The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (2024)

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If you’re looking for a great Moscow Mule recipe, look no further! These are the best Moscow mule recipes and variations. There are several ways to put your own spin on the classic Moscow Mule. These recipe variations to the classic ginger beer andvodka co*cktailare all incredible.

No matter what occasion, we have a Moscow mule recipe for it! We love this simpleco*cktailfor a good reason!

It’s bubbly and tangy and we’re celebrating our favorite, delicious co*cktail with a roundup of the best Moscow mule recipes. All of these recipes have a unique twist to the classic co*cktail making it extra flavorful and colorful.

What is a Moscow Mule?

It’s a three-ingredient co*cktail made with ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and vodka. Despite its name, theMoscow Muleit’s said that the first Moscow mule was created in 1941 by bar owner Jack Morgan. He owned the Los Angeles British pub co*ck ‘n’ Bull. However, that might not be the case.

In a 2007 article in theWall Street Journalpenned by the reliable Eric Felton, the co*ck ‘n’ Bull’s head bartender Wes Pricealso claimed to have invented the drink.

While the traditional version uses 3 main ingredients: lime juice, ginger beer, and vodka, there are so many amazing ways to spice it up. There are many variations on the original Moscow Mule recipe, including this Apple Cider Moscow Mule. One of the most famous is the Kentucky Mule, where the vodka is replaced with bourbon.

The Moscow mule co*cktail is very easy to make and is perfect to serve year-round! Enjoy this drink on a hot summer day or serve up a gingerbread mule for a holiday party.

How to Make a Moscow Mule

First, let’s go over the classic formula and basics of making a perfect Moscow mule. It’s one of the easiest co*cktail recipes!

A Moscow mule should be very gingery and refreshing. Use as much ginger in the ingredients as possible. For example, use ginger vodka (you can quickly make your own), a good quality ginger beer, and add a dash of ginger syrup to the drink for the ultimate flavor.

  1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
  2. Pour in the vodka and fresh lime juice.
  3. Top with ginger beer and a sprig of mint.
The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (1)

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Best Moscow Mule Recipes

Classic Moscow Mule

If you’re looking for a classic recipe, this is for you. Simple to make with just a few ingredients, ginger beer, lime, and vodka.

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (2)

Cranberry Moscow Mule

This version has a festive twist to it and it’s made with cranberry simple syrup. We also use orange zest over the top with sugared cranberries. The flavor in this recipe is incredible.

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (3)

Blueberry Moscow Mule

If you’re looking for a recipe to make with all of the juicy, plump blueberries you picked this summer, this recipe is for you! Made with a homemade blueberry simple syrup, it has a sweet berry flavor to it.

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (4)

Smoky Lemon Mule

The smoky flavor comes from Mezcal in this mule recipe. It also has fresh lemon juice instead of lime and it’s really refreshing in the summer.

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (5)

Tokyo Mule Recipe

A refreshing, spa-like mule! Made with sake and cucumber. This recipe is for sipping and relaxing.

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (6)

Kombucha Mule Recipe

This recipe has kombucha in it to give it a super bubbly taste. Kombucha also has some health benefits to it as well with is a bonus!

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (7)

Apple Cider Moscow Mule

The first-ever Moscow mule recipe! We created this co*cktail many years ago and it’s still a favorite here on Sugar and Charm. It’s perfect for fall with apple and ginger flavors.

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (8)

Lemon and Sage Moscow Mule

This recipe is full of lemon flavor and even has a dash of limoncello! The hint of sage gives it a refreshing taste. It’s the perfect garden mule.

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (9)

Gingerbread Mule Recipe

Need a Moscow mule recipe for Christmas? Nothing beats this gingerbread mule! It’s packed with spices, molasses, and ginger flavor.

Try our Mexican Moscow Mule below! You’ll also love this pineapple mule too!

Best Ginger Beer for Moscow Mules

There are many different ginger beers on the market. We’ve tried plenty of them and these are the best brands we use over and over again.

  • Fever Tree Ginger Beer
  • Fentimans Ginger Beer
  • Crabbies Original Ginger Beer
  • Bundaberg
  • Reeds Ginger Beer
  • Fiery Ginger Beer

More deliciousginger beer brandsto consider when making this co*cktail.

The Copper Mug

It’s a must that Moscow mules are served in a copper mug! There are a plethora of copper mugs online. You can buy solid copper, nickel-lined, or stainless steel mugs with a copper finish.

