the moscow mule is an amazing drink with an unusual name. which, by the way, has little to do with moscow or mules. or maybe it does! the name may have come from its kick, much like a stubborn mule. but why moscow? that could be to mark the birthplace of vodka, which is present in the drink.
regardless of the naming riddle, there’s no doubt about the deliciousness of this cocktail. and if that’s what you’re keen on recreating in the comfort of your home – you’ve landed in the right spot. we’re excited to share the moscow mule recipe that’s super simple.
what is moscow mule cocktail?
let’s start by getting to know the drink itself before we jump into the moscow mule cocktail recipe! the moscow mule cocktail is a well-loved drink that’s made with just three simple ingredients – vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. the moscow mule is classified as a "buck" cocktail, which has a spirit mixed with citrus and ginger beer.
despite the name, the moscow mule wasn’t invented in russia – it actually started in the u.s. back in the 1940s. at the time, vodka wasn’t a common choice among americans, but the mule cocktail helped change that.
years ago, a russian named rudolph kunett was producing smirnoff vodka in connecticut, but business was slow and by 1939, he was struggling financially. in a last attempt to stay afloat, he sold the brand to john martin of g.f. heublein & bros, who wanted to sell excess ginger beer.
they combined their products with lime juice, leading to the birth of the iconic moscow mule cocktail recipe. although there are conflicting stories about its invention, it is widely accepted that the cocktail was born out of necessity to clear unsold inventory. it was the drink that saved the smirnoff brand and vodka from being forgotten long before james bond sipped his first vodka martini on-screen.
step-by-step moscow mule recipe
creating a moscow mule cocktail recipe is a breeze – just mix vodka, ginger beer and fresh lime juice. no fancy tools needed! let’s learn the art of making this drink with this moscow mule recipe that stays true to its refreshing essence and simplicity.
Total Servings:-
2
Preparation Time:-
5 Minutes
Cooking Times:-
0 minutes
Nutritional Value:-
155 calories, 0g fat, 12g carbs, 0g protein
Recipe Category:-
cocktail
Cuisine:-
american
equipment:
- copper mugs
- jigger
- stirring rod
ingredients
- 100 ml vodka
- 240 ml ginger beer
- 30 ml lime
- lime wheel (garnish)
- ice cubes
notes on ingredients:
- vodka: the right vodka can enhance the overall taste of your moscow mule cocktail, but you don't need the fanciest bottle on the shelf, just the one you like. if you’re not sure, here’re some that you can choose from – 78 degrees distillery, underground spirits, seacliff vodka and manly spirits.
- ginger beer: it may not seem so, but a good ginger beer is crucial for your moscow mule cocktail recipe. it can improve the taste of your cocktail, so, always go for those known for quality. you must choose a ginger beer with a spicy kick like the bundaberg ginger beer. remember – the quality of ginger beer is more important than that of vodka, which can be any of your preferred ones.
- lime: fresh lime juice is key for that vibrant citrusy flavour. don't skimp on this – it makes a noticeable difference.
note on copper mug:
moscow mule cocktails are best served chilled in copper mugs, not because copper makes the drink colder, but due to its amazing conductivity. thanks to its conductivity, the drink feels colder as it spreads the chill across the mug.
however, it’s not mandatory to use copper mugs and you can always swap them with those made of any other metal (for similar chilled vibes) or even a regular cocktail glass.
if you prefer the traditional style, grab the copper mugs that are food-safe – they skip the copper on the inside to prevent any leaching that could make your drink acidic and affect your health.
instructions
gather your tools: for this moscow mule cocktail recipe, you'll need two mugs, a jigger for measuring and a stirring rod or spoon.
fill the mugs with ice: drop a generous amount of ice into each mug (they can be copper mugs, as used traditionally, or any other.
pour the vodka: measure out your chosen vodka using the jigger and carefully pour an equal amount into each mug.
squeeze the lime: cut a fresh lime and squeeze the juice into a separate container, ensuring no seeds make their way into your moscow mule cocktail. you'll need about 30 ml of lime juice for two servings – distribute it evenly between the two mugs.
top with ginger beer: now, for the star of the drink. pour the ginger beer over the vodka and lime juice in each mug.
give it a stir: grab your stirring rod or spoon and gently mix the cocktail. this ensures all the flavours blend nicely.
garnish with lime: for that finishing touch, take a lime wheel/wedge and place it on the rim of each mug.
variations and flavour twists
enjoy the simple joy of moscow mule cocktail recipe variations! they’re easy to make and come together in just a few minutes.
· the australian mule is a tasty variation of the classic moscow mule cocktail! instead of vodka, this refreshing drink uses rum, which gives it a smooth and delicious flavour. when you mix this spiced rum with ginger beer and some lime juice, you get a delicious moscow mule recipe variant that’s perfect for a scorcher. just pour it over ice, give it a little stir and add a lime wedge for a nice touch.
· raspberry moscow mule is a fruity variation of the classic drink! it’s a tasty mix of fresh raspberries, lime juice, ginger beer and vodka. the result? a bright, refreshing moscow mule recipe that’s great any time of the year!
