The Moscow Mule is a bold and refreshing cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and mint and served in a copper mug.
Classic Moscow Mule
Spicy ginger beer is paired with vodka, lime juice, and mint to make a uniquely refreshing cocktail. The Moscow Mule is a bar menu staple and it’s no wonder! The vibrant flavors and distinctive copper mug make it a fun drink to order and sip.
What Does Ginger Beer Taste Like?
Ginger beer is a carbonated, sweetened beverage made from ginger, sugar, water, and yeast. Ginger beer has a strong, spicy ginger flavor and is often used as a mixer in cocktails, like this Moscow Mule recipe. Despite the name, ginger beer is usually non-alcoholic.
Related: If you love ginger beer, try this Dark and Stormy Cocktail recipe, made with dark rum and ginger beer!
Why Is a Moscow Mule Served In A Copper Mug?
Even though the name implies otherwise, the Moscow Mule is an American invention. Vodka distributer John G. Martin claims to have invented the drink in the 1940s with Los Angeles bar owner Jack Morgan as a way to encourage vodka sales. At the time, vodka was not nearly as popular a spirit as it is today.
It is also Mr. Martin who served the Moscow Mule in a copper mug, for practical reasons. Copper is a thermal conductor, meaning it helps keep the drink inside cool. It is also said to enhance the flavor of the cocktail. And of course, it looks elegant!
Ingredients
- 6 Ounces Ginger Beer
- 2 Ounces Vodka
- 1 Ounce Lime Juice
Garnishes
- Lime Wedge
- Mint Sprigs
Helpful Bartending Tools
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- Cocktail Jigger (for measuring liquor amounts)
- Boston Cocktail Shaker Set (contains shakers, jigger, strainer)
- Bar Spoon (traditional tool for stirring cocktails)
This recipe is intended for readers 21+
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug with ice cubes.
- Pour the lime juice on top of the ice, then the vodka.
- Fill the rest of the glass with ginger beer and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint.
Prep Tips
- Limes – For the best flavor, use real lime juice. You can simply use the juice of about half a lime, unless it’s dry, in which case you can use the whole lime. You could also use bottled lime juice if you prefer or if you don’t have fresh limes on hand. I don’t recommend using sweetened lime juice.
- Layering – If you pour the ingredients in the order listed in the instructions, they will mix on their own as you add them. You can also give a quick stir once you’ve got everything in the glass. A cocktail shaker is not required for this recipe, but if you’re making multiple drinks at the same time, you can build the drink mixture in the shaker, stir, and pour into individual cups.
- Glassware – The traditional vessel for a Moscow Mule is a copper mug. However, you really can serve this drink in any type of glassware you like. If you don’t have copper cups at home, don’t let that stop you from trying this delicious drink!
More Classic Vodka Cocktails To Try:
Moscow Mule Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)
The Classic Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Copper Mug
Ingredients
- 6 Ounces Ginger Beer
- 2 Ounces Vodka
- 1 Ounce Lime Juice
Garnishes
- Lime Wedge
- Mint Sprigs
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug with ice cubes.
- Pour the lime juice on top of the ice, then the vodka.
- Fill the rest of the glass with ginger beer and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint.
Notes
Nutrition
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