Learn how to make a classic Moscow Mule with our three ingredient recipe. Also, sharing tips on making different versions and ways to spruce it up!
We’ve shared several versions of the Moscow mule and boy are they delicious! However, this recipe is all about the classic, basic, 3-ingredient Moscow mule that is served in a shiny, cold copper mug.
Why Make this Moscow Mule
This recipe is made with vodka, ginger beer and fresh lime juice. It’s a classic, easy to cocktail that’s served over ice in a classic copper mug.
We love how refreshing this cocktail is and how the mug keeps it chilly. It’s really such a wonderful drink to make and it’s so simple.
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 cocktail a citrus tartness.
- Ginger Vodka – Regular if you don’t have ginger vodka.
- Ice – This cocktail 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 cocktails. 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 he ingredients and chill the cocktail. 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
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 cooper finish.
Hammered Copper Mini Mule Mugs
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.
- Southern Mule – Swap vodka for Southern Comfort.
- London Mule – Swap vodka for gin.
- Aussie Mule – Use Bundaberg ginger beer.
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 cocktail 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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, I believe the copper (or nickel) gives the drink a slight flavor. They keep the cocktail extra fizzy and the cold metals add the to the gingery flavor. It enhances the flavor the 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!
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 cocktail an extra kick.
More Moscow Mule Recipes You’ll Love!
If you like drinks made with vodka, check out our best vodka cocktails!
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Moscow Mule Recipe
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 cocktail. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint leaves if you have them.
Notes
- Fever Tree
- Fentimans Ginger Beer
- Crabbies Original Ginger Beer
- Bundaberg
- Reeds Ginger Beer
wilhelmina says
This mule was so refreshing to sip on! It was a great way to unwind after a stressful day!
Eden says
So glad you liked it!
Kim says
Printing and saving this cocktail recipe! Thank you!
Eden says
Awesome, let me know how you like it 😉
Betsy Carney says
I am so excited, this recipe is just as good as the one my husband and I get at our favorite restaurant. Thank you so much! Cheers!
Eden says
Yay! So happy to hear that!