Moscow Mule
by Chungah
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A refreshing, crowd-favorite cocktail using only 4 ingredients – vodka, lime, ginger beer and sparkling water made in 5 min. So easy so good!
reasons to make a moscow mule
- Easiest cocktail ever. A Moscow Mule is exceptionally easy to make, perfect for beginners. Specialty equipment like a shaker or blender is not required. And with these easy to follow tips (more on that below), this recipe is fool-proof!
- Short ingredient list. All you need is four ingredients here – vodka, lime, ginger beer, fizzy water (if using), and mint to garnish.
- So refreshing. We’re talking crisp, refreshing, tangy and slightly fizzy with just a hint of spicy goodness without it being overly sweet, perfect for warm, summer nights or a fancy dinner party.
What is a moscow Mule?
A Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer and lime juice, typically served over ice in a copper mug.
The Moscow mule and copper mug actually all came together in 1941 in the United States in order to popularize Smirnoff vodka as a marketing campaign.
A Russian immigrant was trying to sell her inventory of copper mugs that were made in her father’s copper factory back in Russia. She essentially found buyers to promote their cocktail (vodka + ginger beer, two undesirable ingredients at the time), essentially giving the Moscow Mule their signature look to stand out while also keeping the drink exceptionally cold.
Shortly after, Smirnoff vodka became the vodka of choice for Moscow Mules.
Why are moscow mules served in copper mugs?
Copper is an excellent conductor.
While Moscow Mules are certainly not required to be served in copper mugs, the copper metal is highly conductive (think superior insulation), keeping the drink refreshing and frosty cold for longer periods of time.
Key Ingredients in a moscow Mule
Vodka
Choose a premium vodka you will drink – it does not have to be anything fancy or overpriced.
Lime juice
Freshly squeezed lime juice is always best.
Ginger beer
Opt for ginger beer with strong, bold ginger flavors. Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer is a favorited choice for its strong ginger flavors without it being overly sweet.
Fizzy water
Use sparkling water or club soda to balance out some of the strong flavors (such as the ginger beer) while also making the cocktail lighter and more refreshing.
Optional sweetener
If you prefer a sweeter Moscow Mule, add additional ginger beer (4 oz total) in place of the fizzy water and/or add a splash of simple syrup.
Garnish
Finish off your cocktail with a lime wedge and mint sprig.
Tips and tricks for perfect Moscow Mules every single time
- Chill beforehand. Chill the vodka and copper mugs beforehand, ensuring that the cocktail is immediately cold upon serving and preventing the ice from melting too quickly particularly in hot weather.
- Use ginger beer, not ginger ale. Be sure to use premium, high quality ginger beer such as Fever Tree or Q.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice. While bottled lime juice can certainly work in a pinch, freshly squeezed lime juice will provide the best, refreshing, zesty flavor in a Moscow Mule.
- Stir gently. Avoid shaking the cocktail vigorously – a gentle stir is ideal to mix the ingredients together without losing any of the fizziness (carbonation).
- Use copper mugs with food-safe lining. Pure copper mugs can leach copper into drinks. Opt for copper mugs with a safe interior coating such as stainless steel or nickel.
Pro tip
Make it virgin.
Skip the vodka, add 1-2 oz additional fizzy water, and use non-alcoholic ginger beer.
Variations of moscow Mule
Mexican Mule
Substitute tequila for vodka
Kentucky Mule
Substitute bourbon for vodka
Gin Gin Mule
Substitute gin for vodka
Rum Mule (Caribbean/Jamaican Mule)
Substitute dark or spiced rum for vodka
Irish Mule
Substitute Irish whiskey (ex. Jameson) for vodka
Strawberry Mule
Add muddled fresh strawberries
Spicy Jalapeño Mule
Add muddled jalapeño slices
Pineapple Mule
Add pineapple juice
Watermelon Mule
Add fresh watermelon juice
More favorited cocktails
Moscow Mule: Frequently Asked Questions
Crushed ice is often times recommended in a Moscow Mule to ensure maximum coldness (crushed ice cools the drink much faster) and proper dilution. However, standard ice can also be used, and still make a great-tasting Moscow Mule!
Top vodka choices for a Moscow Mule include Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Smirnoff (original), as well as premium vodkas such as Grey Goose and Ketel One.
Not at all! Copper mugs are used for its signature look while also keeping the Moscow Mule extra cold and refreshing. If you do not have any copper mugs on hand, highball glasses or stainless steel mugs are great alternatives.
Moscow Mule
Video
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 ounces ginger beer
- 2 ounces sparkling water or club soda
- 1 lime wedge, for garnish
- 1 sprig mint, for garnish
Instructions
- In a copper mug, add crushed ice, vodka and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer and sparkling water, to taste.
- Garnish with lime wedge and mint sprig, if desired. Serve cold.
Equipment
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