Refreshing, sweet & sour, with a slightly spicy kick from the ginger – this Moscow Mule is the perfect drink to have at a bar with your friends or at a holiday dinner party.
A Moscow Mule is deceptively simple – at its base, it’s simply vodka, lime juice, ginger beer and a sweetener. But to craft a really memorable Moscow Mule, you’ll need the right combination of those ingredients, plus a couple of special accent flavors.
In this recipe, you’ll find one of best mixes of ingredients and methods for crafting this classically delicious cocktail.
The Ginger Beer
One of the hallmarks of a great Moscow Mule, is a high quality ginger beer. You want something that is sweet enough to make the drink refreshing and enjoyable, yet spicy enough to have that crisp ginger bite as it travels across your tongue. There are only 2 brands of ginger beer I trust in my Moscow Mules: Reed’s and Bundaberg.
Reed’s follows an authentic Jamaican-style ginger beer recipe that provides an invigorating ginger bite, followed by a smooth finish. They also have different strengths for their ginger beer – and I always pick the extra strength flavor.
Bundaberg is an Australian ginger beer that’s brewed in small batches for up to 3 days to ensure maximum flavor enhancement to their drink. It features a slightly sweeter & brighter taste (probably due to their Queensland Cane Sugar), compared to Reed’s, but has a surprisingly rich and deep ginger accent.
You can’t go wrong with either of these choices.
The Ingredients for the Perfect Moscow Mule
- 6 oz Ginger Beer (Reed’s or Bundaberg)
- 1/2 Lime (juiced)
- 1 Sugar Cube
- 1 teaspoon Agave Nectar
- 2 oz Vodka
- Lime Wedges or ginger slices (for garnish)
The Equipment Needed
- Muddler (for cocktails)
- Mixing Spoon
- Copper Mug
Muddle Your Syrup
Start by adding in your 1/2 lime juice, 1 sugar cube and agave nectar into your copper cup. Muddle until the sugar cube has completely broken down.
Putting It All Together
To your muddled syrup, add in ice and 2 oz of vodka.
Follow that up with 6 oz of your ginger beer.
Give it a gentle stir and garnish with a lime wedge and/or a slice of fresh ginger.
Sit back and enjoy!
Variations to the Moscow Mule:
- Kentucky Mule: replace vodka with bourbon
- Dark & Stormy: replace vodka with rum
- London Mule: replace vodka with gin
- Irish Mule: replace vodka with Irish whiskey
- Mexican Mule: replace vodka with tequila
If you liked this recipe, you’ll love these too:
Equipment
- 1 Muddler
Ingredients
- 6 oz Ginger Beer, (Reed's or Bundaberg)
- 1/2 Lime, (juiced)
- 1 Sugar Cube
- 1 teaspoon Agave Nectar
- 2 oz Vodka
- Lime Wedges / Ginger Slices, (for garnish)
Instructions
Muddle Your Syrup
- Start by adding in your 1/2 lime juice, 1 sugar cube and agave nectar into your copper cup. Muddle until the sugar cube has completely broken down.
Putting It All Together
- To your muddled syrup, add in ice and 2 oz of vodka.
- Follow that up with 6 oz of your ginger beer.
- Give it a gentle stir and garnish with a lime wedge and/or a slice of fresh ginger.
- Sit back and enjoy!
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is just an estimate derived by an online calculation tool.
FAQ
Why are Moscow Mules served in copper cups?
It’s been a simple, long-standing tradition to serve Moscow Mules in copper cups. But beyond that, the copper mugs provide an insulation factor that keeps the drink colder for longer.
What is the best ginger beer to use in a Moscow Mule?
One of the hallmarks to a great Moscow Mule, is a high quality ginger beer. You want something that is sweet enough to make the drink refreshing and enjoyable, yet spicy enough to have that crisp ginger bite as it travels across your tongue. There are only 2 brands of ginger beer I trust in my Moscow Mule: Reed’s and Bundaberg.
Where can I get a good copper mug to serve my Moscow Mule?
This is a great copper mug to serve your Moscow Mules in. You can order it on Amazon.
Ned
Woah! My wife made these for girls night and they absolutely loved them! Thank you for the recipe!
Umamiology
Glad they loved it!
Jared
This drink is fire
Umamiology
Glad you enjoyed!
Yu
I tried this drink earlier; it is a zesty and crisp drink, and I like it! It is the perfect refreshing cocktail drink I can serve at our upcoming party next week.
Umamiology
Yes – I love a zesty moscow mule!
Colleen
Moscow Mules are a favorite for my husband and me. These turned out perfectly, so refreshing! Cheers.
Umamiology
Glad you loved it!
Alexandra
As the recipe says, this really is the perfect Moscow Mule! Right balance of flavours 🙂 I see you have some variations also, and I’ll be looking forward to giving them a go soon!
Umamiology
Yes – there are so many great variations for this moscow mule!
Kathryn
These are the best mules! I love this recipe because it’s so easy and I love the fresh ginger flavor.
Umamiology
Yes – the more ginger flavor, the better in my opinion!
Lauren
We kept hearing of Moscow Mules so decided to give this recipe a try. Came out great! I loved the ginger flavor and can see why it’s so popular now. We’ll definitely be making these again!
Umamiology
So glad you enjoyed the ginger flavor!
Cathleen
I love a good Moscow mule, but for some reason I have never made it at home. This needs to change! Saving this for when I am no longer pregnant haha.
Umamiology
Yes – when you try this gingery moscow mule, you won’t be dissappointed!
Amy Liu Dong
This will be a great drink on a hot afternoon, the refreshment that it gives you is awesome and the flavor is great too!
Umamiology
Yes – this moscow mule is a great summer drink!
Kristina
This drink was refreshing and crisp, and I loved the addition of lemon to give it a little kick.
Umamiology
Yes – adding a lemon or lime slice works great with this moscow mule!
Maddy
Moscow mules are delicious, but this ratio of ingredients is my favorite. This recipe is the way to go!
Umamiology
Glad you love this moscow mule recipe!
Jacqueline Debono
I love Moscow mules and always order one when they are on the drinks/cocktail menu. Now I want to make my own! Just ordered the copper mugs!
Umamiology
Yes! Copper mugs really make it a great moscow mule experience!
Leslie
So easy and so delicious! This is quite literally the best Moscow Mule..good ingredients help! 🙂
Umamiology
Yes – use fresh ingredients for the best moscow mules!
Savita
This Perfect Moscow Mule recipe is a total game-changer! The refreshing combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime is absolutely spot on. It’s my go-to cocktail for any occasion, whether I’m hosting a party or simply unwinding after a long day. Thank you for sharing this foolproof recipe that never fails to impress
Umamiology
Glad you loved this moscow mule recipe!
Charah
Made this last weekend and it’s delicious, thanks for this recipe
Sara Welch
This was such a quick and easy drink that does not disappoint! Cool, refreshing and delicious; easily, a new favorite cocktail!
Gianne
The refreshing blend of ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice created a perfect balance of flavors that was both invigorating and satisfying. Served in a chilled copper mug, it made for a wonderfully crisp and refreshing drink that I can’t wait to enjoy again.
kushi
Refreshing and delicious drink recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Dina and Bruce
This was the perfect cocktail for this hot Summer season! Everyone loved them!