· blackberry moscow mule is, obviously, similar to the previous one. instead of raspberry, fresh blackberries are added to lime juice, vodka and ginger beer. all the ingredients come together to make a refreshing drink. it’s fruity, fizzy and perfect for any occasion!
· carrot moscow mule is a fresh and fun take on the moscow mule cocktail recipe! with some carrot juice, it almost feels like a healthy treat – well, almost! this variation of the original moscow mule cocktail keeps the vodka, ginger beer, lime juice and ice but adds a bit of sweetness from the carrot juice. it balances the heat of the ginger and makes it more refreshing and unique.
· french mule is a smooth variation of the classic moscow mule cocktail. made with cognac, ginger beer and lime juice, it’s a delicious drink with a slightly sweet taste. if you’ve got a bottle of cognac and aren’t sure how to use it, this is a great way to enjoy it. simple to make and easy to love, the french mule is a must-try variation.
best ginger beer for moscow mule
the right way to a great moscow mule recipe is a spicy ginger beer that balances the vodka and lime juice with just the right kick. now, plenty of options exist, but some stand out for their strong ginger flavour.
fever-tree ginger beer is a popular choice among cocktail lovers. made with natural ginger root, it has a fresh and fiery kick without being too sweet. its balanced spice level makes it a go-to for a classic moscow mule.
bundaberg ginger beer, an australian favourite, is brewed for a few days to bring out a deep, rich ginger taste. it’s slightly sweeter than some other options but still packs enough spice to complement the drink.
q ginger beer is for those who love extra heat. this ginger beer has a sharp ginger punch with just the right amount of fizz. it’s not as sweet as other ginger beers, so the spicy flavour stands out more.
reed’s extra ginger beer is another good choice. it has fresh ginger, honey and spices. it has a smooth and well-rounded flavour that works beautifully in a moscow mule.
remember, when buying ginger beer – no matter which brand you choose, a good ginger beer should be spicy, crisp and refreshing. the profile of ginger beer should be able to bring out the best in the moscow mule cocktail recipe.
serving tips and etiquette
serving a moscow mule cocktail is all about creating an enjoyable experience for your guests. here are some serving tips to keep in mind:
· use copper mugs: a copper mug is a classic way to serve a moscow mule cocktail. it makes it feel even more special. no copper mug? no worries! a chilled glass works too.
· fill with ice: this drink is best ice-cold, so start by filling the mug with plenty of ice. this keeps your drink chilled and delicious. crushed ice cools it quickly, while bigger cubes keep it cold longer.
· garnish well: add a slice of lime and some mint for a visual treat. you can even get creative with garnishes like fresh berries or edible flowers!
· mix it right: pour the vodka, lime juice and ginger beer directly into the mug over the ice. stir gently to combine the flavours without losing the fizz.
· pair with snacks: the moscow mule pairs wonderfully with appetisers like spicy shrimp, sliders or smoked salmon.
· get creative with variations: the moscow mule is a flexible drink, so feel free to get creative and try different versions for your guests. you don’t have to stick to the classic recipe – mix it up and enjoy!
conclusion
there’s a reason the moscow mule has stayed popular for so long – it’s easy, delicious and doesn’t need much to make! first mixed in the 1940s, this drink never goes out of style. in fact, its popularity has only grown over the years.
interestingly, its popularity isn’t just limited to the classic version – it also extends to the many variations of the drink created by adding a few simple ingredients. we've explored some of the moscow mule recipe variations, like the australian mule that’s made with a rum base and the fruity raspberry and blackberry mules.
even more unusual variations like the carrot moscow mule and the cognac-based french mule show the cocktail's flexibility. the flexibility of its flavours allows the addition of ingredients with such varied tastes.
speaking of taste, the choice of ginger beer plays a crucial role in achieving an outstanding taste of the moscow mule cocktail. several options of ginger beer are available in the market, and each creates a slight variation in the taste of moscow mule. some of the varieties that we explored are fever-tree, bundaberg, q ginger beer and reed’s extra ginger beer. give them a try and see which one you like better in your moscow mule.
faqs on mule cocktail
q. what's the difference between a moscow mule and a london mule?
a. the moscow mule and london mule are similar cocktails but use different base spirits. the moscow mule contains vodka, while the london mule contains gin. both are mixed with ginger beer and lime juice and served in a copper mug for visual delight and a refreshing taste.
q. why is moscow mule so good?
a. the moscow mule is so good because it’s simple to make and incredibly refreshing. the combination of ginger beer, lime and vodka creates a crisp and fizzy drink that has a balanced taste. when served in a chilled copper mug, it stays cold and looks visually appealing.
q. why is a moscow mule served in a copper mug?
a. a moscow mule is served in a copper mug because copper is a great conductor of heat, keeping the drink icy cold for longer. the chilled metal enhances the refreshing taste, while the slight reaction between the copper and lime may slightly improve the flavours. all the reasons aside – the copper cup gives it a signature look.
q. is bundaberg ginger beer good for moscow mules?
a. bundaberg ginger beer is excellent for moscow mules. its rich, spicy flavour, brewed over three days, perfectly complements the vodka and lime juice. the combination creates a balanced and refreshing drink. many bartenders prefer bundaberg for its outstanding taste and quality, making it one of the top choices for moscow mule.
