Learn how to make a Moscow mule! Served in an iconic copper mug, this classic cocktail is a refreshing combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime.
What is a Moscow Mule?
Have you ever made a Moscow mule? Served in a copper mug, this cocktail looks fancy, but don’t be fooled. With just three ingredients—vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice—this classic drink couldn’t be easier to make at home!
A Moscow mule is fizzy and refreshing, with a delicious gingery bite. I love sipping one on a warm summer evening or a crisp fall night. The combination of bright lime, warming ginger, and, well… being served in a mug makes it a great all-seasons drink.
I’m sharing my go-to Moscow mule recipe at the bottom of this post, with my best tips for making it, along with a little Moscow mule history. I hope you enjoy!
History of the Moscow Mule
Despite its name, the Moscow mule isn’t a Russian cocktail. In fact, it likely originated in the United States—in Los Angeles, specifically—in the 1940s.
There are a few conflicting stories about how it came to be. One goes that the bartender of the Cock ‘n’ Bull Pub was trying to get rid of a stockpile of ginger beer and invented the drink to help it move. Another goes that a Russian woman named Sophie Berezinski was trying to sell her own copper mugs and teamed up with Jack Morgan, who had a proprietary ginger beer, and John Martin, a liquor distributor, to promote all three products in one cocktail.
Either way, this fizzy drink took off! It’s still one of the most popular cocktails in the US today.
Moscow Mule Ingredients
A classic Moscow mule consists of three simple ingredients:
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Vodka | I like Tito’s, but feel free to use your favorite. For a fun variation, try a Kentucky mule by substituting bourbon! |
| Fresh Lime Juice | This gives the cocktail a bright, zesty kick. Ensure that you use freshly squeezed lime juice; the bottled version doesn’t compare! |
| Ginger Beer | Not ginger ale—good ginger beer is typically less sweet and has a richer spicy ginger flavor. I personally love Fever Tree and Topo Chico ginger beers. Reed’s is a good option too. |
Round it out with a handful of ice to keep your drink cool as you sip!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make a Moscow Mule
A Moscow mule has to be one of the easiest cocktails to make. No cocktail shaker or special equipment required! Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a Moscow mule mug (or a similar mug or glass) with ice.
- Add the vodka and lime juice.
- Top with the ginger beer, then taste and adjust. For a sweeter cocktail, add more ginger beer. For a brighter one, squeeze in more lime. Feel free to tweak the ratios until you find a balance of flavors you love!
- Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel and serve.
That’s it!
A Quick Note on Copper Mugs
You might be wondering, “Do I have to serve this recipe in a copper mug?” The short answer is no, you don’t! The metal is supposed to keep the drink colder for longer, but in a pinch, another mug or regular cocktail glass will work here too.
Several years ago, warnings came out about the safety of serving acidic food and drinks in copper dishes. If you love the look of the classic cup, use one lined with stainless steel or nickel to prevent harmful substances from leaching into your drink.
More Classic Cocktail Recipes to Try
If you love this Moscow mule recipe, here are more classic cocktails to try:
FAQs
What is the main ingredient in a Moscow mule?
The main ingredients in a Moscow mule are vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice.
Can I substitute ginger beer with another soda?
While ginger ale is a lighter alternative, it is less spicy than ginger beer. Using ginger beer will yield the most authentic flavor.