The Moscow Mule is a pretty simple drink, you just need three ingredients: vodka, ginger beer and lime. Its simplicity is what makes it so appealing since it takes little effort to make yet results in a cocktail with fantastic flavor. So why not add a little twist to the same old thing now and then?
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Moscow Mule Ingredients
Ginger Beer
Ginger beer dominates the flavor of the three ingredients so this is the most important ingredient unless you're worried about hangovers from cheap vodka (I won't suggest any here). Fever-Tree makes a "Refreshingly Light" ginger beer with half the sugar, calories, and carbs as other ginger beers. If you go with another brand look for real ginger in the ingredients.
Bonus Tip: While the name Ginger Beer may suggest that this beverage has alcohol in it, ginger beer is actually a non-alcoholic drink. In a grocery or liquor store you won't find it next to the vodka and tequila. Look for it next to other products for mixed drinks, such as soda or tonic water, the soda section or sometimes it's in both sections.
Vodka
My go to is Tito's vodka (40% ABV) with a grainy, earthy sweetness that really brings out the flavor. Tito's is made from yellow corn, rather than potatoes or wheat and also happens to be gluten free and affordable. You can't go wrong with top shelf vodkas like Ketel One or Grey Goose but it just isn't necessary with a mixed drink.
Limes
Bottled lime juice will work but I'd suggest squeezing fresh limes. Persian limes (Bearss Limes), Key limes (Mexican limes), Kaffir limes and other limes will all work. Unless you're a true lime connoisseur (who is) you probably won't notice the difference between any fresh lime used.
Ice
Ice is another subtle element of a Moscow mule. Crushed ice is recommended and cubed ice will work as well. Large Ice mold squares or balls are great too especially if it's hot and you're looking to keep the ice from melting.
Copper Mugs
A decent copper mug is key to the Moscow Mule experience as the Copper helps take on the temperature of the drink by keeping it cold. Looks refreshing too! Unfortunately copper mugs are not cheap and many bars have stopped using copper mugs because they are often stolen. You can get by with a regular cocktail glass at home or a bar.
Including ice, an ideal copper mug has 16 to 20 ounces of space.
Types of Moscow Mules with Different Alcohol
- Mexican Mule - Swap out vodka with tequila.
- Kentucky Mule - Might be too obvious but this mule is made with whiskey. Switch out your whiskey for a Tennessee mule, Irish mule, or a Glasgow mule.
- Jamaican or Cuban Mule - Rum instead of vodka.
- Dark & Stormy Mule - Now spiced rum instead of vodka.
- London or Gin-Gin Mule - As the name London might imply this version is with gin.
- French Mule - This one is exchanged for brandy.
Other mule variations include using cognac, absinthe, and much more.
Moscow Mule Garnishments, Twists & Variations
These twists and garnishments are perfect for any night or seasonal and holiday Moscow Mules. Find the recipes for many of the ideas below.
- Blackberries and cucumbers pair well with ginger.
- Add sprigs fresh mint, rosemary, or cilantro, or muddle Thai basil.
- Balance out the sweetness with a dash of bitters e.g. Angostura Aromatic or Orange Bitters.
- If you must substitute ginger beer for ginger ale, bitters are a perfect addition to reduce the sweetness.
- Try a grapefruit or orange instead of a lime.
- Add pumpkin spice, syrup, pumpkin puree or even pumpkin apple juice.
- Splash some cranberry, apple or any fruit drink or cider into the mule.
- Add some heat with Jalapenos.
- Muddle and your favorite fruit to the drink e.g. cranberry, cherry, blood orange, pomegranate.
- Instead of vodka Jello shots make Moscow Mule Jello shots.
Don't forget to name your Moscow Mule creation!
A little history: The mule was originally created as a marketing scheme to sell copper mugs and it sure worked more than the person who came up with the idea could have possibly imagined.
21 Incredible Moscow Mule Variations
We've got 21 easy Moscow Mule variations here for you, starting with a classic mule then on to spring and summer flavors, a few for fall and ending with all you'll need for a perfect Moscow Mule holiday during the winter time!
