The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (2024)

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If you’re looking for a great Moscow Mule recipe, look no further! These are the best Moscow mule recipes and variations. There are several ways to put your own spin on the classic Moscow Mule. These recipe variations to the classic ginger beer andvodka co*cktailare all incredible.

No matter what occasion, we have a Moscow mule recipe for it! We love this simpleco*cktailfor a good reason!

It’s bubbly and tangy and we’re celebrating our favorite, delicious co*cktail with a roundup of the best Moscow mule recipes. All of these recipes have a unique twist to the classic co*cktail making it extra flavorful and colorful.

What is a Moscow Mule?

It’s a three-ingredient co*cktail made with ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and vodka. Despite its name, theMoscow Muleit’s said that the first Moscow mule was created in 1941 by bar owner Jack Morgan. He owned the Los Angeles British pub co*ck ‘n’ Bull. However, that might not be the case.

In a 2007 article in theWall Street Journalpenned by the reliable Eric Felton, the co*ck ‘n’ Bull’s head bartender Wes Pricealso claimed to have invented the drink.

While the traditional version uses 3 main ingredients: lime juice, ginger beer, and vodka, there are so many amazing ways to spice it up. There are many variations on the original Moscow Mule recipe, including this Apple Cider Moscow Mule. One of the most famous is the Kentucky Mule, where the vodka is replaced with bourbon.

The Moscow mule co*cktail is very easy to make and is perfect to serve year-round! Enjoy this drink on a hot summer day or serve up a gingerbread mule for a holiday party.

How to Make a Moscow Mule

First, let’s go over the classic formula and basics of making a perfect Moscow mule. It’s one of the easiest co*cktail recipes!

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.

  1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
  2. Pour in the vodka and fresh lime juice.
  3. Top with ginger beer and a sprig of mint.
The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (1)

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Best Moscow Mule Recipes

Classic Moscow Mule

If you’re looking for a classic recipe, this is for you. Simple to make with just a few ingredients, ginger beer, lime, and vodka.

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (2)

Cranberry Moscow Mule

This version has a festive twist to it and it’s made with cranberry simple syrup. We also use orange zest over the top with sugared cranberries. The flavor in this recipe is incredible.

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (3)

Blueberry Moscow Mule

If you’re looking for a recipe to make with all of the juicy, plump blueberries you picked this summer, this recipe is for you! Made with a homemade blueberry simple syrup, it has a sweet berry flavor to it.

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (4)

Smoky Lemon Mule

The smoky flavor comes from Mezcal in this mule recipe. It also has fresh lemon juice instead of lime and it’s really refreshing in the summer.

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (5)

Tokyo Mule Recipe

A refreshing, spa-like mule! Made with sake and cucumber. This recipe is for sipping and relaxing.

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (6)

Kombucha Mule Recipe

This recipe has kombucha in it to give it a super bubbly taste. Kombucha also has some health benefits to it as well with is a bonus!

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (7)

Apple Cider Moscow Mule

The first-ever Moscow mule recipe! We created this co*cktail many years ago and it’s still a favorite here on Sugar and Charm. It’s perfect for fall with apple and ginger flavors.

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (8)

Lemon and Sage Moscow Mule

This recipe is full of lemon flavor and even has a dash of limoncello! The hint of sage gives it a refreshing taste. It’s the perfect garden mule.

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (9)

Gingerbread Mule Recipe

Need a Moscow mule recipe for Christmas? Nothing beats this gingerbread mule! It’s packed with spices, molasses, and ginger flavor.

Try our Mexican Moscow Mule below! You’ll also love this pineapple mule too!

Best Ginger Beer for Moscow Mules

There are many different ginger beers on the market. We’ve tried plenty of them and these are the best brands we use over and over again.

  • Fever Tree Ginger Beer
  • Fentimans Ginger Beer
  • Crabbies Original Ginger Beer
  • Bundaberg
  • Reeds Ginger Beer
  • Fiery Ginger Beer

More deliciousginger beer brandsto consider when making this co*cktail.

The Copper Mug

It’s a must that Moscow mules are served in a copper mug! There are a plethora of copper mugs online. You can buy solid copper, nickel-lined, or stainless steel mugs with a copper finish.

14 Ounce Smooth Copper Mug

Hammered Copper Mini Mule Mugs

Stainless Steel Lined, Smooth Copper Mugs

Copper Mug Tumblers

Hand Forged & Beautiful Shape

Ginger Simple Syrup

Some of our recipes call for an ounce of ginger syrup, which is like a simple syrup. It’s easy to make with fresh ginger, sugar, and water or ginger juice. You can also buy ginger syrup and have it on hand for your recipes. The syrup gives the co*cktail an even stronger ginger flavor, which to us is even better.

If you want to buy some here are our favorite brands:

Fiery Ginger Syrup

Ginger People Syrup

Monin Ginger Syrup

Moscow Mule Variations

There are even more variations you can make to these recipes! From swapping out the vodka to tequila or even gin! Here are some ideas:

  • 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.

Moscow Mule co*cktail Garnishes

Lime Wheel or Lime Wedge

Dried Lime Slice or Dehydrated Orange Slice

Grated Fresh Ginger

Candied Ginger

Fresh Berries

Fresh Mint Leaves

When to Serve Moscow Mules

This simple drink can be served year-round at parties, special events, or just for an easy happy hour co*cktail. Here are some festive occasions to serve this classic drink:

Pool Party

Birthday Party it’s also perfect for a last-minute birthday party!

Carnival Party

Garden Party

Tropical Party

Kentucky Derby Party

Thanksgiving Dinner

Easter Brunch

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 and the chill of the drink.

