Learn how to make a Moscow Mule with this simple recipe that has only 3 ingredients: vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. The spicy warmth of ginger beer makes this Moscow Mule recipe a perfect warming cocktail for cold weather, while fresh lime juice lime makes it equally wonderful in the summer months!
I’m very particular when it comes to cocktail recipes. They can’t be overly sweet or too intense. A perfect cocktail is all about proper flavor balance, which is one of the reasons I love a good Moscow Mule.
This drink is refreshingly balanced; it’s spicy and sweet (but not too sweet) from the ginger beer, slightly tart from the lime juice, and the vodka packs just the right amount of punch.
Moscow Mule Ingredients
- Vodka
- Fresh-squeezed lime
- Ginger beer
- Lime wedge, for garnish
- Fresh mint, for garnish
How To Make a Moscow Mule
It’s incredible easy to prepare this drink, making it a great option for entertaining and/or novice cocktail makers. To prepare the drink, simply combine the vodka and lime juice (either in a cocktail shaker or liquid measuring cup), then add the ginger beer. You want to add the ginger beer last since shaking carbonated beverages can get messy.
Next, pour into a serving glass, ideally a copper mug, and serve! You can optionally garnish with mint and a lime wedge.
Why are Moscow Mules served in a copper cup?
Copper is an excellent conductor of both heat and cold, which is one of the reasons that copper cookware is considered top of the line (and is also crazy expensive).
Not only will a copper mug keep your drink chilled, it will actually make the drink seem colder. I used these mugs.
You can read a bit more about copper mugs here.
Can you substitute ginger ale for ginger beer?
You can substitute ginger ale for ginger beer in a Moscow Mule recipe, however the flavor of the drink will be much less intense. You can find ginger beer in most liquor stores as well as some grocery stores.
What is the best ginger beer for a Moscow Mule?
Fever Tree is the best option, in my opinion. It has a smooth, spicy ginger flavor and it isn’t overly sweet. If you’re looking for other ginger beers recommendation, Love & Olive Oil has a great roundup of 11 ginger beers.
What is the best vodka for a Moscow Mule?
I recommend using either Tito’s or Smirnoff Vodka. However, as long as you go with a good mid-range vodka, you can’t go wrong here since the flavor of the ginger beer overpowers the vodka.
Also, please use freshly squeezed lime juice. Bottled lime juice has a weird aftertaste. Don’t do that to your cocktails.
MOSCOW MULE VARIATIONS
You can find a wide variety of Moscow mule recipes online. They mainly swap out the vodka for other liquors.
Here are a few you might want to check out if you enjoy this recipe:
- Dark & Stormy: use dark rum (one of my favorites)
- Kentucky Mule: use bourbon
- Irish Mule: use Irish whiskey
- Mexican Mule: use tequila
Looking For More Cocktail Recipes?
Check out my Cranberry Margarita, Apple Cider Sangria, Blood Orange Gin & Tonic, and Hot Buttered Bourbon!
Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka (1/4 cup)
- 1/2 ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice (1 tablespoon)
- 4 ounces ginger beer (1/2 cup)
- Optional: Lime wedge and fresh mint, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the vodka and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice. Shake until chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a mug filled with ice (preferably a copper mug).
- Add the ginger beer. Garnish with lime and mint, if using, and serve.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
One of my favorite drinks EVER! Totally making one tonight!
I never knew what was in a Moscow Mule but it definitely sounds like my kind of drink! Love these copper mugs!
This is my go to cocktail lately, absolutely refreshing and delicious!
So easy and the perfect cocktail! So refreshing!
So classic and perfectly done!