Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe

The Moscow Mule is made with vodka, ginger beer, and fresh-squeezed lime juice, this easy to make 3-ingredient cocktail recipe is perfect for any party and any season. It’s crisp, slightly spicy, and refreshing!

I spent last week celebrating the holidays. Needless to say, I did some drinking. Speaking of drinking, I decided to try out a bottle of Stolichnaya I received as a gift. I don’t know about you, but when I hear the word “Stoli”, one of the first things that come to my mind is a Moscow Mule cocktail.

I was excited to enjoy my vodka and do some cocktail mixing. My favorite of them all this classic Moscow Mule. Made with vodka, ginger beer, and freshly squeezed lime juice, it was incredibly refreshing.

I am a big fan of ginger beer and ginger ale mixers not only because they are spicy but also because they’re a festive flavor for the holidays. I’ve shared all my tips for making the very best Moscow Mule.

Onto the recipe...

Moscow Mule Ingredients

You need only 3 ingredients to make a classic Moscow Mule: Vodka, ginger beer, and freshly squeezed lime juice.

• Vodka: Good-quality vodka is a must. A few well-known brands I recommend are Stolichnaya, Grey Goose, or Tito’s for a smooth finish.
• Ginger Beer: When it comes to ginger beer, I am a big fan of brands like Fever-Tree. Use your favorite brand! This has a spicier kick than ginger ale–so don’t use that as a substitute.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for an authentic taste. It adds the perfect tartness to balance the sweetness of the ginger beer. I know people buy convenient bottled lime juice, and I agree that it is convenient, but I think the extra few minutes spent squeezing your own is worth it for the best Moscow Mule drink.
• Mint (optional garnish): As you can see in my picture, I used fresh mint leaves for garnish. While note traditional, I jazz up my Mules with a lime wedge or wheel too!
• Ice: A Moscow Mule is best served over ice in a chilled copper mug.

Related: 40 Ginger Ale Cocktail Recipes

How to Make a Moscow Mule

This drink is easier to make than you think. To make a Moscow Mule:

• Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice: I prefer cubed ice, but crushed ice works as well.
• Pour in the vodka and lime juice
• Top off with ginger beer: Give it a stir.
• Garnish and serve: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and lime wedge.

Serve immediately to ensure the ginger beer bubbles are fresh and vibrant! It takes under 5 minutes to make, which is perfect for parties.

Want something stronger? Add more vodka! Or less if you prefer.

Moscow Mule Variations to Try

I think the combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime never gets old. Here are some fun variations you can switch things up with:

• Gin-Gin Mule – The first is gin is the botanical liquor we know and love. The second is ginger beer.
• Dark & Stormy – Swap in dark rum for vodka [Check out my 30 Kraken Cocktails]
• Kentucky Mule – Use bourbon whiskey instead of vodka
• Mexican Mule – Swap vodka with tequila
• Oaxacan Mule – Swap vodka with mezcal
• American Mule – American and Moscow Mule are the same thing

The Moscow Mule ratio

Whether you are using vodka, gin, whiskey, or tequila, the ratio of spirit to ginger beer and lime juice is the same.

A classic Moscow Mule is based on the 4:2:1 ratio of ginger beer to vodka to lime juice.

• 4 oz. of ginger beer to 2 oz. of vodka to 1 oz. fresh lime juice OR
• 2 parts ginger beer to 1 part vodka to 1/2 part of fresh lime juice

You can play around with the ratios based on your preferences and change it up to your liking.

In addition to mixing up a Mule, I made it a point to make The BEST Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe with my bottle of vodka.

What vodka is best for a Moscow Mule?

The best vodka for a classic Moscow Mule is one that you enjoy drinking straight. Here are some recommendations:

• Stolichnaya: This Russian vodka brand mixes well with ginger beer and lime juice.
• Belvedere Vodka: A top-shelf Polish vodka that provides a rich and velvety texture, making it an excellent choice for a Moscow Mule.
• Absolut Vodka: This Swedish vodka is versatile and widely available.
• Grey Goose: This premium vodka from France is well-regarded for its clean taste.
• Ketel One: Known for its crispness and smooth finish, Ketel One is great for a Moscow Mule.
• Tito’s Handmade Vodka: Known for its smoothness and quality, Tito’s is a popular choice.

Feel free to use any vodka you prefer; just avoid flavored vodkas as they can alter the classic taste of the cocktail.

Equipment needed to make a Moscow Mule

• Copper Mug: Essential for serving and enhancing the cocktail’s chill factor.
• Bar Spoon: Great for stirring.
• Jigger: Helps ensure you get the right proportions of liquid ingredients.
• Citrus Juicer: Freshly squeezed lime juice makes a huge difference in flavor.

