Moscow Mule
A Moscow mule is crisp, gingery, and easy to mix at home with vodka, lime, and ginger beer. Serve it over plenty of ice in a copper mug if you have one, or any sturdy glass if you do not.
- Total time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 1 cocktail
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 5mCook 0mAmericanDrinks
The Moscow mule is a simple vodka cocktail with a bright lime kick and a spicy ginger beer finish. It is often served in a copper mug, which chills quickly and makes the drink feel extra refreshing.
Despite the name, the drink became popular in the United States in the 1940s. The classic build is easy: vodka, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and ice.
Use a ginger beer you like drinking on its own. Some are sweet and mild, while others are sharp and fiery, and that choice will shape the whole cocktail.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
5 items · 1 cocktail
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice, plus 1 lime wedge for garnish
- 4 to 6 ounces chilled ginger beer, to taste
- Ice, preferably cubes
- Optional: 1 small mint sprig for garnish
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chill the mug
Place a copper mug or rocks glass in the freezer for a few minutes if you have time. This is optional, but a cold mug helps the drink stay crisp.
2. Fill with ice
Add ice to the mug until it is nearly full. Plenty of ice keeps the cocktail cold and slows dilution, which means the drink will not taste watery too quickly.
3. Add the vodka
Pour 2 ounces vodka over the ice. Use a jigger or small measuring cup for accuracy, especially if you are new to mixing cocktails.
4. Squeeze in the lime
Add 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice. Fresh juice gives a cleaner, brighter flavor than bottled lime juice.
5. Top with ginger beer
Pour in 4 to 6 ounces chilled ginger beer. Start with 4 ounces for a stronger, sharper drink, or add more for a taller, lighter cocktail.
6. Stir gently
Use a bar spoon or regular spoon to stir once or twice. Stir lightly so you do not knock out too much fizz from the ginger beer.
7. Garnish and serve
Add a lime wedge and, if you like, a small mint sprig. Serve right away while the drink is cold and fizzy.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Do not mix the full cocktail ahead of time because the ginger beer will lose its fizz. You can measure the vodka and lime juice into a small jar and chill it for a few hours, then add ice and ginger beer just before serving.
- Storage: A mixed Moscow mule is best served immediately. If it sits, the ice melts and the ginger beer goes flat.
- Ginger beer swap: Ginger ale is sweeter and milder than ginger beer, but it works in a pinch. The drink will taste less spicy.
- Vodka swap: Try bourbon for a Kentucky mule, tequila for a Mexican mule, or gin for a gin-gin style mule.
- Make it less strong: Use 1 1/2 ounces vodka and 6 ounces ginger beer, or serve it in a taller glass with extra ice.
- Make it alcohol-free: Skip the vodka and use extra ginger beer with lime juice. Add a splash of soda water if you want it lighter and less sweet.
Cook's note
Copper mugs are traditional, but they are not required. If using copper, choose a mug lined with stainless steel, nickel, or another food-safe material so acidic lime juice does not sit directly against unlined copper.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
What is in a Moscow mule?
A classic Moscow mule has vodka, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and ice. It is usually garnished with a lime wedge and sometimes mint.
Do I have to use a copper mug?
No. A copper mug looks classic and gets cold fast, but a rocks glass or highball glass works well. The flavor will be the same.
What is the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale?
Ginger beer is usually bolder, spicier, and less sweet than ginger ale. Ginger ale is softer and more soda-like. For a classic Moscow mule, ginger beer is the better choice.
Can I make Moscow mules for a party?
Yes. Measure the vodka and lime juice into a pitcher and keep it chilled. When guests are ready, pour the mixture over ice and top each glass with ginger beer so the drinks stay fizzy.
Why does my Moscow mule taste too sweet?
Your ginger beer may be on the sweet side. Add a little more fresh lime juice, use a spicier ginger beer next time, or top the drink with a splash of soda water.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
1 cocktail
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat0 g
- 0%
- Saturated Fat0 g
- 0%
- Cholesterol0 mg
- 0%
- Sodium0 mg
- 0%
- Total Carbohydrate1.2 g
- 0%
- Dietary Fiber0.1 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars0.2 g
- Protein0.1 g
- 0%
- Vitamin D0 mcg
- 0%
- Calcium2 mg
- 0%
- Iron0 mg
- 0%
- Potassium17 mg
- 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values are estimated from the ingredient list; actual amounts vary with brands, portion sizes, and substitutions.
05Keep cooking
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