Refreshing tart lime mingles with spicy ginger beer and vodka in this classic Moscow Mule. Crisp and invigorating, this vodka cocktail is ideal for warm weather — and for ginger lovers, it’s enjoyable year-round.
The Moscow Mule captured my heart the first time I tried it, and it’s remained a favorite ever since. Light, fizzy ginger beer balanced with vodka and fresh lime makes it a reliably delicious choice at a pub or at home.
Moscow Mule Cocktail
The Moscow Mule dates back to the early 1940s. Served traditionally in copper mugs, the cocktail is cold, crisp, and perfectly refreshing on a hot day. My version keeps things simple: just vodka, ginger beer, fresh lime, and ice — no syrups required.
If you don’t have a copper mug, a short cocktail glass works perfectly well — the flavors are the same.
Classic Moscow Mule Ingredients
This recipe yields two Moscow Mules. Full ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions are listed below in the recipe card.
- Fresh lime: Use fresh limes for the brightest flavor; bottled lime juice can work in a pinch.
- Vodka: Choose a vodka you like — smoother vodkas make a more balanced cocktail.
- Ginger beer: Opt for a ginger beer with a good spicy snap; sugar-free varieties are available if you prefer fewer calories.
- Ice: Crushed ice is recommended for the best chill and texture.
- Optional garnish: Fresh mint, candied ginger, or a few thin slices of fresh ginger add aroma and extra ginger bite.
- Serveware: A copper mule mug is traditional and keeps the drink icy cold, but a rocks or cocktail glass is fine too.
How to Make a Classic Moscow Mule
1. Fill: Pack a 16-ounce copper mug or small tumbler with crushed ice.
2. Pour: Add 2 ounces vodka and about 6 ounces (half a 12-ounce can) ginger beer.
3. Add: Squeeze half a lime into the glass, then drop the squeezed half into the mug.
4. Stir: Give it a quick stir to combine, garnish if desired, and serve immediately.
That’s it — crushed ice, ginger beer, vodka, and fresh lime. For more ginger intensity, add a pinch of grated fresh ginger or garnish with a thin slice of ginger.
Is Ginger Beer Alcoholic?
Traditional ginger beer was fermented and contained alcohol, but most modern commercial ginger beers have negligible alcohol and are treated like non-alcoholic mixers. Despite the name, many brands are closer to ginger soda in strength and sweetness.
Best Ginger Beer for Moscow Mules
Choose a ginger beer with a lively, spicy bite for the best mule. If you can’t find ginger beer, use ginger ale and add freshly grated ginger to boost the flavor.
Tips for a Great Moscow Mule
Follow these simple tips for a consistently excellent mule:
- Chill everything: keep vodka in the freezer and ginger beer cold; pop the copper mug in the freezer briefly for an extra-cold drink.
- Use a spicy, quality ginger beer for more ginger heat.
- Pick a smooth vodka — it improves the overall balance without needing to be premium.
Variations to Explore
The mule template is versatile. Swap the base spirit or add fruit to create variations like a Kentucky Mule (bourbon), Mexican Mule (tequila), or flavored mules using pomegranate, peach, or citrus.
Recipe Card
Moscow Mule
Ginger beer, vodka, and lime make this refreshing drink.
Ingredients
- 1 lime, cut in half
- 4 ounces vodka (2 oz per cocktail)
- 1 12-ounce can ginger beer (use about 6 oz per cocktail)
- Ice, preferably crushed
Instructions
- Fill a 16-ounce copper mug or small tumbler with crushed ice.
- Pour in 2 ounces vodka per serving.
- Add about 6 ounces ginger beer.
- Squeeze half a lime into each glass and drop the spent half into the mug.
- Stir briefly and serve. Garnish with mint, candied ginger, or fresh ginger if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 232 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Sugar: 24 g | Sodium: 14 mg | Fiber: 1 g
Thirsty yet? Let’s make Moscow Mules!
This recipe was originally posted on May 22, 2014 and updated for clarity and usability on March 2, 2023.