How to Make a Perfect Moscow Mule

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By FoodfaithfitnessFeb 4, 2024Jump to Recipe

Learn how to craft the perfect Moscow Mule, a refreshing cocktail that pairs vodka and the peppery punch of ginger beer that’s like summer in a copper mug.

Funny thing about summer — it seems to be cocktail o’clock more often than during the winter. It’s because of this totally-authentic-and-not-something-I-just-made-up phenomenon that I present you with the Moscow Mule. It’s simple yet chic, mixing up vodka’s kick, ginger beer’s pepper-like punch, and that tang you only get from fresh lime (and maybe fresh lemon). As the name implies, it’s a cocktail with some roots – a mashup of Russian and American drinks that you can now find anywhere, from Sydney to Seattle.

If you’re digging its cousin the Kentucky Mule or other vodka-based cocktails like the Lemon-Drop Martini, let me tell you: you’re in for a treat with the Moscow Mule. And did I mention the copper mug?

INGREDIENTS

A typical Moscow Mule contains just the three ingredients: vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. The garnishes are totally up to you.

2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed
4 oz. ginger beer
ice
lime wheel, for garnish
fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Equipment Needed

Copper mug – or highball glass
Jigger or measuring tool
Citrus juicer
Bar spoon
Cocktail stirrer (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill

Fill a copper mug or a glass with ice.

Pour

Pour in 2 oz. of vodka, 1/2 oz. of freshly squeezed lime juice, then 4 oz. of ginger beer. Gently stir to mix.

Garnish

Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint sprigs, if desired.

How to Make a Healthy / Low-Calorie Moscow Mule

Ditch the calorie-loaded ginger beer for a lighter or diet version; it will make a huge difference to the Mule’s bottom line. And if it doesn’t contain any of that sneaky high-fructose corn syrup, you’re golden.
That jigger exists for a reason: It will help us stick to just the right amount of vodka. Freely pouring your ingredients usually ends up with more than the required amount. Remember, plenty of vodka equals plenty of calories. Simple math!
Fresh lime juice is not only healthier than the store-bought stuff (it contains vitamin C), it will also exclude some calories. So go fresh when you can and leave that synthetic, sugary stuff on the shelves.

Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Moscow Mule

Selecting a good quality vodka is half the battle with a Moscow Mule. It significantly impacts the overall flavor of your cocktail and can make for a smoother sip.
Freshly squeezed lime juice has a tangy freshness that is hard to match with bottled juice. This small alteration can pay off big time.
There are lots of different kinds of ginger beer, which range in quality and aroma. Go for the good stuff. The improved balance of spice and sweetness can elevate your Moscow Mule. Avoid ginger ales, which tend to be overly sweet and lack the spice of a ginger beer.
A Moscow Mule is best enjoyed ice-cold. Copper mugs are preferred due to their excellent thermal-transfer properties that keep the drink refreshingly chilled. Help the mugs out by chilling them in the refrigerator before using them.
Add a sprig of fresh mint or sprinkle some pomegranate seeds atop the lime wheel garnish to provide an exciting twist and a dash of color to your classic Moscow Mule.

FAQs

Will a Moscow Mule hurt my diet goals?

A regular Moscow Mule has 150-200 calories, mostly depending on your choice of vodka and ginger beer. Want a healthier spin? Take a look at the section above where I list some tips on how to keep the calories down.

What’s the best way to enjoy a Moscow Mule?

I like my Moscow Mules ice-cold and sipping straight from that copper mug. It’s a great choice for lazy afternoons or balmy summer nights. Take it slow and savor the mix of flavors, being sure to stir occasionally to keep everything well blended.

Can I get away with a regular glass instead of a copper mug?

Moscow Mule fanatics might give you the side eye but yes, a regular glass will do just fine. The drink will still be tasty, but you might lose out on the extra-chilled sensation that copper mugs provide. It also won’t look as cool, but then, there are few things in life as cool as a copper mug, am I right?

Is ginger ale a good substitute for ginger beer?

Both are gingery, but ginger beer packs a spicy punch whereas ginger ale is more about the sweetness. So, if you’re aiming for authenticity, stick with the ginger beer.

Will a Moscow Mule get me tipsy?

That’s all relative. First, it depends on your tolerance. Second, it depends on the amount and type of vodka used. Generally, it’s among the weaker cocktails, containing only 2 ounces of hard alcohol, with the lime juice and ginger beer balancing things out.

Delicious Moscow Mule Variations

The Kentucky Mule: For bourbon lovers, swapping out the vodka for bourbon creates this Southern twist on the traditional Moscow Mule.
The Mexican Mule: Substitute tequila for the vodka and introduce a complexity to your Mule’s flavor profile.
The Garden Mule: Add a splash of pineapple or pomegranate juice and a handful of fresh herbs. The result is a fresh, fun, and colorful cocktail.

How to prep and store a moscow mule

Have guests coming over? You’ve made a wise decision going with the Moscow Mule as the evening’s official beverage. It isn’t just a thirst quencher; you can easily prep it up and chill it until your guests arrive.

If you’re having a bunch of friends over, why not fill a punch bowl or a big cocktail jug with your mix? That way, your squad can fill their cups as they please.

Any leftover cocktail mix isn’t going to keep for long because the ginger beer quickly loses its fizz, so I recommend trying to limit how much you mix to what you know you and your friends can easily handle. Besides, it’s not a complicated one to make, so if you run out, you can make more in no time.

If you do have flat ginger beer on your hands, you can still make use of it. Add it to sauces and marinades for a spicy-sweet kick.

Recipe