Moscow Mule Cocktail

The Moscow Mule is the perfect choice if you’re looking for something refreshing and super easy to make. This drink has a great combination of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer, offering an explosion of citrus and spicy flavors, making it ideal for any occasion. Making this classic cocktail is simple, so go ahead and prepare it to surprise your friends with a delicious and refreshing drink!

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Moscow Mule Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) vodka
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
• 4–6 oz (120–180 ml) cold ginger beer
• Crushed ice
• Lime slice for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Required Tools

• Jigger for measuring ounces
• Manual juicer for squeezing the lime
• Bar spoon
• Copper mug (the traditional Moscow Mule cup)

See 5 variations of the recipe at the end.

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Instructions

1. First things first: fill your copper mug all the way to the top with crushed ice. Give it a gentle press with your hand or the spoon so it’s nice and compact—this helps your drink stay icy-cold from the start.
2. Now grab your jigger and measure exactly 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) of vodka. Don’t eyeball it—unless you’re a total pro, stick to the jigger. Pour it right over the ice so the chill softens the alcohol and sets a balanced base.
3. Next, cut a fresh lime in half and squeeze it with your juicer. Measure out 1/2 oz (15 ml) of juice and pour it into the mug. This step adds the bright acidity that keeps the ginger beer from tasting too sweet.

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4. Open the ginger beer right before using it to keep every bubble intact. Slowly pour between 4 and 6 oz (120–180 ml) over the ice, filling the mug almost to the top—just be careful not to overflow it.
5. Slide your bar spoon into the mug and stir gently, with love, lifting from the bottom up. You want everything to blend—the vodka, lime, and ginger beer—without knocking out the carbonation.
6. Add a lime slice on the rim or inside the mug, and if you like, a small sprig of fresh mint. Besides looking gorgeous, it gives you a refreshing aroma every time you bring the drink to your lips.
7. And that’s it! Enjoy it right away while the ice is firm, the ginger beer is bubbly, and all the flavors are at their freshest.

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Preparation Tips

• If you can, use a copper mug to keep the drink nice and cold while also highlighting the Moscow Mule tradition.
• For an extra touch of freshness, you can add more mint or use some sparkling water instead of ginger beer for a less sweet option.
• Ideally, lime juice should be fresh; try to avoid processed juices to ensure a more authentic taste.
• Make sure the ginger beer is well-chilled before serving to enjoy the best experience.
• If you prefer a less sweet taste, adjust the amount of ginger beer to your liking.

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Tasting Notes

• The Moscow Mule has a refreshing and slightly spicy flavor thanks to the ginger, combined with the citrusy acidity of the lime.
• The vodka provides a smooth base that doesn’t compete with the flavors, but rather complements them in perfect balance.
• The blend of ginger beer and lime creates that bubbly, refreshing sensation that’s perfect for hot days.
• The Moscow Mule is a light drink with just the right amount of sweetness, not overpowering, so you can enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed by the taste.

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Common Mistakes (What Not to Do)

• Using ginger ale instead of ginger beer: Ginger ale is sweeter and way less spicy, and it’ll completely flatten the classic Moscow Mule vibe.
• Not using enough ice: If you skimp on ice, it melts super fast and waters down your drink, leaving it weak and bland.
• Going heavy on the vodka: Loading the mug with almost straight vodka and just a splash of ginger beer throws off the balance and kills the traditional flavor.
• Using old limes: Dry or tired limes give you less juice and less acidity—and the cocktail just won’t taste the same.
• Stirring too aggressively: Over-mixing knocks out the bubbles, and without that fizzy kick, the drink loses its signature spark.

