Moscow Mule

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A refreshing, crowd-favorite cocktail using only 4 ingredients – vodka, lime, ginger beer and sparkling water made in 5 min. So easy so good!

Easiest cocktail ever. A Moscow Mule is exceptionally easy to make, perfect for beginners. Specialty equipment like a shaker or blender is not required. And with these easy to follow tips (more on that below), this recipe is fool-proof!
Short ingredient list. All you need is four ingredients here – vodka, lime, ginger beer, fizzy water (if using), and mint to garnish.
So refreshing. We’re talking crisp, refreshing, tangy and slightly fizzy with just a hint of spicy goodness without it being overly sweet, perfect for warm, summer nights or a fancy dinner party.

The Moscow mule and copper mug actually all came together in 1941 in the United States in order to popularize Smirnoff vodka as a marketing campaign.

A Russian immigrant was trying to sell her inventory of copper mugs that were made in her father’s copper factory back in Russia. She essentially found buyers to promote their cocktail (vodka + ginger beer, two undesirable ingredients at the time), essentially giving the Moscow Mule their signature look to stand out while also keeping the drink exceptionally cold.

Shortly after, Smirnoff vodka became the vodka of choice for Moscow Mules.

While Moscow Mules are certainly not required to be served in copper mugs, the copper metal is highly conductive (think superior insulation), keeping the drink refreshing and frosty cold for longer periods of time.

Choose a premium vodka you will drink – it does not have to be anything fancy or overpriced.

Freshly squeezed lime juice is always best.

Opt for ginger beer with strong, bold ginger flavors. Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer is a favorited choice for its strong ginger flavors without it being overly sweet.

Use sparkling water or club soda to balance out some of the strong flavors (such as the ginger beer) while also making the cocktail lighter and more refreshing.

If you prefer a sweeter Moscow Mule, add additional ginger beer (4 oz total) in place of the fizzy water and/or add a splash of simple syrup.

Finish off your cocktail with a lime wedge and mint sprig.

Chill beforehand. Chill the vodka and copper mugs beforehand, ensuring that the cocktail is immediately cold upon serving and preventing the ice from melting too quickly particularly in hot weather.
Use ginger beer, not ginger ale. Be sure to use premium, high quality ginger beer such as Fever Tree or Q.
Use freshly squeezed lime juice. While bottled lime juice can certainly work in a pinch, freshly squeezed lime juice will provide the best, refreshing, zesty flavor in a Moscow Mule.
Stir gently. Avoid shaking the cocktail vigorously – a gentle stir is ideal to mix the ingredients together without losing any of the fizziness (carbonation).
Use copper mugs with food-safe lining. Pure copper mugs can leach copper into drinks. Opt for copper mugs with a safe interior coating such as stainless steel or nickel.

Skip the vodka, add 1-2 oz additional fizzy water, and use non-alcoholic ginger beer.

Adding mint sprig garnish to Moscow Mule cocktail in copper mug

Why do I have to use crushed ice?

Crushed ice is often times recommended in a Moscow Mule to ensure maximum coldness (crushed ice cools the drink much faster) and proper dilution. However, standard ice can also be used, and still make a great-tasting Moscow Mule!

What kind of vodka is best for a Moscow Mule?

Top vodka choices for a Moscow Mule include Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Smirnoff (original), as well as premium vodkas such as Grey Goose and Ketel One.

Do I have to use a copper mug?

Not at all! Copper mugs are used for its signature look while also keeping the Moscow Mule extra cold and refreshing. If you do not have any copper mugs on hand, highball glasses or stainless steel mugs are great alternatives.

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