Hot day? I’m absolutely making a Moscow Mule. It’s got that perfect combo of lime, ginger beer, and vodka that just hits right when you’re melting outside.
This is one of my go-to summer drinks. It’s quick, super refreshing, and yep – dangerously easy to drink. I even included tips for making a big batch because let’s be real… one is never enough.
Grab those copper mugs and let’s make it happen!
Check out the variations for different types of mules below!
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
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Moscow Mule Variations
Try adding cranberry apple juice or apple cider or just cranberry juice, both make a wonderful addition to this classic cocktail!
Try these different flavors using the classic formula. The general rule I stick to is 1 parts liquor to 2 parts ginger beer, so these are easy to change up.
Make a Kentucky Mule.
Replace the classic vodka with bourbon.
Mexican Mule
Use a good quality tequila instead of vodka. Leave out the mint (or include it, you choose).
Check out the notes section for how to make this easy cocktail in bulk!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Just a few simple ingredients and no serious cocktail making skills required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a muddler and why is it used?
A muddler is a bartender’s tool that is long and thin with a flat head at the end that may or may not contain grooves or ridges. It is used to mash or muddle fruits or herbs in the bottom of the glass to release flavors.
Why should I muddle my lime and mint, can’t I just squeeze it?
Muddling your lime and mint leaves release the oils, juice, and aromatic of the fruit to increase the flavor of the juice making your drink so much better!
Where do you get the best ginger beer?
You can get ginger beer at any local grocery store or liquor store. You can usually find it in the soda section next to the classic root beer.
Why are mules served in copper mugs?
A copper cup keeps the drink cooler than glass does. The copper takes on the temperature of the drink and becomes ice cold. Plus they look really cool.
What is the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale?
Ginger beer is spicier and has a stronger, more intense ginger flavor than ginger ale.
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Lime. Fresh lime juice is important! Grab a few for garnishing your drinks too.
- Mint. Fresh mint leaves are essential to this.
- Ice. Does anyone want a lukewarm mule? No? Plenty of ice it is.
- Vodka. Grab your favorite brand. Titos, Absolut vodka, or Smirnoff vodka are good choices, but it’s up to you. See above for suggestions on how to make a Kentucky Mule, or a Mexican Mule.
- Ginger Beer. You need a good ginger beer that uses real ginger for this. My favorite ginger beer brands are Fever-Tree ginger beer or Bundaberg. Cock n Bull is another brand that is super popular. From the former legendary Cock ‘n Bull pub on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles, California
You’ll need around 4 ounces of ginger beer per drink, so maybe pick up a few bottles so you can have LOTS of mules. However, please drink responsibly.
Recommended Equipment/Tools
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- Cocktail Muddler
- Cocktail Shaker or heavy glass for muddling the lime and mint
How to make a Moscow Mule
Scroll for Recipe
This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Grab your equipment and ingredients.
In the bottom of a thick glass or metal shaker, add the quartered lime. Muddle with medium force to release juice from the lime. Add mint leaves and lightly muddle it 1-2 times releasing the flavors.
Strain lime/mint into a copper mug.
Add 2 ounces (two shots) of vodka.
Top the mugs with ice cubes, pour in the ginger beer and stir then top with lime wedge and a sprig of mint leaves for garnish.
Kylee’s Notes
How to make a bulk batch of Moscow Mules
Muddle the mint and lime and place in a large pitcher. You’ll need 4 limes and a bunch of mint.
Add the ice, 1 cup of vodka and top with 2 cups ginger beer.
Substitutions/Additions
Make a Mexican Mule or Kentucky Mule by replacing the vodka with tequila or bourbon.
More delicious drinks:
- Pumpkin Martini. Get your pumpkin martini on! This boozy Fall drink that tastes like pie will be a favorite this season!
- Orange Creamsicle Martini. Get your drink on with this yummy Orange Creamsicle Martini. An adult version of an Orange Julius, and so darn good!
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How to make a Moscow Mule
Recommended Equipment
- Cocktail Muddler
- Cocktail Strainer
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 1 lime (cut in quarters)
- 4 mint leaves
- 1 cup ice
- 2 ounces vodka (I use Tito’s)
- 4 ounces ginger beer (I use Fever Tree)
Garnish:
- lime slices
- mint leaves
Directions
- In the bottom of a thick glass or metal shaker, add 1 lime (quartered). Muddle with medium force to release juice from the lime. Add 4 mint leaves and lightly muddle it 1-2 times releasing the flavors.
- Strain lime/mint into a copper mug.
- Add 2 ounces vodka of vodka.
- Add 1 cup ice.
- Pour in 4 ounces ginger beer and stir.
- Stir, then top with lime slices and a few more mint leaves for garnish.
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Notes
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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