Original Moscow Mule Recipe (2024)

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5 from 2 votes

by Lisa Longley

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posted: 02/15/19

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Jump to Recipe

by Lisa Longley

|

posted: 02/15/19

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Jump to Recipe

This is the best Moscow Mule Recipe! Moscow Mulesare such a popular co*cktail because Moscow Mule ingredients are so easy to come by and mix together to make the perfect flavor combination. Learn this classic co*cktail, invest in some Moscow Mule mugs, and make it again and again.

Original Moscow Mule Recipe (2)
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The Best Moscow Mule Recipe

Can we talk for a minute about my very favorite co*cktail to make and make variations of?? It is of course THE MOSCOW MULE!

The Moscow Mule drink is such a popular co*cktail right now! Probably because they are so easy to make, they come in a fun copper mug and they are absolutely delicious! Because they are made with just a few simple ingredients, it is very easy to make fun twists on them. Last summer I made these amazing Frozen Moscow Mules. They are made with only three ingredients and make a big batch so they are perfect for parties!

But you really can’t beat the original Moscow Mule recipe.

If you are wondering about all things Moscow Mule, you’ve come to the right place!

Original Moscow Mule Recipe (3)

How to Make a Moscow Mule

What’s in a Moscow Mule, you ask? A Moscow Mule combines three simple ingredients:

  • Vodka: I prefer Titos when making our Moscow Mules
  • Lime Juice: Though freshly squeezed is the preferred way to go, you can certainly use bottled as that is sometimes easier to keep on hand.
  • Ginger Beer: The best ginger beer for a Moscow Mule can be debated forever. I love Crabbies, as you can see pictured here. I’ve also used (and enjoyed) Sprecher Hard Ginger Beer. Both of those have alcohol in them and make for a stronger drink. If you prefer a milder drink, you can use a non alcoholic ginger beer, Fever Tree is a great brand.

If you can’t find ginger beer or if you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, that isn’t quite as strong, you can replace the ginger beer with ginger ale. It won’t be the original Moscow Mule, but it will be delicious.

Original Moscow Mule Recipe (4)

What is the History of the Moscow Mule?

Though everyone thinks of the Moscow Mule as a drink that came from Russia, it was actually born in the United States. It came together with three people in Hollywood looking to market three things: copper mugs, ginger beer, and vodka. I bet they had no idea what a genius combination they had and how far it would go.

Why Does a Moscow Mule have to be in a Copper Mug?

Though the mule certainly doesn’t have to be in a copper mug, the reason it continues to be served that way is because the copper keeps the drink nice and cold, and it certainly tastes best ice cold. Not only that, copper mugs are just cool.

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Moscow Mule Variations

One of my favorite things about the Moscow Mule recipe is how many great variations you can make of it.

  • Moscow Mule with Gin: This might be my absolute favorite variation, but I’ve always been gin lover.
  • Frozen Moscow Mules: As I mentioned above, this is a really popular recipe and perfect for a party.
  • Tropical Moscow Mules: It’s like a Moscow Mule and a Pina Colada had a baby. A delicious amazing baby.
  • Jalapeño Moscow Mules: I LOVE this recipe. It starts with my Jalapeno Infused Vodka! So so so yummy!
  • Champagne Moscow Mule: If you love a good bubbly co*cktail, you have to try this one!
  • Margarita Moscow Mules: Like the BEST margarita recipe and Moscow Mules had a baby. I’m super into procreating co*cktails.
  • Cherry Moscow Mules: This one is pretty simple, but sometimes simple is best. You’ll love it!
  • Kentucky Mule: Love whiskey? You will LOVE this recipe!
Original Moscow Mule Recipe (6)

Original Moscow Mule Recipe (7)

5 from 2 votes

Original Moscow Mule Recipe

Serves: 1 co*cktail

(tap # to scale)

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Total: 5 minutes minutes

This is the best Moscow Mule recipe! The ingredients are so easy to come by and mix together to make the perfect flavor combination.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka
  • 1/2 cup ginger beer see note
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice
  • 1 lime wedge for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a glass or copper mug and garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy!

Notes

If you don’t like the taste of ginger beer or it makes it too strong for you, you can substitute ginger ale. It will change the taste a bit but will still be delicious.

Calories: 162kcal (8%) Carbohydrates: 10g (3%) Potassium: 26mg (1%) Sugar: 9g (10%) Vitamin C: 9.1mg (11%) Iron: 0.2mg (1%)

Author: Lisa Longley

Course: co*cktails

Cuisine: American

Original Moscow Mule Recipe (8)

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Original Moscow Mule Recipe

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Original Moscow Mule Recipe (13)

Original Moscow Mule Recipe (14)

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

Reader Interactions

    LEAVE A COMMENT

  1. Linda Powell says

    I have always loved Moscow mules ( with
    gin the are a good summer drink.

    Reply

    • Original Moscow Mule Recipe (16)Lisa Longley says

      I love them with gin too!

      Reply

  2. Original Watches says

    Original Moscow Mule Recipe (17)
    Hey dear,

    such a amazing site..

    Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing & just amazing that persuade me to commenting..

    so I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job Man, Keep it up

    Reply

  3. Kassel Marie Williams says

    OMG thank you for sharing this!!! I will definitely try this!

    Reply

  4. ricky g albanese says

    mabie a moscow mule would have gin and ginseng, and cream or cream liqueur

    Reply

  5. Michelle says

    Every photo shows mint – yet it’s not listed in the ingredients.

