Easy
Spicy & Fresh
2 Minutes
Mule Mug
Ingredients
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 or Steel 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.
How To Make a MOSCOW MULE COCKTAIL
Bar tools you’ll need
Jigger
Knife
Citrus Press
How to Mix
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Use a jigger to measure and pour simple syrup into a highball glass.
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Add mint leaves into the glass and use a muddler to gently muddle the leaves.
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Cut a lime in half then and use a citrus elbow to juice the lime halves. Save a lime wheel for garnishing.
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Measure and pour the lime juice into the glass.
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Fill the highball glass with crushed ice.
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Measure and pour in the Absolut Vodka.
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Top off with soda water.
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Give the drink a gentle stir with a bar spoon.
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Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.
Watch Rico make the perfect Moscow Mule!
All about the Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a popular, easy-to-make vodka cocktail made with vodka, lime juice and ginger beer, served in its signature copper (or stainless steel) mule mug.
Zesty, bubbly and spicy. There’s the fresh lime juice, the spicy ginger beer all smoothed out by vodka. It’s one of the most iconic and distinct tasting cocktails around.
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 the 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.
- Fresh lime juice only
Those fresh, zesty notes of lime are essential to a Moscow Mule and the only way you’ll achieve it is if you use fresh lime juice. No store bought stuff – buy fresh limes and juice them yourself. - Chill your mugs in advance
Place your mugs in the refrigerator 10 minutes before mixing your cocktails. - Choose a spicy ginger beer
The taste of ginger beer takes center stage in a Moscow Mule, so you’ll want to use a ginger beer that’s spicy. The spicier the better! So, if you have a favorite brand of ginger beer, use that.
- Substitute Ginger Beer for 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! - 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 Vodka. The combo of ginger, raspberry and lime is guaranteed 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 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. - Reduce the Sugar
To make a low-sugar Mule, 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.
- This cocktail has to be served in a copper mule 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 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.
- Let whoever’s drinking the cocktail adjust the acidity levels to their liking by pressing a ¼ to ½ medium sized lme into their cocktail.
- If you’re making a traditional Moscow Mule and a non-alcoholic version, 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.
If you’re making a drink with two ingredients like the Moscow Mule, make sure they’re the best you can buy.
Bartender and Global Brand Ambassador
Moscow Mule FAQ
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?
You can find ginger beer and ginger ale in your favorite liquor store or supermarket.
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 mule 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 rocks glass. It would still be a great cocktail.
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.
The iconic trio – vodka, lime juice and ginger beer.
Why is a Moscow Mule called a Moscow Mule if it’s not Russian? Although there are several theories, the fact is no one knows quite how the cocktail got its name.
