How to Make the Perfect Moscow Mule

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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 refreshing 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

  1. Stainless-Steel Mug or Copper Mule Mug 
  2. Paring Knife (for the Lime)
  3. Jigger or Measuring Instrument

How to Mix

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

  1. Fill a chilled Copper Mug with Ice Cubes.
  2. Add Absolut Vodka and Lime Juice.
  3. Top up with Ginger Beer.
  4. Garnish with a Lime Wedge.

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 combo of Ginger, Raspberry and Lime is sure to take your tastebuds to new heights!

  • 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 refrigerator 10 minutes before mixing your cocktails.

Copper Mug vs Aluminum Mug vs Rock’s Glass – If you don’t have a Copper Mug, you can use another type of mug such as an Aluminum or even a Rock’s Glass. But to get your drink up to up to hotel standard, 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 two 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 by pressing a ¼ to ½ medium sized Lime into their cocktail.

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.

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