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 which gives the co*cktail an extra kick.

More co*cktail Recipes

If you love Moscow Mules, you’ll love these recipes too!

Vodka and Lemonade

Apple and Ginger Spritzer

The Easiest Vodka Soda

Vodka Sour

Jagermeister and Grapefruit

Vodka and Orange Juice

Tom Collins Recipe

Also check out our favoritebrunch recipes, the best-mixeddrinks,tequila co*cktails,cheap drinks, and great co*cktails to make at home!

Now that you have the best Moscow Mule recipes, start mixing! Leave a comment and review below and let us know your thoughts and which one is your favorite!

Also, check out our Mexican Mule in the recipe card below.

You can also FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, co*cktails, desserts, and parties!

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The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (10)

Mexican Mule

This recipe uses tequila instead of ginger beer!

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: co*cktail

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes

0 minutes minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 co*cktail

Calories: 144kcal

Author: Eden

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounce tequila
  • 4 ounces ginger beer
  • 1 ounce lime juice

Instructions

  • Add all of the ingredients into a copper mug filled with ice.

  • Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime slice.

Notes

Add more or less ginger beer depending on how you like it.

If you like a sweeter co*cktail, add simple syrup.

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @sugarandcharm or tag us #sugarandcharm!

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How do you make the best mules? ›

In a co*cktail shaker three-quarters filled with ice, combine vodka and lime juice and shake until chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a mug, preferably copper, filled with crushed ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with lime.

What is the main ingredients in a Moscow Mule? ›

A Moscow mule is classically just three ingredients: vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. Our recipe adds ginger bitters to boost that spicy ginger flavour, while the lime juice comes in the form of lime wedges for everyone to squeeze in their own.

What ginger beer is best for Moscow Mule? ›

The best ginger beer for Moscow mules is Fever-Tree brand ginger beer. Mara said, “It tastes the most like a Moscow mule,” and I wholeheartedly agreed. Fever-Tree's ginger beer has the most clear and pronounced fresh ginger flavor, thanks to a blend of three gingers from Nigeria, Cochin and the Ivory Coast.

Is Tito's vodka good for Moscow Mule? ›

A neutral spirit, Tito's Vodka is anything but bland. Pouring it over crushed ice, you'll unlock a delectable crispness that elevates your Moscow Mule to new heights.

What kind of vodka is best for Moscow mules? ›

Produced in Sweden since 1870, Absolut is one of the largest spirit brands in the world and is sold in more than 126 countries worldwide. Absolut Elyx is a great choice for a Vodka that Goes Best in a Moscow Mule.

What is the most popular mule? ›

A refreshing mix of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer famously served in the iconic copper mug, the sessionable Moscow Mule is one of the most popular co*cktails in the world and won't be disappearing anytime soon.

What's in an old mule? ›

2 ounces vodka. 6 ounces ginger beer (or our Moscow Mule Ginger Syrup) 1/4 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice. Lime garnish.

Do you shake or stir Moscow Mule? ›

Begin by filling your co*cktail shaker with ice, stopping around ¾ of the way up. Add vodka and lime juice, and shake thoroughly until chilled. Strain over crushed ice in your own copper mug, top with ginger beer and garnish with a slice of lime.

What is the difference between a Moscow Mule and an American Mule? ›

By swapping vodka for Scotch, the Moscow Mule was born. The name was a play on vodka's Russian origins. But the co*cktail is an American original. That's why we call it the American Mule.

What is a Moscow Mule called now? ›

And bar proprietors are changing the names of their co*cktails to make it clear what side they're on: In many places, the Moscow Mule is now the Kyiv Mule. In at least one bar, it's the Snake Island Mule, a reference to the Ukrainian territory where border guards made a defiant last stand against invading troops.

What's the difference between a mule and a Moscow Mule? ›

While the classic Moscow Mule recipe calls for vodka, and was in fact one of the main reasons vodka became popular in North America, other mule drinks use rum, gin, whisky, tequila, or even brandy—ginger beer can be a great complement to any liquor!

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

Scientifically Copper Just Works Better for a Mule

Copper is very good at conducting temperature, so when an ice cold mule is poured inside, the glass actually takes on that temperature and keeps the drink frosty cold longer.

What alcohol is good in ginger beer? ›

The Moscow Mule is a classic mix of ginger beer and vodka. If you steep the vodka with lemongrass and grapefruit to make aquavit then you have a variation called a Swedish Mule, while swapping the vodka out for gin and adding a little mint makes a Gin-Gin Mule.

Why is ginger beer so expensive? ›

It is expensive to do it, and ginger juice makes such a big component that to make it it's our highest cost per production beer that we make.

What alcohol goes good with ginger beer? ›

Rum & Ginger Beer co*cktails

Whether it's white rum, dark rum or spiced rum, the rich taste of rum gives an added depth of flavor to our zingy Ginger Beer.

Can you use any vodka for Moscow Mule? ›

which vodka is best for making Moscow mule? Honestly it doesn't matter. The ginger and the lime will overpower whatever Vodka you use. If you want a more interesting flavor, I like Irish mules with Jameson.

What brand of vodka is in the mule? ›

Smirnoff Mule is a ready to drink alcoholic beverage inspired by the world renowned Moscow Mule co*cktail. Made with Smirnoff Vodka, ginger beer and lime, Smirnoff mule delivers the perfect buzz with a stubbornly refreshing taste.

What type of drinking vessel is used for a Moscow Mule? ›

It is popularly served in a copper mug, which takes on the cold temperature of the liquid. Combine vodka and ginger beer in a highball glass filled with ice.

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