Easy Moscow Mule Cocktail
Learn how to make one of the most famous and easiest drinks, the Moscow Mule Cocktail, with only 3 ingredients. Its refreshing taste of lime and ginger make this cocktail perfect for a summer dinner party with friends or an after dinner drink.
The iconic cocktail in a copper mug, Moscow Mule, quickly became one of the most popular and loved cocktails. With a base of Vodka and a splash of lime and ginger beer, this cocktail it’s one of the easiest to whip up in a pinch for a perfect refreshing summer drink.
Why You’ll Love this Homemade Moscow Mule Recipe
- Popular Video: This Moscow Mule cocktail has over 150k views on YouTube! Check also my YouTube channel for more recipe videos.
- Beginners Cocktail – Moscow Mule is one of the best cocktails for beginners because it only has 3 ingredients and doesn’t need any extra equipment.
- 3 Ingredients – Ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka are the 3 easy-to-find ingredients to make this refreshing cocktail.
- Easy to Scale – You can make one or just as easily make a full pitcher for all your friends.
- Refreshing – Ginger and lime give the drink a refreshing flavor, helped by the ice and the cold copper mug.
How to make Moscow Mule
Watch the full video recipe to learn how to make the best Moscow Mule recipe. This step-by-step tutorial simplifies the process, offering tips and tricks to guarantee perfect results every time.
Prefer the written recipe? Scroll down to the recipe box 👇
Moscow Mule Ingredient Notes
A Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail that typically consists of the following ingredients:
- Vodka: Use your favorite high quality vodka for the best flavorful drink.
- Ginger beer: You can use your favorite brand of ginger beer or ginger ale.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice will give the cocktail a refreshing flavor.
- Ice: Ice is essential to keep Moscow Mule as cold as possible to maximize the enjoyment.
This is just a short review of the ingredients; for the complete recipe, including quantities, scroll down to the recipe card 👇
Why is it called Moscow Mule?
The Moscow Mule name origin dates back to the 1940s. Legend has it that John Martin and Jack Morgan were struggling to sell their respective products—Smirnoff vodka and Cock ‘n’ Bull ginger beer. They joined forces to create a cocktail that would promote both products, mixing vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice in a copper mug and named it the “Moscow Mule.”
The name “Moscow” was likely chosen to emphasize the Russian origin of vodka, and “Mule” may have been added due to the kick provided by the ginger beer. The copper mug was also part of the marketing strategy to make the cocktail stand out. The Moscow Mule gained popularity over the years and became a classic cocktail, known for its refreshing and zesty flavor profile, and the iconic copper mug.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vodka: Swap with gin (to make a London Mule) or bourbon (for a Kentucky Mule).
You can also try tequila for a Mexican Mule. - Ginger Beer: Use ginger ale for a milder ginger flavor, or mix club soda with a splash of ginger syrup if you’re out of both.
- Lime Juice: Substitute with lemon juice or a splash of orange juice for a different flavor twist.
- Berries: Muddle in fresh raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries before adding the other ingredients.
- Tropical: Add pineapple or mango juice, or use coconut vodka for a tropical flavor.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a copper mug – It’s traditional and helps keep the drink extra cold and refreshing.
- Chill your mug – Place the mug in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before serving for an even chillier drink.
- Fresh lime juice – Bottled lime juice just won’t give you the same bright, zesty flavor, so always opt for fresh.
- Ginger beer – Go for a strong, spicy variety for that signature kick. You can try different brands of ginger beers to find your favorite.
- Mocktail – Swap the vodka with club soda or sparkling water for an alcohol-free version.
Best Served With
You can pair Moscow Mule with a variety of dishes, from appetizers, to main courses, and desserts:
- Spicy appetizers like Buffalo Wings, or Tofu Spring Rolls
- Mexican or Asian dishes like Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme, Ground Beef Tacos, Pulled Beef Bao Buns, or Coconut Shrimp
- Zesty desserts like Lemon Tart, or 2-Ingredient Lotus Biscoff Mousse
What to Do With Leftover Vodka
Vodka can be used in a variety of drinks and dishes.
- Penne alla Vodka Recipe
- Beef Chebureki Recipe
- Other drinks like Vodka Tonic, Vodka Martini, or Caipiroska
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
Easy Moscow Mule Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Vodka
- ½ ounce Fresh lime juice
- 4 ounces (½ cup) Ginger beer
- Ice
For garnish:
- Lime wedges
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Fill a Moscow Mule mug with ice, then add the vodka and lime juice.
- Add ginger beer. Mix.
- Garnish with lime wedge and mint leaves. Serve!
Video
Notes
- Watch the Video Recipe – For a better understanding of the recipe, I recommend watching the step-by-step video tutorial.
- Check the FAQs – If you have any questions about ingredient substitutions, tips and serving suggestions, be sure to check the FAQs section located under the recipe card and the post above.
- Copper mug – It’s traditional to use a copper mug, and it helps keep the drink extra cold and refreshing.
- Chill your mug – Place the mug in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before serving for an even chillier drink.
- Fresh lime juice – Bottled lime juice just won’t give you the same bright, zesty flavor, so always opt for fresh.
- Ginger beer – Go for a strong, spicy variety for that signature kick. You can try different brands of ginger beers to find your favorite.
- Mocktail – Swap the vodka with club soda or sparkling water for an alcohol-free version.
- Garnishes – Use fresh min leaves, lime slices, or extra garnishes like candied ginger, or rosemary for a different twist.
- Tip for Serving – Keep the cocktail cold with ice and serve in chilled mugs for the best experience.
Nutrition
Common Questions
Yes, you can use ginger ale for a milder taste, or mix club soda with ginger syrup.
Copper mugs help keep the drink icy cold and it’s part of the cocktails signature.
Absolutely! Just leave out the vodka and add a splash of club soda or more ginger beer.
Yes! Combine vodka and lime juice in a pitcher, then top with ginger beer just before serving to keep it fizzy.
Never thought it would be so easy to make a Moscow mule at home. Love this cocktail. Thanks for the recipe!