    Reply

    • Original Moscow Mule Recipe (18)Lisa Longley says

      That is because it makes a pretty garnish, but it isn’t at all necessary for you to enjoy the recipe and I would hate for readers to spend the extra money on ingredients that aren’t necessary.

      Reply

  6. Barbara says

    I can’t find frozen limeade concentrate. What could I substitute?

    Reply

    • Original Moscow Mule Recipe (19)Lisa Longley says

      You can use really any juice concentrate, it just won’t be frozen Moscow Mules without the limeade. You need that lime flavor for Moscow Mules. But we have a Pink Party Punch version of this and a Frozen Vodka Lemonade version on our sister site, Shake Drink Repeat.

      Reply

Original Moscow Mule Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What was mixed with vodka in 1946 to make a Moscow Mule? ›

Legend has it that the two men met at New York City's Chatham Bar and hit on the idea of mixing Martin's vodka with Morgan's ginger beer and adding a squeeze of lime (perhaps inspired by the Cuba Libre) to create the Moscow Mule.

What did they change Moscow Mule to? ›

And bar proprietors are changing the names of their co*cktails to make it clear what side they're on: In many places, the Moscow Mule is now the Kyiv Mule. In at least one bar, it's the Snake Island Mule, a reference to the Ukrainian territory where border guards made a defiant last stand against invading troops.

Is stainless steel or copper better for Moscow Mule? ›

In fact, Iowa's Alcoholic Beverages Division recommends that if bar and restaurant owners are going to use copper mugs for acidic drinks such as the Moscow Mule, then they should use copper mugs lined with stainless steel in order to avoid copper leaching.

Is Tito's vodka good for Moscow Mule? ›

A neutral spirit, Tito's Vodka is anything but bland. Pouring it over crushed ice, you'll unlock a delectable crispness that elevates your Moscow Mule to new heights.

What's the difference between a Moscow Mule and a Russian mule? ›

The Russian Mule, also known as the Moscow Mule, is a co*cktail that has been around for decades. There are a couple of stories that explain how it came into existence, but one of the most popular ones has its origins in Los Angeles.

What is the new name for Moscow mules? ›

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, some American and Canadian bars began to refer to the drink as a "Kyiv mule" – referring to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv – in protest of the invasion.

What's the difference between a Moscow Mule and American mule? ›

American Mule

Using Tito's Texas-made vodka makes this an American version of the classic Moscow mule. Be sure to buy ginger beer, not ginger ale – it has a much stronger, spicier flavor.

Why do Moscow mules have to be in a copper cup? ›

This gives a refreshing, spicy taste to Moscow Mules. A cold metal, Copper conducts heat quickly and helps transfer that coolness to your hands and your lips. You will feel a chilled rim in each sip. Moscow Mule mugs have a long handle as well, so your hand doesn't warm the drink when you reach for it.

Can you make a Moscow Mule without a copper mug? ›

Most co*cktails require specific glassware for their drinks—the highball and the martini glass, for example—however, the copper mug for the Moscow Mule is a must.

Why is Moscow Mule so good? ›

A great Moscow mule combines smooth vodka with ice-cold, spicy ginger beer and lime – in a signature copper mug. Ginger beer doesn't taste the same without the copper mug, which highlights the sweet-and-spicy taste of the beverage.

Do you chill copper mugs for Moscow mules? ›

Copper mugs help to keep the temperature of the Moscow Mule nice and frosty. There's some science behind this. Copper is a conductive material, which means it heats and cools very quickly. When you fill a copper mug with ice and liquid ingredients, it becomes chilled and helps the drink to hold its temperature.

What drink is similar to a Moscow Mule? ›

The Kentucky Mule is a southern twist on the traditional Moscow Mule. Instead of using vodka, this delicious co*cktail uses bourbon. Simply mix your favorite bourbon with ginger beer and lime juice. Stir it, fill it with ice, and you've got yourself a refreshing and slightly spicier mule.

Is Grey Goose good for Moscow Mule? ›

Perfect Summer Drink!

A Moscow Mule is one of my favorite drinks and Grey Goose makes it even better. I used Fever Tree Ginger Beer and it was delicious!

Is Smirnoff ice a Moscow Mule? ›

The Smirnoff Ice Moscow Mule is the newest addition to the delicious line-up of Smirnoff Ice flavors. It's inspired by the popular co*cktail and has that perfect balance of crisp ginger and lime flavor, with just a touch of sweetness.

What did Russians make vodka out of before potatoes? ›

Before that, the drink was typically made from grains. To this day, most vodka is made from grains like corn, rice, and wheat, but potatoes are an option because according to Vinepair, vodka "can be distilled from any agricultural product containing sugar or starch." Potatoes, beets, and rice are all starchy options.

What was the first Russian vodka made from? ›

What Was Vodka First Made From? Vodka was initially made from potatoes and contained a lower alcohol content than it does today. Now, many liquor brands use grains instead.

What is the main alcohol in a Moscow Mule? ›

Vodka: Moscow mules are traditionally made with vodka. Lime: You'll need the juice for the drink and a wedge for garnish. Ice: Moscow mules are cold served over ice. Ginger beer: Not to be confused with ginger ale!

What is the alcohol content of an old fashioned? ›

37% ABV | 74 PROOF

Widely recognized as the first co*cktail, the old fashioned is a go-to co*cktail for bourbon lovers. The Double Old Fashioned is a three ounce pour of bourbon straight from the barrel, a blend of three bitters, and demerara syrup with a hint of orange zest.

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