how to make a spicy mule

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

Ready to turn up the heat for cocktail hour? Introducing the Spicy Mule. The classic Moscow Mule is already known for its hint of spice, but now we’re kicking things up a notch. The Spicy Mule cocktail is a fiery blend of vodka, lime, ginger beer, and a dash of hot sauce. The result is a tantalizing mix of sweet, spicy, and invigorating flavors that’s sure to wake up your taste buds. 

A Spicy Mule is incredibly easy to mix at home, even if you’re new to cocktail making. No complicated recipes or hard-to-find ingredients – this Spicy Mule recipe is all about simple steps and bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a unique party drink or a way to spice up your evening, this mixer is sure to be a great addition to your home cocktail menu. 

Discover how to make this chili-tastic drink, with top tips to create your own variations. 

How to Mix a Spicy Mule 

1. Fill a mule mug with ice cubes – typically a copper mug 

1. Add Absolut vodka, lime juice and a dash of hot sauce 

1. Top up to taste with ginger beer 

1. Garnish with a wedge of fresh lime 

What is a Spicy Mule Cocktail?

Imagine the classic Moscow Mule, but with a mischievous glint in its eye. That’s the Spicy Mule. It takes the familiar, crisp combination of vodka, lime, and ginger beer and ignites it with a dash of your favorite hot sauce. The result is a cocktail that’s both invigorating and enjoyably complex. 

This isn’t just about adding heat for the sake of it – the beauty of the Spicy Mule lies in the interplay of flavors. The lime and ginger beer offer a refreshing coolness that balances the fire of the hot sauce. The vodka provides a smooth base, allowing the other ingredients to shine. It’s an intriguing drink, balanced by a careful dance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. 

What Does a Spicy Mule Drink Taste Like? 

The Spicy Mule cocktail is a thrilling taste adventure, and a vibrant twist on the classic. If you’re exploring vodka Mule variations, this one delivers a bold and unforgettable experience. 

The initial sip offers the familiar crispness of a traditional Moscow Mule cocktail – the clean vodka, zesty lime, and bubbly ginger beer. But then, the heat arrives – the hot sauce injects a warmth that spreads across your palate, creating a delightful contrast to the cool, refreshing base. 

Depending on the hot sauce used, you might detect fruity, smoky, or earthy notes alongside the spice. This spiced Moscow mule is not just about the heat; it’s about the balance. The lime’s acidity cuts through the richness, while the ginger beer adds a subtle sweetness and effervescence.  

The History of the Spicy Mule

The Spicy Mule, a fiery cousin of the Moscow Mule, doesn’t have a precisely documented origin story, but its evolution is easy to trace. As a variation of the classic Moscow Mule, which emerged in the 1940s, the Spicy Mule likely arose from adventurous bartenders and home mixologists experimenting with flavor combinations. 

The name “Spicy Mule” is a straightforward title, reflecting the addition of heat, which typically comes from adding hot sauce or jalapeno to the traditional Mule recipe. It represents a natural progression in cocktail culture, where classic recipes are often reimagined with bold and innovative ingredients. 

The Spicy Mule embodies this spirit, offering a thrilling twist on a beloved classic for those seeking a more adventurous flavor profile.  

Tips for Making a Perfect Spicy Mule 

The beauty of the Spicy Mule recipe is that it can be adapted to suit your tolerance to heat. The type or quantity of hot sauce used can alter both the spice levels and the flavor profile.  

These top tips might help you create your own Spicy Mule cocktail recipe to suit your tastes. 

• Use fresh lime juice rather than cordial for those unforgettable zesty notes 

• Experiment with different types of hot sauce to discover your favorite flavor 

• Use a copper mug and chill this for at least 20 minutes before mixing 

• Try different types of ginger beer to get a sharper taste 

Other Mule Cocktails

One of the most exciting things about the Moscow Mule is that the variations you can create are almost endless. You can make it sweeter, spicier, fruitier or tarter. You can even adapt the recipe to create a shot or a long drink. 

Starting with the basic ingredients, experiment to add new depths of flavor and create a version that will wow your guests. Perhaps try: 

• Getting fruity – versions such as the Raspberry Vodka Mule, the Mango Vodka Mule and the Grapefruit Vodka Mule add a touch of tart berry or juicy citrus hints. Create your own version by adding other fruits such as blackberries, strawberries or watermelon, and switching the type of vodka. For example, you could opt for Absolut Citron or Absolut Passionfruit for an all-new twist. 

• Switching to ginger ale – ginger beer is used in the traditional Moscow Mule for its slightly spicy kick. Ginger ale still gives a hint of ginger, but with a sweeter and fizzier finish. 

• Adding jalapenos – for a garnish that will add an extra kick. 

• Adding Angostura bitters – for a botanical contrast to the underlying sweetness of the ginger beer. 
• Going herbal – muddle in some fresh basil, mint or coriander in the base of the mug before adding your other ingredients for an aromatic, green variation. Warning: be gentle! You want to lightly press the leaves to release the flavor, not bruise or crush them. 

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Spicy Mule

The classic garnish for a Spicy Mule cocktail is a wedge of lime. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t add your own unique finishing touches.  

• The traditional way to serve a Spicy Mule is in a copper mug – but make sure to chill it well before serving. You could also experiment with stainless steel cup or a rocks glass for a new look. 

• Sugar the rim of the mug or glass for a sweet foretaste. 

• Up the spice ante by adding fresh or candied ginger as part of your garnish. 

• Add a sprig of mint or basil, or garnish with your choice of fresh berries.