14 Ounce Smooth Copper Mug

Hammered Copper Mini Mule Mugs

Stainless Steel Lined, Smooth Copper Mugs

Copper Mug Tumblers

Hand Forged & Beautiful Shape

Ginger Simple Syrup

Some of our recipes call for an ounce of ginger syrup, which is like a simple syrup. It’s easy to make with fresh ginger, sugar, and water or ginger juice. You can also buy ginger syrup and have it on hand for your recipes. The syrup gives the co*cktail an even stronger ginger flavor, which to us is even better.

If you want to buy some here are our favorite brands:

Fiery Ginger Syrup

Ginger People Syrup

Monin Ginger Syrup

Moscow Mule Variations

There are even more variations you can make to these recipes! From swapping out the vodka to tequila or even gin! Here are some ideas:

  • Irish Mule– Swap vodka for Irish whiskey.
  • Mexican Mule– Swap vodka for tequila.
  • Kentucky Mule– Swap vodka for bourbon.
  • Jamaican Mule– Swap vodka for spiced rum.
  • Southern Mule– Swap vodka for Southern Comfort.
  • London Mule– Swap vodka for gin.

Moscow Mule co*cktail Garnishes

Lime Wheel or Lime Wedge

Dried Lime Slice or Dehydrated Orange Slice

Grated Fresh Ginger

Candied Ginger

Fresh Berries

Fresh Mint Leaves

When to Serve Moscow Mules

This simple drink can be served year-round at parties, special events, or just for an easy happy hour co*cktail. Here are some festive occasions to serve this classic drink:

Pool Party

Birthday Party it’s also perfect for a last-minute birthday party!

Carnival Party

Garden Party

Tropical Party

Kentucky Derby Party

Thanksgiving Dinner

Easter Brunch

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a Moscow Mule have to be in a copper cup?

There are several reasons for this. First, copper is a thermal conductor that keeps drinks either cold or hot. When filled with ice the copper mug keeps the Moscow mule super chilly and refreshing with each sip.

Personally, we believe the copper (or nickel) gives the drink a slight flavor. They keep the co*cktail extra fizzy and the cold metals add to the gingery flavor. It enhances the flavor and the chill of the drink.

Is there alcohol in ginger beer?

Regardless of the name, most ginger beers do not contain alcohol. The only one that we use that does contain alcohol is Crabbie’s Original Ginger Beer which gives the co*cktail an extra kick.

More co*cktail Recipes

If you love Moscow Mules, you’ll love these recipes too!

Vodka and Lemonade

Apple and Ginger Spritzer

The Easiest Vodka Soda

Vodka Sour

Jagermeister and Grapefruit

Vodka and Orange Juice

Tom Collins Recipe

Also check out our favoritebrunch recipes, the best-mixeddrinks,tequila co*cktails,cheap drinks, and great co*cktails to make at home!

Now that you have the best Moscow Mule recipes, start mixing! Leave a comment and review below and let us know your thoughts and which one is your favorite!

Also, check out our Mexican Mule in the recipe card below.

You can also FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, co*cktails, desserts, and parties!

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The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (10)

Mexican Mule

This recipe uses tequila instead of ginger beer!

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: co*cktail

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes

0 minutes minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 co*cktail

Calories: 144kcal

Author: Eden

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounce tequila
  • 4 ounces ginger beer
  • 1 ounce lime juice

Instructions

  • Add all of the ingredients into a copper mug filled with ice.

  • Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime slice.

Notes

Add more or less ginger beer depending on how you like it.

If you like a sweeter co*cktail, add simple syrup.

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @sugarandcharm or tag us #sugarandcharm!

The Best Moscow Mule Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best liquor for a Moscow Mule? ›

Top 6 Best Vodka for Moscow Mules:
  • Grey Goose Vodka: Hailing from France, Grey Goose Vodka is expertly fashioned using soft winter wheat and pristine Gensac spring water, guaranteeing a naturally balanced flavor that blends effortlessly with other Moscow mule components. ...
  • Cîroc Snap Frost Vodka: ...
  • Crystal Head:
May 3, 2024

What ginger beer is best for a Moscow Mule? ›

The best ginger beer for Moscow mules is Fever-Tree brand ginger beer. Mara said, “It tastes the most like a Moscow mule,” and I wholeheartedly agreed. Fever-Tree's ginger beer has the most clear and pronounced fresh ginger flavor, thanks to a blend of three gingers from Nigeria, Cochin and the Ivory Coast.