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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different spirit? You can, but just know it changes the style. Tequila gives you a Mexican Mule, and whiskey turns it into a Kentucky Mule.
• Does ginger beer have alcohol? Usually no, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the label just to be sure.
• Can I make it alcohol-free? Absolutely. Skip the vodka, add more ginger beer, and even a splash of sparkling water if you want it lighter.
• Do I have to use a copper mug? Not really, but it definitely keeps the drink extra cold and gives it that iconic presentation.
• What kind of ice works best? Crushed ice chills the drink faster and gives it that almost slushy texture that pairs perfectly with a Mule.
• Can I make several at once? For sure. Pre-mix the vodka and lime juice, but add the ginger beer and ice right before serving so everything stays bubbly and fresh.
• What vodka should I use? Go for a smooth one, somewhere in the mid-range. You don’t need the priciest bottle—just something clean that won’t overpower the drink.
• How sweet should it be? Just lightly sweet. If yours ends up too sugary, add a little extra lime juice to balance it out.
• Can I use yellow lemon juice? Yes, but keep in mind the flavor will shift a bit. Lime juice is the classic choice.

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Nutrition Information

One Moscow Mule contains approximately:

• Calories: 200-220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 g
• Sugars: 15-18 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g

Nutritional Benefits

The Moscow Mule is not only a refreshing and easy-to-make drink, but it also combines the benefits of ginger's antioxidants and the vitamin C from lime. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in digestion, while lime juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, as we’ve known since school, which helps strengthen the immune system. Although the drink contains sugars due to the ginger beer, its antioxidant benefits and the freshness of the lime make it a great and delicious choice for enjoying a light and revitalizing beverage.

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History or Inspiration Behind the Recipe

The Moscow Mule was created in the 1940s in Los Angeles, California, in an attempt to popularize vodka in the United States. Its creation is attributed to John G. Martin, the owner of the Smirnoff vodka brand, and Jack Morgan, the owner of a local bar. The idea came about when both men tried to find a way to sell more vodka and ginger beer. Together, they decided to combine these ingredients and served the drink in a copper mug, which helped it gain popularity quickly, turning it into a classic American cocktail.

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Food Pairings

• This cocktail is ideal with spicy dishes like tacos al pastor or Thai food.
• It also pairs wonderfully with seafood, such as grilled shrimp or ceviche.
• Perfect for pairing with light appetizers like avocado salads or bruschetta.
• It can be excellent with pork-based dishes, like a pulled pork sandwich or glazed ribs.
• Of course, it’s also great with fresh desserts like lemon sorbet or a citrus fruit tart.

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Recipe Variations

• Raspberry Moscow Mule: In this version, simply add fresh raspberry purée to the lime juice for a fruity and colorful twist.

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• Cucumber Moscow Mule: Here, you add thin cucumber slices to the mix for a more refreshing and vegetal version.

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• Ginger Mule: In this variation, swap the vodka for rum for a smoother taste with deeper spice notes.

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• Spicy Moscow Mule: This version is more intense! Add a bit of chili powder or some jalapeño slices for a spicy kick.

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• Green Tea Moscow Mule: Here, simply add an infusion of iced green tea instead of ginger beer for a less sweet and healthier version.

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So, the Moscow Mule is a delicious, refreshing, and easy-to-make recipe that offers a perfect blend of citrus and spicy flavors. It’s ideal for a gathering with friends or to enjoy on a hot afternoon, making it the perfect choice for any occasion. I hope you enjoy every sip and keep experimenting with its delicious variations!

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*Alternative for the Jigger

If you don't have a jigger, you can use:

Measuring spoons:

• 1 oz = 2 tablespoons (30 ml)


• 1/2 oz = 1 tablespoon (15 ml)

Kitchen measuring cups:

Many kitchen measuring cups have markings for ounces and milliliters, allowing you to accurately measure the necessary ingredients without any problem.

*Alternative for the Shaker

If you don't have a shaker, try one of these alternatives:

Jar with a lid (like a Mason jar):

Fill it with the ingredients and ice, seal the lid tightly, and shake it like a shaker. It works great for mixing and chilling ingredients.

Coffee thermos:

A coffee thermos (well cleaned, to avoid mixing smells or flavors) can function as a shaker when closed and shaken. It’s a solid option.

Tall glass and spoon:

If your mocktail or cocktail doesn’t need a strong shake, simply mix the ingredients directly in the glass with a long spoon (or bar spoon, if you have one) and add ice at the end.

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