Love classic cocktails? Try my Margarita, Long Island Iced Tea or Mojito!

How to scale up for a party

I set up my own Moscow Mule station by placing the below ingredients on a table for my guests:

• A bottle of vodka (or whiskey or rum or tequila or gin): Place a bottle of your favorite spirit along with a cocktail jigger so that your guests can easily measure and mix their own Moscow Mule.
• Ginger beer: Fill a large bowl with ice to chill bottles of ginger beer in it to keep them cold.
• Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice: Squeeze some fresh lime juice and place it in a glass bottle.
• Sliced Limes: Fill a bowl with fresh lime next to a cutting board with a knife so that your guests can have fresh slices.
• Fill a small bowl with fresh mint leaves: I include fresh mint in a small bowl filled with water to keep my mint fresh.
• Moscow Mule mugs or cocktail glasses
• A bucket of ice: Fill an ice bucket with crushed or cubed ice and place it next to the Moscow Mule mugs.
• Print out the measurements, and place them in a frame (or away from spilled ingredients).

When to serve a Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is bubbly and zingy. It’s perfect for sipping as a:

• Happy hour drink
• Holiday drink
• Summer drink
• Cocktail hour drink
• Dinner party drink
• Late night drinks drink
• Guys or girls night out

Moscow Mule Recipe

Singing with spicy ginger notes, the Moscow Mule is a refreshing drink. This classic cocktail is made with simple ingredients. Makes 1 drink.

Continue to Content

Moscow Mule Cocktail

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Additional Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes

The Moscow Mule is a vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice cocktail. It's perfectly balanced – citrusy, slightly spicy, and fizzy – and so easy to make!

Print

Ingredients

• 4 oz. ginger beer
• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice
• Ice (cubed)
• Optional: Lime wedge and mint sprig (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a Copper Mug: Start by filling a copper mug with ice.
2. Add Vodka and Lime Juice: Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice.
3. Top with Ginger Beer: Fill the mug with ginger beer (about 4 ounces), depending on your taste preference.
4. Stir Gently: Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients without losing the fizz from the ginger beer.
5. Garnish: Optionally garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.

Notes

• Use freshly squeezed lime juice, not bottled. Adjust the amount of lime based on your preference.
• Try different brands of ginger beer based on your desired spice level.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 7 oz.
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 220Sodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 30gNet Carbohydrates: 30gSugar: 28g

It’s that easy! I love this classic Moscow Mule recipe! It’s easy to make one or scale up for a crowd. I hope you give my classic Moscow Mule recipe a try!

Why I LOVE this classic Moscow Mule Recipe

In its purest form, the Moscow Mule is a delightful combination of vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. This is a fabulous cocktail for any occasion! My classic Moscow Mule recipe is perfect—light and refreshing. When made correctly, you’ve got a drink that’s invigorating.

Moscow Mule FAQs

What does a Moscow Mule taste like?

Moscow Mules are refreshingly bubbly and spicy from the ginger beer, with a bright citrus kick from the lime juice.

Is ginger beer spicy?

Ginger beer has a strong ginger taste with a slightly peppery kick. Some brands are spicier than others, so choose based on your preference.

How did the Moscow Mule get it’s name?

Despite the name, Moscow Mules are an American invention. ‘Moscow’ refers to the vodka in the recipe, with ginger beer giving it a kick, ‘like a mule’.

Where did the Moscow Mule originate?

Moscow Mule are one of the most popular cocktails in American. It was created in Los Angeles in the 1940s.

Why is the Moscow Mule served in a copper cup?

The cold copper metal cup with a handle insulates the chilled ginger beer’s temperature, keeping the drink cool.

More vodka drinks

Can’t get enough vodka? Check out my vodka cocktails for more drink inspo.

• Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail
• Vodka and Sprite Cocktail
• Frozen Honey Deuce Cocktail Recipe
• 30 Yellow Cocktails with Vodka (+Recipes)
• 30 Green Vodka Cocktails (+Recipes)

More drink recipes I know you’ll LOVE!

Here are some of my best mixed drink and cocktail collections:

• 40 Ginger Ale Cocktails
• 30 Kraken Cocktails to Try
• 50 Best Gin Martinis (+ Recipes)
• Peanut Butter Whiskey and Coke
• 30 Malibu Rum Cocktail Recipes
• 21 Bourbon Martinis Perfect

Let me know how your Moscow Mule cocktail turns out in the comments! I hope you make the BEST Moscow Mule Ever!

Cheers!