This is the best Moscow Mule recipe! The ingredients are so easy to come by and mix together to make the perfect flavor combination.
There isn’t anything quite as refreshing as a Moscow Mule. The great news is that they are just three ingredients and so easy to make at home.
Moscow Mule Ingredients
- Vodka: I prefer Tito’s when making our Moscow Mules, but I share some other options for vodka below.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Though freshly squeezed is the preferred way to go, you can certainly use bottled as that is sometimes easier to keep on hand.
- Ginger Beer: A light and bubbly complement with just enough spice to the vodka and lime juice. This ingredient is what sets the cocktail apart, making it worth it to invest in a good-quality option. The best ginger beer for a Moscow Mule can be debated forever, so I share more options below.
How to Make a Moscow Mule
These Moscow mules come together right in the mug or glass you are drinking them out of. With the carbonation of ginger beer, we want to avoid using a cocktail shaker. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Combine vodka and lime juice. Add them to your copper mug with lots of ice.
- Top with ginger beer. Stir to combine and garnish with lime wedges and fresh mint.
Copper Mugs
Though the mule certainly doesn’t have to be in a copper mug, it is the most popular to enjoy the beverage. The reason it continues to be served that way is tradition and the way the copper helps to keep the drink nice and cold.
Copper Mugs
Vodka For Moscow Mules
I always like to share with you my recommendations for liquor and I try to give a range of price points. Keep in mind that when you are making a mixed drink with a number of ingredients, it is less important that you buy top-quality vodka. Save that for when you are making a dirty martini.
For a budget-friendly vodka, I recommend Tito’s. Some of the best quality vodkas for the price are Grey Goose and Belvedere. Another really great option is Costco’s Kirkland brand. It is inexpensive but very smooth.
Ginger Beer
A little-known fact is that you can buy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ginger beer. I love Crabbies, as you can see pictured here. I’ve also used (and enjoyed) Sprecher Hard Ginger Beer. Both of those have alcohol in them and make for a stronger drink. If you prefer a milder drink, you can use a nonalcoholic ginger beer. Fever-Tree’s ginger beer is a great option.
If you can’t find ginger beer or if you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, that isn’t quite as strong, you can replace the ginger beer with ginger ale. It won’t be the original Moscow Mule, but it will be delicious.
Serving
Serve your Moscow Mules with lots of ice and a lime wedge in a copper mug or glass tumbler. I like to add some fresh mint for a pretty garnish, but this is not necessary for a good cocktail.
Adjusting Your Mule
If you want a sweeter mule, add a splash of simple syrup. I like to serve my mules with lots of lime wedges for some extra citrus. You can also add a sprig of mint leaves.
Simple Syrup
FAQ
Though everyone thinks of the Moscow Mule as a drink that came from Russia, it was actually born in the United States. It came together with three people in Hollywood looking to market three things: copper mugs, ginger beer, and vodka.
Moscow Mule Variations
One of my favorite things about Moscow Mule recipes is how many great variations you can make of it.
- Moscow Mule with Gin: This might be my absolute favorite variation, but I’ve always been a gin lover.
- Frozen Moscow Mules: This is a really popular recipe and perfect for a party.
- Tropical Moscow Mules: It’s like a Moscow Mule and a Pina Colada had a baby. A delicious, amazing baby.
- Jalapeño Moscow Mules: I LOVE this recipe. It starts with my Jalapeno Infused Vodka.
- Champagne Moscow Mule: If you love a good bubbly cocktail, you have to try this one!
- Tequila Mule: The perfect combination of the BEST margarita recipe and Moscow Mules.
- Cherry Moscow Mules: This one is pretty simple, but sometimes simple is best. You’ll love it!
- Kentucky Mule: Love whiskey? You will LOVE this recipe!
- Irish Moscow Mule: If you love Bourbon, you need to make this!
If you try this Moscow Mule cocktail or any of my others, please leave a comment and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
Original Moscow Mule Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 cup ginger beer see note
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1 lime wedge for garnish optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a glass or copper mug and garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy!
Notes
Linda Powell says
I have always loved Moscow mules ( with
gin the are a good summer drink.
I love them with gin too!
Original Watches says
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Kassel Marie Williams says
OMG thank you for sharing this!!! I will definitely try this!
ricky g albanese says
mabie a moscow mule would have gin and ginseng, and cream or cream liqueur
Michelle says
Every photo shows mint – yet it’s not listed in the ingredients.
That is because it makes a pretty garnish, but it isn’t at all necessary for you to enjoy the recipe and I would hate for readers to spend the extra money on ingredients that aren’t necessary.
Barbara says
I can’t find frozen limeade concentrate. What could I substitute?
You can use really any juice concentrate, it just won’t be frozen Moscow Mules without the limeade. You need that lime flavor for Moscow Mules. But we have a Pink Party Punch version of this and a Frozen Vodka Lemonade version on our sister site, Shake Drink Repeat.