Classic Moscow Mule Recipe
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An easy, three ingredient cocktail to make at home, this classic Moscow mule recipe is one of those fizzy drinks that appeals to lots of people. It’s a simple cocktail that’s as delicious on a hot summer day as it is at a holiday party.
You’ll often see these tasty cocktails garnished with fresh mint. And while that is definitely not part of the traditional Moscow mule recipe, it is a delicious addition to this cocktail. No need to muddle the mint. Just give a sprig of mint a clap between your hands to release the oil and scent in the mint leaves, and tuck it into the copper cup.
I love that you can get all of the simple ingredients for this refreshing cocktail at most grocery stores, so it’s easy to keep the ingredients on hand.
Moscow mules are my go to when I want a cocktail but don’t feel like spending any time making it. The only bar tool you need for this recipe is a jigger to measure your amounts – no cocktail shaker, strainer, or mixing glass needed.
Looking for a non-alcoholic version? Try my alcohol-free Moscow Mule Mocktails. They’re bright, fizzy, refreshing and just as delicious as their boozy counterparts.
Ingredients
- Vodka – Choose your favorite vodka for this cocktail, just make sure it’s plain and doesn’t have a flavor added to it.
- Fresh Limes – Fresh citrus is the only way to go for this drink. Skip the bottle and squeeze fresh juice into your drink. You’ll need about half a lime per drink.
- Ginger Beer – Non-alcoholic ginger beer can be found in the soda section of your local grocery store or the mixer section of the liquor store. The intensity of the ginger flavor varies by brand. See my note below on selecting ginger beer for your Moscow Mules.
How to Make a Moscow Mule
Combine vodka and fresh lime juice in a copper mule mug or rocks glass.
Fill the glass with ice and top with your favorite ginger beer.
Classic Moscow Mule Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lime juice, fresh squeezed
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Fresh lime wedge, garnish
Instructions
- Combine vodka and lime juice in a copper mug or glass.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a fresh lime wedge.
Choosing a Ginger Beer for Your Mules
Like its root beer counterpart, ginger beer is a non-alcoholic soda pop. Since becoming increasingly popular in cocktails and mocktails, there are lots of brands on the market. They all taste a little different with varying amounts of spicy ginger flavor in them.
My favorite ginger beer for Moscow Mules is Goslings. It’s a spicy ginger beer with strong ginger flavor that I really enjoy. If you prefer a more subtle ginger flavor, opt for brands like Fever Tree or Betty Buzz. Below are a few other of the more popular and easy-to-find brands for ginger beers. Consider holding a taste test to find out which one you like best!
Why Copper Mugs for Moscow Mules?
The Moscow mule itself was created in the early 1904s and pre-dates the copper Moscow mule mug by a few years. The mugs were introduced in the late 1940s as a marketing gimmick from Smirnoff Vodka to get more people in the United States drinking vodka. (Brandy was preferred at the time.)
Copper mugs have since become synonymous with Moscow Mule drinks. The handcrafted copper mugs are definitely fun to use and like any metal, the copper material will keep your drink colder, longer. But Moscow mules are delicious in ANY glass. If you don’t have copper mule mugs on hand, just use a large rocks glass or a tall highball glass for making your Moscow Mule.
Shop These Moscow Mule Mugs
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Moscow Mule Mug (Non Traditional)
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Buy Now → Don’t Miss These Moscow Mule Variations
Moscow Mules are super easy to make – no need for a cocktail shaker! – which makes them easy to customize and adjust to your favorite flavors. Try my Apple Moscow Mules, Cranberry Moscow Mules, Peach Moscow Mules, or Strawberry Moscow Mules for fun seasonal twists on this classic cocktail.
Make it a Kentucky Mule
Looking to sip something besides vodka in your drink? Kentucky Mules are delicious and easy to make. Get the recipe over on my Kentucky Mule recipe page.
So easy and delicious!