Learn how to make a Moscow mule! Served in an iconic copper mug, this classic cocktail is a refreshing combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime.
Have you ever made a Moscow mule? Served in a copper mug, this cocktail looks fancy, but don’t be fooled. With just three ingredients—vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice—this classic drink couldn’t be easier to make at home!
A Moscow mule is fizzy and refreshing, with a delicious gingery bite. I love sipping one on a warm summer evening or a crisp fall night. The combination of bright lime, warming ginger, and, well…being served in a mug makes it a great all-seasons drink.
I’m sharing my go-to Moscow mule recipe at the bottom of this post, with my best tips for making it and a little Moscow mule history along the way. I hope you enjoy!
History of the Moscow Mule
Despite its name, the Moscow mule isn’t a Russian cocktail. In fact, it likely originated in the United States—in Los Angeles, specifically—in the 1940s.
There are a few conflicting stories about how it came to be. One goes that the bartender of the Cock ‘n’ Bull Pub was trying to get rid of a stockpile of ginger beer and invented the drink to help it move. Another goes that a Russian woman named Sophie Berezinski was trying to sell her own copper mugs and teamed up with Jack Morgan, who had a proprietary ginger beer, and John Martin, a liquor distributor, to promote all three products in one cocktail.
Either way, this fizzy drink took off! It’s still one of the most popular cocktails in the US today.
Moscow Mule Ingredients
A classic Moscow mule consists of three simple ingredients:
- Vodka – I like Tito’s, but feel free to use your favorite. For a fun variation, try a Kentucky mule. Just replace the vodka with bourbon!
- Fresh lime juice – It gives this cocktail a bright, zesty kick. Make sure you use freshly squeezed lime juice. The bottled stuff doesn’t compare!
- And ginger beer – Not ginger ale—good ginger beer is typically less sweet and has a deeper spicy ginger flavor. I personally love Fever Tree and Topo Chico ginger beer. Reed’s is a good option too.
Round it out with a handful of ice to keep your drink cool as you sip!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make a Moscow Mule
A Moscow mule has to be one of the easiest cocktails to make. No cocktail shaker or other special equipment required! Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a Moscow mule mug (or a similar mug or glass) with ice.
- Add the vodka and lime juice.
- Top with the ginger beer, then taste and adjust. For a sweeter cocktail, add more ginger beer. For a brighter one, squeeze in more lime. Feel free to tweak the ratios until you find a balance of flavors you love!
- Garnish with a lime wedge or lime wheel and serve.
That’s it!
A Quick Note on Copper Mugs
You might be wondering, “Do I have to serve this recipe in a copper mug?” The short answer is no, you don’t! The metal is supposed to keep the drink colder for longer, but in a pinch, another mug or regular cocktail glass will totally work here too.
And something to consider if you are using copper mugs—a few years ago, warnings came out about the safety of serving acidic food and drinks in copper dishes. If you love the look of the classic cup, use one lined with stainless steel or nickel so that harmful substances don’t leach into your drink.
More Classic Cocktail Recipes to Try
If you love this Moscow mule recipe, try one of these classic cocktails next:
Moscow Mule Cocktail
Serves 1
Learn how to make a Moscow mule! This refreshing cocktail is easy to make with just 3 ingredients. I love it in the summertime or at the holidays—the ginger beer gives it a delicious warming flavor.
- Ice
- 2 ounces vodka
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- 3 ounces ginger beer
- Lime wheel, for garnish
Prevent your screen from going dark
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Fill a copper mug* or similar glass with ice. Add the vodka and lime juice and top with the ginger beer. Taste and adjust as desired.
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Garnish with a lime wheel and serve.
*preferably one lined with stainless steel, see the blog post above