What is the difference between a Kentucky mule and a Moscow Mule? ›

The main difference is the liquor. Moscow Mules are vodka-based, while a Kentucky Mule follows the same recipe, except bourbon is used in place of vodka. As with any mule, the resulting co*cktail is fresh, bright, and flavorful. And it's easy to drink.

What is a Wisconsin mule? ›

Fill a glass or copper mug with ice. Combine vodka, lime juice and Grapefruit Gastrique. Stir and add bitters. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with lime wedge.

Is Tito's vodka good for Moscow Mule? ›

Tito's Handmade Vodka is crafted in an old-fashioned pot still, and it's teeming with traditional tastes. A neutral spirit, Tito's Vodka is anything but bland. Pouring it over crushed ice, you'll unlock a delectable crispness that elevates your Moscow Mule to new heights.

Is Absolut vodka good for Moscow mules? ›

Absolut Elyx is a great choice for a Vodka that Goes Best in a Moscow Mule.

What's the difference between Moscow Mule and Smirnoff mule? ›

Smirnoff Mule is the ready to drink version of the timeless and world renown co*cktail, the Moscow Mule. Smirnoff Mule is made with a flavorful combination of Smirnoff Vodka recipe No. 21, zesty ginger beer and a tangy spritz of lime. Note: Confirmation of product price occurs upon the receipt of your order.

Why does a Moscow Mule have to be in a copper cup? ›

Copper mugs were perfect for the beverage because Copper conducts temperature and takes on the mule's temperature when it's poured into the glass. This keeps the mule cold and frosty while enhancing the vodka flavor and natural properties of the drink.

Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer in a Moscow Mule? ›

In a pinch, ginger ale will work as a substitute for ginger beer in a Moscow mule, however the citrusy, zingy flavor that the ginger beer normally brings will be a lot more muted. Ginger ale will make your Moscow mule a lot more sweet and bubbly.

What do they call Moscow Mule now? ›

And bar proprietors are changing the names of their co*cktails to make it clear what side they're on: In many places, the Moscow Mule is now the Kyiv Mule. In at least one bar, it's the Snake Island Mule, a reference to the Ukrainian territory where border guards made a defiant last stand against invading troops.

Is a Moscow Mule a man's drink? ›

Is a Moscow mule a girly drink or a manly drink? This is one of the things I love most about this co*cktail: anyone can enjoy it! It's often served in a masculine metal mug, and it's got a sharp bite to it, so it's perfect for guys. But it's also fizzy and a little sweet, so women really enjoy it too!

Why is Moscow Mule so good? ›

A great Moscow mule combines smooth vodka with ice-cold, spicy ginger beer and lime – in a signature copper mug. Ginger beer doesn't taste the same without the copper mug, which highlights the sweet-and-spicy taste of the beverage.

What is a cowboy mule? ›

Have an empty pint glass or bar/sundae spoon. Add bourbon, lime (and / or Pomegranate) juice, and bitters. Add crushed ice and ginger beer to top. Transfer back and forth from mug to pint glass or stir with a bar spoon. Garnish with a citrus wedge.

What is a Minnesota mule? ›

Ingredients: 2 oz Minnesota 14 Whiskey | Ginger beer | 1 oz Lime Juice | Lime wedge. Directions: 1. Pour Minnesota 14 over ice in mule mug.

What alcohol is Moscow Mule made of? ›

Vodka: Moscow mules are traditionally made with vodka. Lime: You'll need the juice for the drink and a wedge for garnish. Ice: Moscow mules are cold served over ice. Ginger beer: Not to be confused with ginger ale!

What brand of vodka is in the mule? ›

Smirnoff Mule is a ready to drink alcoholic beverage inspired by the world renowned Moscow Mule co*cktail. Made with Smirnoff Vodka, ginger beer and lime, Smirnoff mule delivers the perfect buzz with a stubbornly refreshing taste.

What is the difference between a Moscow Mule and a vodka buck? ›

A Moscow mule is a co*cktail made with vodka, ginger beer and lime juice, garnished with a slice or wedge of lime, and a sprig of mint. The drink, being a type of buck, is sometimes called vodka buck. It is popularly served in a copper mug, which takes on the cold temperature of the liquid.

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