Moscow Mule

This Moscow mule cocktail is a popular drink that features vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer that is served in an iconic copper mug! A fizzy and fiery ginger flavor paired with the citrus lime and strong hit of vodka is a flawless combination! This drink is perfect for any occasion!

Best Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe

This classic Moscow mule cocktail is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser! With only 3 ingredients, you don’t need any bartending experience to be able to master this vodka ginger cocktail!

This drink is a no-tools-required masterpiece that is made straight in the copper mug! Top it off with a lime wedge and some mint for a complete experience!

Jump to:

• Best Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe
• 🌎 Origin
• 🍹 Ingredients
• 🍸 Instructions
• 🥂 Cocktail Tips & Variations
• 🍲 Foods To Serve With
• ❓ Why Are Moscow Mules Served In Copper Mugs?
• ❓ Is A Moscow Mule Sweet?
• ❓ Is A Moscow Mule Keto?
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Reviews

🌎 Origin

Of course, the Moscow mule cocktail has an unclear history, as many alcoholic drinks do. This beverage was created in the 1940s by the owner of a pub in Los Angeles named Jack Morgan as well as John Martin (who just bought Smirnoff).

Neither man was having any luck with selling their goods (ginger beer for Morgan and vodka for Martin) and therefore decided to create the drink.

The actual story of the copper mug has multiple variations. One version states that Morgan’s girlfriend owned a copper-making company.

Regardless, they marketed the cocktail by taking pictures of celebrities holding the copper mugs and Smirnoff vodka. The rest is history!

🍹 Ingredients

• Ice – As much ice as you need to fill your glass.
• Vodka – 2 ounces of vodka.
• Lime Juice – ½ ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice (about ½ of a lime).
• Ginger Beer – 3 ounces of chilled ginger beer (enough to top off the glass).
• Lime Wheel (optional) – 1 lime wheel for garnish, if desired.

*Be sure to see the recipe card below for ingredients, amounts, & instructions!*

🍸 Instructions

This drink is extremely easy to make! The only thing you’re going to need is a copper mug!

1. Fill with ice. To get started, fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add ingredients. Next, squeeze in ½ ounce of lime juice and drop in the spent ½ lime into the glass. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and then top off the cup with about 3 ounces of ginger beer.
3. Stir and garnish. Stir gently with a long spoon or stirring rod to combine. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy while it is cold!

🥂 Cocktail Tips & Variations

• Though delicious, ginger ale is not a suitable substitute for ginger beer when making a Moscow Mule. Ginger ale is a sweet soda while ginger beer is actually brewed and fermented which is key to achieving the drink's signature 'bite'.
• For a more elegant cocktail, garnish your Moscow Mule with a twist of candied ginger.

🍲 Foods To Serve With

• Pork Belly Ramen
• Leftover Lamb Curry
• Creamy Coconut Shrimp
• Sweet Potato Sushi
• Salmon With Dill Sauce
• Leftover Turkey Curry

❓ Why Are Moscow Mules Served In Copper Mugs?

First of all, the Moscow mule cocktail was created in a copper mug. So, traditionally, it is the cup of choice for this drink. Scientifically, the copper from the mugs insulates the temperature and keeps the drink refreshing and cool.

Additionally, it is believed by some individuals that the copper seems to make the drink taste better.

❓ Is A Moscow Mule Sweet?

A Moscow mule cocktail is more of a balance between strong, spicy, and slightly sweet. The ginger beer is fizzy and fiery while the vodka has a strong punch and then there is a hit of lime.

❓ Is A Moscow Mule Keto?

Ginger beer tends to be on the higher side for carbs. If you want to alter this into a more keto-friendly version, you could omit the ginger beer and use lime-flavored sparkling water along with fresh ginger.

📖 Recipe Card