Moscow Mule
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A three ingredient cocktail! This quick and easy Moscow Mule is made with vodka, ginger beer and fresh lime juice. Serve these up in a chilled copper mugs for a refreshing summer drink.

A cold, refreshing Moscow Mule is a simple three-ingredient vodka drink you are going to want to try! If you’ve never had one it’s made with ginger beer, has a little spicy kick and is always a hit. We’ve been making them a lot lately – they’re perfect for happy hour on the deck.
You guys know I LOVE an easy cocktail like John Daly or Tom Collins and this one ranks right at the top of the list. It’s so easy to make!
Like the White Russian, the Moscow Mule didn’t originate in Russia. It’s assumed it got it’s name because it’s made with vodka, which is a Russian liquor. It’s was created in the 1940s and has been a popular drink ever since.
You Only Need Three Ingredients!
- Vodka
- Ginger beer
- Fresh lime juice
The drink is served over ice in cute copper mugs and it is so easy to drink. The combination of the ginger and lime is delicious.
How to Make a Moscow Mule
You can make this drink in about five minutes! That’s my favorite kind of cocktail.
- Fill the mugs with ice.
- Add the lime juice.
- Add the vodka and then fill the rest of the mug with the ginger beer.
- Stir and garnish with lime wedges and fresh mint (this is optional!).
What is Ginger Beer?
Ginger beer is (usually) a non-alcoholic brewed beverage made with ginger. It’s fizzy like soda, but considered a “beer” because it’s brewed. It’s not the same thing as ginger ale which is a soda made in a completely different way.
Just like beer, there are lots of different brands of ginger beer. Some are spicier than others while some are sweeter.
Part of the fun in making this cocktail is experimenting with different kinds of ginger beer. So, feel free to try a variety and find your favorite!
Best Vodka for Moscow Mules
Because this drink has so few ingredients you definitely want to buy the best vodka your budget will allow. Using a higher-quality vodka will make the best Moscow Mule.
Why are They Served in Copper Mugs?
Originally, the drink was served in copper mugs because it was believed it kept the drink colder than other types of glasses. There’s some debate about this and, if I’m being honest, it’s just fun to serve them in the mugs!
I recommend buying mugs that have a nickle liner inside – most that you’ll find are made this way because there’s also some debate about the safety of serving a drink in copper.
So, you don’t have to use the mugs – you can use regular cocktail glasses instead.
Variations
The recipe I’m sharing is for a classic Moscow Mule, but there are endless ways to switch it up.
- You can use flavored vodkas to give it a different flavor twist
- Some versions add different fruit juices like cranberry, orange, raspberry, blueberry… really, any fruit juice you like!
- You can also just add fresh fruit and muddle it in the mug before mixing the drink.
You can even switch out the vodka and mix the ginger beer and lime with these alcohols to make a whole new drink:
- Mexican Mule with tequila
- Dark and Stormy with dark rum
- Kentucky Mule with bourbon
I know you’re going to love this refreshing easy drink! Invite some friends for happy hour – I know it will be a hit!
More Amazing Cocktails and Drinks
- A Paloma is a drink from Mexico that’s made with tequila, grapefruit-flavored soda, and lime juice. It’s perfect for a summer night.
- You can’t go wrong with a Mojito! It’s an easy drink that you can easily make in a big batch to share with friends.
- A Black Russian is one of the easiest drinks to make with just two ingredients! If you love coffee liqueur you will love it.
Tried this recipe? Be sure to comment below, I definitely want to hear from you!!! And if you’re like me and snap photos be sure to tag me on Instagram @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats that way I’m sure to see your pictures, cheers!!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 4 oz. vodka
- 12 oz. ginger beer
- 1 medium lime
- Limes slices and fresh mint for garnish optional
Instructions
- Fill two copper mugs with ice.
- Add juice from half a lime into each glass, (you can also just add about 1 ½ Tbsp lime juice)
- Pour 2 oz. of vodka into each glass and top off with ginger beer.
- Gently stir and garnish with fresh lime slices and mint.
Tips
- Because this drink has so few ingredients you definitely want to buy the best vodka your budget will allow. Using a higher-quality vodka will make the best Moscow Mule.
- Originally, the drink was served in copper mugs because it was believed it kept the drink colder than other types of glasses. There’s some debate about this and, if I’m being honest, it’s just fun to serve them in the mugs! I recommend buying mugs that have a nickel liner inside – most that you’ll find are made this way because there’s also some debate about the safety of serving a drink in copper. So, you don’t have to use the mugs – you can use regular cocktail glasses instead.
- You can use flavored vodkas to give it a different flavor twist
- Some versions add different fruit juices like cranberry, orange, raspberry, blueberry… really, any fruit juice you like!
- You can also just add fresh fruit and muddle it in the mug before mixing the drink.
- Mexican Mule with tequila
- Dark and Stormy with dark rum
- Kentucky Mule with bourbon
Abigail Raines says
With only three ingredients you can’t go wrong with this refreshing drink! Love Moscow mule especially on scorching summer nights!
Julie says
Yes! So glad you enjoyed it!
Justine says
I’m going to be drinking these all weekend. Yum.
Julie says
So glad you enjoyed them!