Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a classic vodka cocktail made with spicy ginger beer and fresh lime juice. Traditionally served over ice in a copper mug, it's crisp, refreshing and lightly fiery, with a perfect balance of citrus and ginger. This easy Moscow Mule recipe takes just 5 minutes to make.
Moscow Mule Recipe
- Vodka 50 ml
- Lime juice 15 ml
- Ginger beer 100 ml
- Fresh lime 1 wedge, optional
- Ice 200 g
HOW TO BUILD A CLASSIC MOSCOW MULE
- Pour 50 ml vodka and 15 ml freshly squeezed lime juice into a lined copper mug or highball glass.
- Fill the mug with approximately 200 g of ice.
- Top with 100 ml well-chilled ginger beer and stir gently to combine without losing the bubbles.
- Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and serve immediately.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD MOSCOW MULE?
A great Moscow Mule balances three essential flavours: clean vodka, fresh lime acidity and the warming spice of ginger beer. The ginger beer is particularly important — choose one with a pronounced ginger flavour and lively carbonation rather than an overly sweet mixer.
Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the cocktail its bright, zesty character, while plenty of ice keeps everything crisp and refreshing. For the best result, use well-chilled ginger beer, stir gently and serve immediately to preserve the bubbles.
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MOSCOW MULE: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a classic Moscow Mule, from choosing the right vodka and ginger beer to balancing fresh lime, ginger spice and refreshing carbonation.
THE STORY OF THE MOSCOW MULE
The Moscow Mule emerged in the United States during the 1940s and became closely associated with its distinctive copper mug. Despite its name, the cocktail is American rather than Russian in origin.
Its simple combination of vodka, lime and ginger beer helped popularise vodka in the United States and created a refreshing template that has since inspired countless Mule variations.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A MOSCOW MULE
A clean, versatile vodka is the ideal base for a Moscow Mule, allowing the lime and ginger to remain at the centre of the drink. Absolut Vodka is an excellent choice thanks to its smooth, neutral character, which complements rather than overpowers the mixer.
The most important ingredient after vodka is a quality ginger beer. Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer delivers lively carbonation and a distinctive ginger spice that gives the cocktail its refreshing character. Always choose ginger beer rather than ginger ale if you want the traditional, more pronounced ginger flavour.
Freshly squeezed lime juice completes the combination, adding acidity that balances the ginger beer's sweetness. Avoid bottled lime cordial, which can make the finished cocktail unnecessarily sweet.
HOW TO MAKE A REFRESHING MOSCOW MULE
For the freshest Moscow Mule, chill the ginger beer before mixing and use freshly squeezed lime juice. Add the vodka and lime juice directly to your serving mug or glass, fill with ice and finish with ginger beer.
Stir only once or twice to combine the ingredients. Shaking is unnecessary and would reduce the ginger beer's carbonation. The finished cocktail should be cold, sparkling and zesty, with a noticeable ginger kick that balances the lime.
HOW TO SERVE A MOSCOW MULE
The traditional Moscow Mule is served in a copper mug filled generously with ice and garnished with a fresh lime wedge. Its distinctive presentation has become one of the cocktail's most recognisable features.
Choose a copper mug with a food-safe stainless steel or other suitable protective lining. Acidic ingredients such as lime juice should not come into direct contact with unlined copper.
If you don't have a copper mug, a tall highball glass works equally well. Use plenty of ice, top with chilled ginger beer and serve immediately while the cocktail is fresh and sparkling. For a different presentation, garnish with a lime wheel or add a small sprig of fresh mint.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MOSCOW MULE
What is a Moscow Mule made from?
A classic Moscow Mule combines vodka, lime juice and ginger beer. Drinkero's recipe uses 50 ml vodka, 15 ml lime juice and 100 ml ginger beer.
What vodka is best for a Moscow Mule?
A clean, versatile vodka works particularly well because it allows the lime and ginger flavours to remain prominent. Drinkero recommends Absolut Vodka.
What ginger beer should I use for a Moscow Mule?
Use a sparkling ginger beer with enough spice to remain distinctive alongside vodka and lime. Drinkero recommends Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer.
Is ginger beer the same as ginger ale?
No. Ginger beer generally has a stronger, spicier ginger character, while ginger ale tends to be softer and sweeter. For a classic Moscow Mule, use ginger beer.
Does a Moscow Mule have to be served in a copper mug?
No. The copper mug is traditional and strongly associated with the cocktail, but a highball glass also works perfectly well.
How do I make Moscow Mules for a group?
Choose 6, 12, 24 or 48 Moscow Mules in the Drinkero Cocktail Kit Builder. Drinkero calculates the vodka, lime juice, ginger beer and other quantities you need.
Is the Moscow Mule an official IBA cocktail?
Yes. The Moscow Mule is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktail list as a Contemporary Classic. See the IBA’s official Moscow Mule recipe for the classic specification.
