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Learn how to make a classic, refreshing Moscow Mule with our three-ingredient recipe. Also, sharing tips on making different versions and ways to spruce it up! This co*cktail is always good and perfect year-round.
We’ve shared several versions of the Moscow mule and boy are they delicious! However, this recipe is all about the classic co*cktail. An easy 3-ingredient Moscow mule that is served in a shiny, cold copper mug.
Also, check out our best vodka co*cktails here and easy mixed drinks to make at home.
IN THIS POST
Why Make this Moscow Mule
This recipe is made with vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. It’s a classic, easy co*cktail that’s served over ice in a classic copper mug.
We love how refreshing this co*cktail is and how the mug keeps it chilly. It’s really such a wonderful drink to make and it’s so simple.
This drink is easy to make and perfect for any occasion and season. See all of our fun variations and recipes below.
How to Make a Moscow Mule
A Moscow mule should be very gingery and refreshing. Use as much ginger in the ingredients as possible. For example, use ginger vodka (you can quickly make your own), a good quality ginger beer, and add a dash of ginger syrup to the drink for the ultimate flavor.
Ingredients
There are 3 traditional ingredients in a Moscow mule:
Spicy Ginger Beer – The main ingredient in a Moscow mule. It’s spicy, carbonated and refreshing.
Lime Juice – Fresh squeezed lime juice gives the co*cktail a citrus tartness.
Ginger Vodka – Regular if you don’t have ginger vodka.
Ice – This co*cktail requires ice to the top! So lot’s of ice is needed.
Optional Ingredient
- Ginger Syrup – Gives an even stronger ginger flavor without it being super sweet. We prefer it with ginger syrup.
I keep ginger syrup on hand at all times for baking cookies and making co*cktails. This fiery ginger syrup is my ultimate favorite. I also prefer The Ginger People syrup as well.
Directions for Making a Moscow Mule
Add vodka and lime juice into a copper mug. If you’re adding ginger syrup, add that too.
Top the mug with ice.
Then pour the ginger beer over the top.
Stir to mix the ingredients and chill the co*cktail. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint leaves if you have them.
How to Make Ginger Vodka
Ginger vodka is super simple to make and gives the drink even more of a delicious ginger flavor. Simple chop about 3 tablespoons fresh ginger and add about 3 cups vodka and fresh ginger into a jar with a lid.
Let the ginger infuse the vodka for 1-10 days. You can store this in the refrigerator.
Then, strain the ginger and use this vodka for your Moscow mules!
The Best Ginger Beer for Moscow Mules
We’ve had plenty of Moscow mules and these are the 5 brands we use over and over again.
- Fever Tree
- Fentimans Ginger Beer
- Crabbies Original Ginger Beer
- Bundaberg
- Reeds Ginger Beer
More delicious ginger beer brands to consider when making this co*cktail.
The Best Vodka for Moscow Mules
Ginger vodka is the best vodka to use. There are a few brands that make and sell it, but it’s probably even easier to make it yourself. However, if you use want to use regular vodka here are a few of our top recommendations. You can also infuse any of these with fresh ginger.
- Tito’s Vodka
- King Street
- Reyka
- Belvedere Vodka – Makes a ginger zest vodka too.
- Prairie Organic Vodka – They also make an organic apple, pear ginger vodka that would be great in a Moscow mule.
Moscow Mule Mugs – The Best Copper Mugs
There are a plethora of copper mugs online. You can buy solid copper, nickel-lined or stainless steel mugs with a copper finish.
Stainless Steel Lined, Smooth Copper Mugs
Moscow Mule Variations
Irish Mule – Swap vodka for Irish whiskey.
Mexican Mule – Swap vodka for tequila.
Kentucky Mule – Swap vodka for bourbon.
Jamaican Mule – Swap vodka for spiced rum.
Tokyo Mule – A version with Sake and cucumber.
Apple Cider Mule – Perfect for the fall season. This is made with apple cider and ginger beer.
Southern Mule – Swap vodka for Southern Comfort.
London Mule – Swap vodka for gin.
Aussie Mule – Use Bundaberg ginger beer.
Moscow Mule Additions
Add any of these ingredients below to your classic Moscow mule.
Add Fruit – Muddle blueberries or raspberries into the bottom of the copper mug before adding in the rest of the ingredients.
Extra Ginger – We love our mules to be very gingery! Add in 1/2 ounce spicy ginger syrup to make it even better and more flavorful.
Add Juice – Give the co*cktail a splash of juice like cranberry or pineapple to create the ultimate flavor combinations.
Extra Spice – Slice a little jalapeño pepper for some extra heat.
What to Serve with a Moscow Mule
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a Moscow Mule have to be in a copper cup?
There are several reasons for this. First, copper is a thermal conductor that keeps drinks either cold or hot. When filled with ice the copper mug keeps the Moscow mule super chilly and refreshing with each sip.
Personally, we believe the copper (or nickel) gives the drink a slight flavor. They keep the co*cktail extra fizzy and the cold metals add to the gingery flavor. It enhances the flavor the chill of the drink.
Truly, a Moscow mule MUST be served in a copper mug. It doesn’t even taste the same in a glass!
Is there alcohol in ginger beer?
Regardless of the name, most ginger beers do not contain alcohol. The only one that we use that does contain alcohol is Crabbie’s Original Ginger Beer and gives the co*cktail an extra kick.
More Moscow Mule Recipes You’ll Love!
We have made some pretty delicious Moscow Mules over the years. From blueberry to gingerbread, all of these flavor combinations are refreshing and so delicious!
Cranberry Mule Recipe
Blueberry Moscow Mule
Raspberry Moscow Mule
Gingerbread Moscow Mule
Kombucha Mule
Lemon and Sage Mule
Pineapple Mule
Smoky Lemon Mule
Now that you know everything on how to make a Moscow mule, we can’t wait to see your co*cktails!
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Moscow Mule Recipe
A classic three ingredient Moscow Mule made with ginger beer, vodka and lime juice. The perfect, refreshing co*cktail year round.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: co*cktail
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 1 co*cktail
Calories: 163kcal
Author: Eden
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka, ginger vodka prefered
- 1/2 ounce lime juice , fresh squeezed
- 3 ounces ginger beer
- ice
Optional
- 1/2 ounce ginger syrup
- lime wedge
- mint leaves
Instructions
Add vodka and lime juice into a copper mug. If you’re adding ginger syrup, add that too.
Top the mug with ice.
Then pour the ginger beer over the top.
Stir to mix he ingredients and chill the co*cktail.Garnish with a lime wedge and mint leaves if you have them.
Notes
Use ginger vodka for an even better ginger flavor. Simply, chop about 3 tablespoons fresh ginger and add 3 cups vodka and ginger into a jar with a lid.
Let the ginger infuse the vodka for 1-10 days. You can store this in the refrigerator.Then, strain the ginger and use this vodka for your Moscow mules!
For a sweeter and more flavorful mule, add in a 1/2 ounce ginger syrup. This is the way we prefer to drink our Moscow mules.
Ginger Beer Brands:
- Fever Tree
- Fentimans Ginger Beer
- Crabbies Original Ginger Beer
- Bundaberg
- Reeds Ginger Beer
Nutrition
Serving: 1co*cktail | Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
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