Moscow Mule – Is there any cocktail more classic? A combination of fresh lime juice, bubbly and spicy ginger beer, and some silky smooth vodka results in the quintessential summer time sipper.
This cocktail is an absolute classic if there ever was one! This drink is perfect for those who want something easy, refreshing, flavorful, but not too booze forward. In short if you’re looking for something to sip on all day out on the patio with the sun shining down, this is the drink for you.
So what exactly is a Moscow Mule you may be wondering, and in that case all I can say is I’m sorry you’ve been unfamiliar with it for so long! This drink has 3 basic components: ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and vodka. It’s a drink that you build, meaning no need for shakers or any fancy equipment, just assemble and stir well.
Which Ginger Beer Is Best?
Well it depends on what you’re looking for from this cocktail! Believe me when I say that not all ginger beers are made equally. This isn’t a super popular ingredient for some kitchens so rather than going into the liquor store blind, here’s some pointers to help you on your way.
- Are you looking for something sweet? Then Cock ‘n Bull is the brand for you, it uses real sugar and has a nice rich caramel color.
- Do you prefer something really gingery? Then pick up some Fever Tree for that lip puckering slightly spicy taste.
- Looking for something spicy? Then pick up some Maine Root Ginger Beer
- Do you prefer a more mild ginger beer to let that lime and vodka shine? Then pick up Fentimans.
Ingredient Notes
- Vodka – You don’t necessarily need to use the best stuff on your shelf since we’re going to be masking a lot of those subtle flavors with the rest of our ingredients. Use whichever brand you like best mixed into cocktails!
- Ginger beer – This is the key to ensuring we get a mule worth raving about! Preferences differ but follow the guide I gave above to find which ginger beer works best for your palate.
- Lime – Fresh lime juice is a must no ifs ands or buts about it! I also cut a lime into wedges for a nice fresh garnish.
How To Make Moscow Mule
- Assemble the drinks: Fill two copper mugs or similarly sized glass with ice. Add the vodka, lime juice and ginger beer to a pitcher. Gently swirl it with a spoon to mix. Pour into the prepared mugs.
- Garnish with lime wedges and mint if prefer and enjoy.
Copper Mugs Are A Must
Well I mean traditionally this cocktail is served in a copper mug! Something about the metal’s ability to keep the drink ice cold and completely refreshing. Now it’s not necessarily a must and there’s been some eyebrow raising articles that have come out in the past few years discussing the risk of copper cook ware with acidic ingredients like lime juice so if this is a concern for you pick up some aluminum lined mugs.
Not On Speaking Terms With Vodka?
Well no problem! The great thing about this drink is just how easy it is to tweak and adjust to accommodate any and all of your favorite spirits. Here’s some delicious re imaginings:
- Use dark rum instead for a Dark & Stormy
- Sub in tequila for a Mexican Mule
- Gin is a great substitute for a Gin Mule
- Use your favorite bourbon for a Kentucky Mule
How To Make Your Own Ginger ‘Beer’
Now this won’t be authentic by any means but if you’d prefer to go homemade here’s just how to do it!
- Juice fresh ginger, this is pretty labor intensive to keep that in mind before you get in too deep!
- Combine this ginger juice 1:1 with sugar to create a syrup and combine this mixture with soda water.
What Else Can I Add To My Moscow Mule?
There’s plenty of ways you can take this drink to the next level by adding some of your favorite cocktail ingredients, so let’s get into them!
- Muddled fruits like raspberry, blackberry, pineapple, or grapefruit.
- Mint, parsley, cilantro
- Some heat from sliced jalapeno peppers, only go this route if you’re a spice fiend like me!
More Related Recipes:
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Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 4 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice about 2 limes
- 8 ounce ginger beer
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
- Assemble the drinks: Fill two copper mugs or similarly sized glass with ice. Add the vodka, lime juice and ginger beer to a pitcher. Gently swirl it with a spoon to mix. Pour into the prepared mugs.
- Garnish with lime wedges and mint if prefer and enjoy.
Moscow Mule is a CLASSIC!!! and it truly tastes better in the copper mug, even if it is in my own mind. If you would like a non-alcoholic version of a mule, try mixing cranberry cocktail with the ginger beer (you need a very gingery beer for this version) and lime juice. I discovered this over the Christmas holiday and it is a great holiday mock-tail.
That sounds amazing! Thank you for the tip 🙂