traditional mug is the perfect vessel for keeping them frigid. A chilly temperature also helps to brighten the effervescence of the ginger beer, bringing out the flavor more. If you don’t have a mule mug, a rocks glass is a perfectly fine substitute.
Never put them in the dishwasher. After using copper mugs for a cocktail, clean them with hot water and dish soap. Don’t let any liquid sit in them. If the mug is tarnished, you can return it to its shiny glory with a simple formula. Use 3 parts baking soda and 1 part vinegar to create a paste, then rub it on the mug with a sponge or cloth and let it sit. After 5 minutes, hand wash in warm water and rinse to remove the baking soda mixture and the tarnish.
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