Classic Moscow Mule
You can't go wrong with a classic mule on a hot summer day!
Blueberry Cucumber Moscow Mule
Blackberries pair perfectly with ginger with the this awesome mule.
Very Cherry Moscow Mule
Super sweet if you if you add the amount of maraschino cherries called for!
Cocktail Idea :: Tuaca Mule
Made with a a vanilla citrus liqueur, Tuaca, it's a great variation on the popular Moscow Mule .
Mexican Mule
Swap out vodka with tequila and you have a Mexican mule. Add Jalapenos and you have a spicy Mexican mule.
Candied Jalapeno Moscow Mule aka Cowboy Candy Mule
This recipe uses the syrup and jalapeno slices from candied jalapenos (cowbody candy) to add a bit of sweet and spicy to your cocktail.
Mediterranean Mule
This delicious beverage is made with fig vodka, limoncello, and ginger beer.
Kentucky Mule Recipe
Kentucky bourbon drinkers will this twist with bourbon instead of vodka.
Spiced Pear Moscow Mule
The perfect fall cocktail, this Spiced Pear Moscow Mule features spiced pear simple syrup, vodka, lime and ginger beer.
Cider Mule - The Missing Lokness
Apple cider is a fall favorite and this drink will get your fall vibes going.
Spiced Apple Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe
Another fall drink, this Spiced Apple Moscow Mule cocktail recipe is made with vodka, apple cider, ginger beer, and a spiced simple syrup.
Caramel Apple Moscow Mule Cocktail
Caramel apples are a fall favorite and this recipe combines caramel apples with another favorite, Moscow mules.
Blackberry Moscow Mule for Halloween
This black-colored blackberry cocktail with rum is the perfect cocktail for Halloween.
Festive Cranberry Vanilla Moscow Mule Recipe
The festive cranberry vanilla moscow mule is sweet, spicy, and totally refreshing. Perfect for a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!
Cranberry Moscow Mules
Another perfectly festive drink for your next holiday gathering
Champagne Moscow Mule
Celebrate New Year's Eve with this Champagne Moscow Mule and start the new year off right!
Pumpkin Spice Moscow Mule
Perfect for a fall , Halloween or Thanksgiving cocktail, this mule variation adds pumpkin pie spice and canned pumpkin to a traditional mule.
Strawberry Moscow Mules
Simply muddle strawberries for a spring or summertime cocktail. Other fruits are great to experiment with as well.
Moscow Mule Jello Shots
These Moscow Mule Jello shots are perfect for taking Jello shots to the next level. Add cranberry juice for a holiday twist.
Frozen Moscow Mules
This simple twist is perfect on a hot day and quick and easy with just one extra step. Freeze the ginger in ice trays and blend with vodka and lime juice.
Moscow Mule with Bitters
Adding bitters to a Moscow Mule is perfect for balancing out the sweetness and adding a little more flavor.
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Lokness says
This is an awesome Moscow mule list! So refreshing! Love to try a few of them. Thank you very much for having my cider mule recipe. 🙂
Kristy Bernardo says
My pleasure, Lokness! Cheers 🙂
Brandie says
I'm so excited to see this recipe collection - I love Moscow Mules and would love even more ideas for them. I'm honored to have my Spiced Apple Moscow Mule recipe included! Thanks Kristy!
Kristy Bernardo says
You're so welcome, Brandie! I appreciate you sharing your yummy recipe! Cheers 🙂
Leah says
Thanks so much for including 3 of ours! These all look so good! Cheers!
Kristy Bernardo says
They all look SO good, Leah! I really appreciate you letting me share them. Have a great weekend! Cheers 🙂
Lauren @ A Nerd Cooks says
Thanks so much for including my Cranberry Vanilla Moscow Mule! This is such a lovely list of cocktails.
Kristy Bernardo says
You're more than welcome, Lauren! I really appreciate you contributing your yummy Cranberry Vanilla version. Cheers! 🙂