How to Make a Moscow Mule

5 from 6 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 Cocktail
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I love a super gingery, bubbly Moscow Mule! Here’s how to make a Moscow Mule that’s full of flavor and that signature zing. I’ve made a lot of mules in my day, and I’m sharing my favorite tips!

Want to mix it up? Try my Blueberry Moscow Mule, Cranberry Moscow Mule, or Apple Cider Mule for a fun twist!

Classic Moscow Mule in a copper mug with lime and mint garnish.

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“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!” – Betsy C.

Why I Love This Moscow Mule

This is the classic Moscow Mule—vodka, spicy ginger beer, and fresh lime juice served over ice in a frosty copper mug. It’s zesty, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser.

I love how the copper mug keeps it icy cold, and if I want to sweeten it up, I’ll add a splash of simple syrup or use a naturally sweet ginger beer like Fever-Tree.

It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any season—especially when you want something fun and fancy without the fuss!

Moscow Mule Ingredients

Ginger Beer with copper mugs and lime juice

You only need a few simple ingredients to shake up the perfect classic Moscow Mule:

Ice – This drink needs lots of ice. Fill your copper mug all the way to the top—cold and refreshing is the goal.

Ginger Beer – The star of the show! Go for a spicy, bubbly ginger beer for that signature kick. I love Fever-Tree or Bundaberg for bold flavor.

Fresh Lime Juice – Squeeze it fresh! The citrusy tartness balances everything out beautifully.

Vodka – Regular vodka works perfectly, but if you have ginger vodka on hand, it adds even more depth.

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 my chewy ginger cookies and making cocktails. I like Liber & Co. Fiery Ginger Syrup and Ginger People Syrup.

How to Make A Moscow Mule

1. Pour the vodka and fresh lime juice into a copper mug (add ginger syrup too, if you’re using it).

2. Fill the mug all the way to the top with ice—the more, the better!

3. Top it off with spicy ginger beer and give it a gentle stir.

4. Garnish with a lime wedge and a few mint leaves if you have them—simple, fresh, and totally charming!

How to make a Moscow Mule with ginger beer, fresh mint, and lime in a copper mug.

Tips for Making a Moscow Mule

Want to take your mule to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite ways to make it extra special:

Get creative with garnishes – Add fresh mint, a slice of jalapeño for heat, or candied ginger on a cocktail pick for a fun twist.

Make your own ginger vodka – It’s SO easy and adds incredible flavor! Just chop 3 tablespoons (or more) of fresh ginger, add it to a jar with 3 cups of vodka, seal it, and let it infuse for 1 to 10 days in the fridge. Strain and use for the most gingery Moscow Mule ever.

Add fiery ginger syrup – I always keep a bottle of this on hand. Just a splash adds even more spice and depth without making the drink too sweet. My favorite brand is The Ginger People!

Use crushed ice – It melts just enough to chill the drink quickly while keeping that bold flavor.

Fresh-squeezed lime juice only – It makes such a difference! Bottled juice just doesn’t hit the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a Moscow Mule have to be in a copper cup?

It’s not just for looks—though the copper mug is definitely iconic! Copper is a great thermal conductor, which means it keeps your drink icy cold, especially when filled with crushed ice.

But here’s the fun part: I swear the metal actually enhances the flavor. It makes the ginger beer feel fizzier, the lime taste brighter, and the whole cocktail extra refreshing. Once you’ve had a Moscow Mule in copper, you’ll never go back to glass. It’s just not the same!

What are the ingredients in a Moscow mule?

A classic Moscow Mule is made with just three simple ingredients:
Vodka – Smooth and neutral, it’s the base of the drink
Ginger Beer – Spicy, fizzy, and full of flavor
Fresh Lime Juice – Adds the perfect citrusy zing

What is the best ginger beer for Moscow mules?

I’m all about a ginger beer that’s super gingery and extra bubbly—gotta have that zing and carbonation! My favorites are:
Fever-Tree – Bold, spicy, and perfectly fizzy
Q Mixers Ginger Beer – Clean, crisp, and not too sweet
Reed’s Extra Ginger – Packs a punch if you like serious spice
Light Options – You can also go with a light or low-sugar ginger beer if you prefer a less sweet sip (Fever-Tree and Q both make great versions)

Multiple Moscow Mule cocktails served with lime wedges and bottles of ginger beer.

More Moscow Mule Recipes

Check out all of my Moscow Mule recipes for fun twists and seasonal flavors! And now that you know how to make the perfect Moscow Mule, I’d love to see yours. Leave a comment and review below—it truly makes my day. Cheers!

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5 from 6 votes

Moscow Mule Recipe

By: Eden
A classic three ingredient Moscow Mule made with ginger beer, vodka and lime juice. The perfect, refreshing cocktail year round. 
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 Cocktail
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Ingredients 

  • 2 ounces ginger vodka, ginger vodka prefered
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice , fresh squeezed
  • 3 ounces ginger beer
  • ice

Optional

  • 1/2 ounce ginger syrup , the best!
  • 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

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: 1Cocktail, 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

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Eden

I’m Eden Passante and I develop, create, style and photograph every recipe and party on Sugar and Charm. I’m the author of Entertaining with Charm and have a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics and I’m here to help you create simple and easy recipes for entertaining and how to add charm to any gathering!

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5 from 6 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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6 Comments

  1. wilhelmina says:

    5 stars
    This mule was so refreshing to sip on! It was a great way to unwind after a stressful day!

    1. Eden says:

      So glad you liked it!

  2. Kim says:

    5 stars
    Printing and saving this cocktail recipe! Thank you!

    1. Eden says:

      Awesome, let me know how you like it 😉

  3. Betsy Carney says:

    5 stars
    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!

    1. Eden says:

      Yay! So happy to hear that!