The Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail that combines the zing of lime juice with the spicy kick of ginger beer. Served in a traditional copper mug, this drink is perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party or just relaxing at home.
While most of the ingredients for a Moscow Mule are common, you might need to pick up some ginger beer if you don't already have it at home. This non-alcoholic beverage adds a unique, spicy flavor to the cocktail and can usually be found in the soda or mixer section of your supermarket.

Ingredients For Moscow Mule Recipe
Vodka: The base spirit for the cocktail, providing a smooth and neutral flavor.
Lime juice: Adds a fresh, tangy element to balance the drink.
Ginger beer: Gives the cocktail its signature spicy kick and effervescence.
Lime: Used as a garnish to enhance the visual appeal and add a hint of extra citrus aroma.
Mint: A sprig of mint for garnish adds a refreshing aroma and a touch of elegance.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing a Moscow Mule, ensure that you use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than bottled lime juice. Fresh lime juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cocktail. Additionally, using a copper mug is not just for aesthetics; it helps keep the drink colder for longer, enhancing the refreshing experience.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
vodka - Substitute with non-alcoholic vodka alternative: This maintains the flavor profile without the alcohol content, making it suitable for a vegan and non-alcoholic version.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar tartness and acidity, though the flavor will be slightly different.
ginger beer - Substitute with ginger ale: Ginger ale is a non-alcoholic option that still provides the ginger flavor, though it is typically sweeter and less spicy than ginger beer.
lime - Substitute with lemon: A lemon slice can be used as a garnish to provide a similar visual appeal and a hint of citrus aroma.
mint - Substitute with basil: Basil offers a fresh and aromatic garnish that complements the citrus and ginger flavors, though it has a different herbal note.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Drink
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- To keep your Moscow Mule fresh, store the vodka and lime juice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This ensures that the flavors remain vibrant and ready for mixing.
- For the ginger beer, keep it chilled in the fridge until you're ready to use it. Once opened, seal it tightly to maintain its fizz and zesty flavor.
- If you have leftover lime slices and mint sprigs, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a resealable plastic bag. Store this in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator to keep them fresh and aromatic.
- If you want to prepare the drink in advance, mix the vodka and lime juice together and store in a sealed container in the fridge. Add the ginger beer just before serving to ensure it retains its effervescence.
- For a frosty experience, chill your copper mugs in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving. This will keep your Moscow Mule refreshingly cold.
- Avoid freezing the Moscow Mule as a whole drink. The ginger beer will lose its carbonation, and the overall taste and texture will be compromised. Instead, freeze the vodka and lime juice mixture in ice cube trays. When ready to serve, simply add these cubes to your mug and top with ginger beer.
- If you have extra lime juice, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze. These lime juice cubes can be used later to chill and flavor your Moscow Mule without diluting it.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Place the leftover Moscow Mule in a sealed container and store it in the refrigerator.
- When ready to reheat, pour the Moscow Mule into a small saucepan.
- Heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to boil it, as this can alter the flavors.
- Alternatively, you can microwave the Moscow Mule in a microwave-safe mug. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
- Once reheated, pour the Moscow Mule back into a copper mug filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a fresh lime slice and a sprig of mint to refresh the presentation.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Copper mug: Traditionally used for serving a Moscow Mule, it helps keep the drink cold and enhances the overall experience.
Jigger: A measuring tool used to ensure the correct amount of vodka and lime juice is added.
Citrus juicer: Used to extract fresh lime juice efficiently.
Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used for gently stirring the drink to mix the ingredients without losing carbonation.
Ice scoop: Used to fill the copper mug with ice without making a mess.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the lime.
Knife: Used to slice the lime for juice and garnish.
Muddler: Optional, but can be used to gently press the mint sprig to release its aroma before garnishing.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-chill your mug: Keep your copper mug in the freezer so it's ready to go and your Moscow Mule stays extra cold.
Use bottled lime juice: If you're in a hurry, use bottled lime juice instead of squeezing fresh limes.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out your vodka and lime juice ahead of time to streamline the process.
Batch your drinks: Make a larger batch of the Moscow Mule mix and store it in the fridge for quick serving.
Garnish ahead: Slice your lime and prepare your mint sprigs in advance to save time when assembling the drink.
Moscow Mule
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Lime Juice Freshly squeezed
- 4 oz Ginger Beer
- 1 slice Lime For garnish
- 1 sprig Mint For garnish
Instructions
- 1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
- 2. Pour in the vodka and lime juice.
- 3. Top off with ginger beer and stir gently.
- 4. Garnish with a lime slice and mint sprig.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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