Moscow Mule cocktail recipe

4.85 from 6446 votes

Ingredients

ml Parts

45 ml Absolut Vodka

1 ½ Parts Absolut Vodka
15 ml Lime Juice

½ Parts Lime Juice
Ginger Beer

Ginger Beer
1 Wedge Lime

1 Wedge Lime
Ice Cubes

Ice Cubes

Number of Servings

Rate this recipe

4.85 from 6446 votes

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Moscow Mule is an easy-to-make cocktail that goes way beyond its three ingredients. In other words, the sum is greater than the individual parts you could say.

A blend of Vodka, Ginger Beer, and Lime and served in an iconic Copper Mug, the Moscow Mule is as much about style as it is about flavor. The cold yet fiery sensation of the Ginger Beer is perfectly complemented by the bite of fresh Lime creating a deliciously zesty cocktail.

Great for any occasion, from relaxed evenings at home to lively gatherings with friends, its fresh citrus flavors are perfect for hot summer days, while the warm, spicy hints from the Ginger Beer make it just as appealing during the colder months.

Ready to mix? Let’s go!

How to Make a Moscow Mule

What You’ll Need

Stainless-Steel Mug or Copper Mule Mug
Paring Knife
Citrus Press
Jigger or Measuring Instrument

How to Mix

Before you get started, first place a Copper Mug in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.

Fill a chilled Copper Mule Mug with Ice Cubes.
Use a Paring Knife to cut a Lime in half, save a Lime Wedge for garnishing later.
Use a Citrus Press to juice the Lime.
Measure and pour Lime Juice into the Mug.
Measure and pour Absolut Vodka into the Mug.
Top up with Ginger Beer.
Garnish with a Lime Wedge.
Sip and enjoy!

Watch bartender Rico make the perfect Moscow Mule

The History of the Moscow Mule

Despite its name, this cocktail has nothing to do with the Russian capital. In fact, the origin of this cocktail has nothing to do with Russia at all.

Legend has it that the cocktail was born in New York but rose to fame during the early 1940s in Los Angeles, when a bartender, a Vodka distributor, and a struggling Ginger Beer maker joined forces to revolutionize the drinking scene.

The trio’s genius marketing idea of serving this cocktail in a distinct Copper Mug quickly propelled the cocktail to fame.

Variations of a Moscow Mule

Raspberry Mule
If you’re partial to a Mule, then you’ve got to try the Raspberry Mule, which uses Absolut Raspberri instead of Absolut Original Vodka. The flavor combo of Ginger, Raspberry and Lime is sure to take your tastebuds to new places!
Fiery Mule
Want to turn up the heat? Accentuate the spiciness of the Ginger by using Absolut Peppar instead of Absolut Original Vodka and create an Absolut Fiery Mule!
Moscow Mule Mocktail
Want to make an alcohol-free version (aka Moscow Mule Mocktail)? Simply leave out the alcohol. However, note that since Ginger Beer is brewed, it may contain low amounts of alcohol (e.g., 0.5% ABV), make sure you use a Ginger Beer that is alcohol-free.
Substitute Ginger Ale – You can replace Ginger Beer with Ginger Ale if you prefer.  Ginger Ale is similar to a Ginger-flavored Soda whereas Ginger Beer is more intense, spicier and is carbonated via fermentation. Ginger Ale has a sweeter yet more intense flavor. The choice is yours!
Reduce the Sugar – To make a low-sugar version, choose a Ginger Beer or Ginger Ale that’s low sugar or sugar-free. Most supermarkets sell low-sugar varieties of these popular mixers, so you should be able to find a low-sugar variant without any problems.

Tips for Making the Perfect Moscow Mule

Chill your mugs in advance
Place your Copper Mug in the freezer for 10 minutes before mixing.
Copper Mug vs Stainless-Steel Mug vs Rocks Glass
If you don’t have a Copper Mug, you can use another type of mug such as a Stainless-Steel one or even a Rocks Glass.

But to get your drink up to up to bar standards, you really need to use the Copper Mug. Not only does it look better, it provides for smoother drinking and better drinking experience overall.
Only the best ingredients
With only three ingredients, there’s really nothing to hide, which is why you really need to choose the best possible ingredients based on your preferences. For example, if you have a favorite brand of Ginger Beer because it’s spicier or sharper, go with that one.When it comes to Vodka, we might be partial, but we recommend Absolut Vodka. The smoothness of Absolut Vodka balances perfectly with the spiciness of the Ginger Beer.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Moscow Mule

This cocktail has to be served in a Copper Mug. And that’s a tradition that we personally like to follow. But the truth is, a Rocks Glass will work just as well.

Garnish with a fresh Lime Wedge to complement the cocktail’s zesty flavor. Squeeze the Lime over the ice to release its tangy essence before dropping it into the glass, allowing the citrusy aroma to enhance the refreshing blend of Vodka and Ginger Beer.

Tip 1 – Let whoever’s drinking the cocktail adjust the acidity levels to their liking squeezing ¼ to ½ of a Lime into their drink.

Tip 2 – Garnish the alcohol-free variant differently from the alcoholic version to distinguish between the two. For example, you could use a Lemon Wheel instead of the Lime Wedge.

Was the Moscow Mule invented in Russia?

No one knows where it was invented for sure, but it’s almost with certainty that we know it was not in Russia. Rumor has it that it was invented in New York in 1941. Other rumors suggest that it was invented in Hollywood.

The only real link to Russia is that it includes Vodka. But even the origin of Vodka is unclear. Was Vodka invented in Poland or Russia? In any case, we prefer using Swedish Vodka. An Åhus Mule, anyone?

So then, why is a Moscow Mule called a Moscow Mule if it’s not Russian? Although there are several theories, no one knows quite how the cocktail got its name.

Where can I find Ginger Beer?

You can find Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale in your favorite liquor store or supermarket.

Why are Moscow Mules served in Copper Mugs?

You’ve probably seen someone order a Moscow Mule in the bar, glanced down at your own cocktail and whispered gently to the bartender: “Why isn’t mine served in a nice shiny mug?” No? Ok, then it’s just us.   

It’s traditionally served in a Copper Mug. But why it is served in a Copper Mug is not just about tradition; the Copper Mug plays an important role in maintaining the chill of the Ginger Beer, ensuring that the cocktail stays cool and won’t be affected by the temperature of your hand.

It also looks impressive and will make everyone else jealous of your impeccable taste in cocktails!

The truth be told though, it wouldn’t be the end of the world if you served this cocktail in another metal mug or a normal Rocks Glass. It would still be a great cocktail.

Can you wash Moscow Mule Copper Mugs in the dishwasher?

No. While Copper Mugs are super easy to clean by rinsing them with warm, soapy water and drying them immediately after use, Copper Mugs are not dishwasher safe.

Why are Moscow Mules served in copper mugs?

You’ve probably seen someone order a Moscow Mule in the bar, glanced down at your own drink and whispered gently to the bartender: “why isn’t my drink shiny too?” No? Ok, then it’s just us.

ANYHOW, Copper is a thermal conductor, meaning it keeps your drink cooler for longer and won’t be affected by the temperature of your hand. It also looks absolutely dazzling and will make everyone else jealous of your impeccable taste in cocktails.

And no, it wouldn’t be the end of the world if you served it in another kind of metal mug or just a normal Rocks Glass instead. It’s still a great cocktail.