Moscow Mule Recipe

Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe

Written by: Yuri Jones
July 8, 2025

Image source: Food52

Prep Time

3 minutes

Servings

1

Glassware

Copper Mug and Highball Glass

Ingredients

2 oz vodka (60 ml)
½ oz fresh lime juice (15 ml)
4 oz ginger beer (120 ml)
Lime wedge, for garnish

Tools

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Jigger
Citrus juicer
Bar spoon
Paring knife (for garnish)

Directions

Fill a copper mug or highball glass with fresh ice.
Add vodka and lime juice, then top with ginger beer.
Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a lime wedge.

Mixologist's Notes

Always use fresh lime juice, bottled juice flattens the flavor.
A spicy, high-quality ginger beer makes all the difference.
The copper mug isn’t just for looks, it keeps the drink frosty cold.

Flavor Profile

Zesty, spicy, and invigorating with bright citrus and ginger.

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About the Moscow Mule cocktail

The Moscow Mule is more American than its name suggests, and it has a refreshingly fizzy history.

This cocktail was born in the 1940s at the Cock 'n' Bull pub in Los Angeles. At the time, vodka was struggling to catch on in the U.S., and ginger beer wasn’t exactly flying off shelves either.

Enter a savvy bartender and a marketing mind or two, and a star was born.

Served in its now-iconic copper mug, the Moscow Mule helped launch vodka into mainstream American drinking culture.

Why the Moscow Mule Keeps Its Cool

The Moscow Mule cocktail recipe is a study in simplicity and refreshment.

It combines vodka, lime juice, and spicy ginger beer. That’s it. No shaking, no straining - just a quick stir and you’re done. The drink is crisp, effervescent, and incredibly easy to enjoy.

The copper mug isn’t just for looks, either. It keeps the drink icy cold and adds a little something to the ritual of sipping.

Variations and Pairing Ideas

There are endless riffs on the Mule.

Use bourbon for a Kentucky Mule
Try tequila for a Mexican Mule
Swap in gin for a London Mule
Add muddled berries or herbs for seasonal spins

Mules pair beautifully with spicy or rich food. Think Thai noodles, barbecue, tacos al pastor, or even fried appetizers. The ginger beer’s spice and citrus bite cut through big flavors with ease.