Classic Moscow Mule

Light and citrusy, a Classic Moscow Mule cocktail makes an easy and delicious sipper. Calling for ginger beer, vodka and freshly squeezed lime juice, this mixed drink is easy to make at home. Makes 1 drink.

My pal, Julie from the site Bunsen Burner Bakery, does a “Year of the {certain type of recipe}” every year, featuring a certain type of recipe on her site every month. In 2019, she highlighted all kinds of Yeast Breads, and I drooled all year long.

And this year, I’m following her year… but with a monthly cocktail instead.

Since y’all seem to love my MOSCOW MULES so much, I figured that this year can and should be the Year of the Moscow Mule.

Prepare yourself, friend. You’re in for 12 (!!!) new Moscow Mule recipes on TSP, and we’re kicking off the year with the original and classic Moscow Mule recipe. Because somehow in all my adaptations, I’ve never thought to serve y’all the original.

More Moscow Mule recipes you should check out that are a part of the YEAR of the MULE: Raspberry Moscow Mule | Blood Orange Mocktail Mule | Irish Mule | Mexican Mule | Kentucky Mule | Frozen Moscow Mule

Looking for a different type of cocktail? Check out my Drinks recipe index.

What you’ll need to make a Moscow Mule

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• Copper mugs
• A mini Stainless Steel Angled Measuring Cup (or a jigger to measure out your ingredients)
• Citrus juicer or citrus reamer

How to make a Classic Moscow Mule

Add ice to your copper mug (or whatever glass you’re using to serve your drink in.)

Measure out the ingredients, then pour into the mug. That means measuring out the ginger beer and vodka. Squeeze in the lime juice, too. (If you’re using a citrus reamer, use a fine mesh strainer to catch potential seeds and pulp that are pushed out of the lime.)

Stir, and serve with a lime wedge.

Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips

Moscow Mules are the perfect party drink because they only require three ingredients, and those ingredients are pretty easy to prep in bulk.

If you’re going to host people and offer Moscow Mules, I suggest making a “Mule Bar” on a surface in your kitchen or living room. Why? So guests can measure out their ingredients and stir up their drinks without needing your assistance! And since this cocktail is so simple to make, your guests can definitely do this, too.

Here are a few things to do to make life easier on you:

• One to two hours before the party, squeeze the limes and get that lime juice ready. I don’t recommend using jarred lime juice, as it’s not nearly as fresh-tasting. Keep in mind that if you squeeze the limes earlier that the juice will become more potent.
• Quarter your limes in advance, too. Keep ‘em in a food storage container in the fridge for up to a few days before your gathering.
• Set out measuring tools for your guests on the Mule Bar.
• Print out the ingredients and measurements, and place them in a frame (or in a place on the bar where spilled ingredients won’t bother them.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the story behind the Moscow Mule?

No one knows the true story behind the Moscow Mule, but here is the story I’ve seen reiterated several times online: In the 1940s, Americans didn’t like vodka and subsequently, wouldn’t drink it.

The story goes that a bartender at an L.A. restaurant made this drink after listening to three businessmen—a vodka maker, a ginger beer maker and a copper mug maker—complain about no one using their products.

He also might’ve had an excess of all three. *shrugs*

Whatever actually happened resulted in a delicious sipper, traditionally served in a copper mug. (But please know that if you don’t have a copper mug, you can still enjoy one of these in a regular cocktail glass.)

Why is this drink called a Moscow Mule?

I’ve read that the name was decided at random. I’ve also read that Moscow was used because Russians are known for their vodka. (Fun fact: Did you know the translation of vodka is “little water?” I did not!)

Mule could have been chosen because the ginger beer gives the drink a kick.

Does anyone really know? NOPE. And does it really matter? No, though it’s fun to read up on your favorite cocktails.

Can I make a mule without alcohol?

YES! I was delighted to realize that previous twists on the Moscow Mule are delicious booze-free, and this one is the same. Leave out the vodka, mix up the other ingredients, then you’re good to go.

What kind of ginger beer do you recommend?

We love, love, love Fever Tree’s ginger beer because it has some major heat to it. If you’re not into a ginger beer that has more spice, the Sprouts Farmers Market brand is delicious, too.

What is the best vodka for a Moscow Mule?

My advice is to use your favorite vodka to make these mules. I do not recommend using the cheapest vodka that you can find, as that doesn’t taste nearly as good as a drinking vodka.

Our favorite vodka brand is Tito’s. If you can’t find that, Smirnoff, Pinnacle and Grey Goose are all acceptable.

Quick tips for making homemade Moscow Mules

• Not a fan of vodka? Use gin instead and make a Gin Gin Mule!
• Quarter your limes in advance, and squeeze them an hour beforehand… but don’t store the freshly squeezed juice in the fridge for days. In my opinion, it starts to taste really strong and kind of icky.
• Want to make this classic mule fancier? Try out Apple Pie Moscow Mule, Gingerbread Mule or Ginger Pomegranate Mules.