Tap here to get 5 Secrets to Stress Free Dinners

Original Moscow Mule Recipe

5 from 2 votes
|

posted: 02/15/19

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
|
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

This is the best Moscow Mule Recipe! Moscow Mules are such a popular cocktail because Moscow Mule ingredients are so easy to come by and mix together to make the perfect flavor combination. Learn this classic cocktail, invest in some Moscow Mule mugs, and make it again and again.

moscow mule in sweaty copper mug garnished with mint and lime

The Best Moscow Mule Recipe

Can we talk for a minute about my very favorite cocktail to make and make variations of?? It is of course THE MOSCOW MULE!

The Moscow Mule drink is such a popular cocktail right now! Probably because they are so easy to make, they come in a fun copper mug and they are absolutely delicious! Because they are made with just a few simple ingredients, it is very easy to make fun twists on them. Last summer I made these amazing Frozen Moscow Mules. They are made with only three ingredients and make a big batch so they are perfect for parties!

But you really can’t beat the original Moscow Mule recipe.

If you are wondering about all things Moscow Mule, you’ve come to the right place!

a moscow mule recipe in three copper mugs filled with ice and garnished with mint and lime

How to Make a Moscow Mule

What’s in a Moscow Mule, you ask? A Moscow Mule combines three simple ingredients:

  • Vodka: I prefer Titos when making our Moscow Mules
  • Lime Juice: Though freshly squeezed is the preferred way to go, you can certainly use bottled as that is sometimes easier to keep on hand.
  • Ginger Beer: The best ginger beer for a Moscow Mule can be debated forever. I love Crabbies, as you can see pictured here. I’ve also used (and enjoyed) Sprecher Hard Ginger Beer. Both of those have alcohol in them and make for a stronger drink. If you prefer a milder drink, you can use a non alcoholic ginger beer, Fever Tree is a great brand.

If you can’t find ginger beer or if you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, that isn’t quite as strong, you can replace the ginger beer with ginger ale. It won’t be the original Moscow Mule, but it will be delicious.

pouring the best ginger beer for a moscow mules into a copper mug

What is the History of the Moscow Mule?

Though everyone thinks of the Moscow Mule as a drink that came from Russia, it was actually born in the United States. It came together with three people in Hollywood looking to market three things: copper mugs, ginger beer, and vodka. I bet they had no idea what a genius combination they had and how far it would go.

Why Does a Moscow Mule have to be in a Copper Mug?

Though the mule certainly doesn’t have to be in a copper mug, the reason it continues to be served that way is because the copper keeps the drink nice and cold, and it certainly tastes best ice cold. Not only that, copper mugs are just cool.

moscow mule ingredients behind a copper mug filled with a moscow mule, mint, and lime

Moscow Mule Variations

One of my favorite things about the Moscow Mule recipe is how many great variations you can make of it.

overhead view of moscow mule drink in copper mugs
a moscow mule recipe in three copper mugs filled with ice and garnished with mint and lime
5 from 2 votes

Original Moscow Mule Recipe

Serves: 1 cocktail
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
This is the best Moscow Mule recipe! The ingredients are so easy to come by and mix together to make the perfect flavor combination.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka
  • 1/2 cup ginger beer see note
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice
  • 1 lime wedge for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a glass or copper mug and garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy!

Notes

If you don’t like the taste of ginger beer or it makes it too strong for you, you can substitute ginger ale.  It will change the taste a bit but will still be delicious.
Calories: 162kcal (8%) Carbohydrates: 10g (3%) Potassium: 26mg (1%) Sugar: 9g (10%) Vitamin C: 9.1mg (11%) Iron: 0.2mg (1%)
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: cocktails
Cuisine: American
a moscow mule recipe in three copper mugs filled with ice and garnished with mint and lime

did you make this

Original Moscow Mule Recipe

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @lisasimplejoy and hashtag it #simplejoyrecipes!

Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

Reader Interactions

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love hearing from you & seeing what you made!

    Rate This Recipe:




  1. Linda Powell says

    I have always loved Moscow mules ( with
    gin the are a good summer drink.

    • Lisa Longley says

      I love them with gin too!

  2. Original Watches says

    5 stars
    Hey dear,

    such a amazing site..

    Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing & just amazing that persuade me to commenting..

    so I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job Man, Keep it up

  3. Kassel Marie Williams says

    OMG thank you for sharing this!!! I will definitely try this!

  4. ricky g albanese says

    mabie a moscow mule would have gin and ginseng, and cream or cream liqueur

  5. Michelle says

    Every photo shows mint – yet it’s not listed in the ingredients.

    • Lisa Longley says

      That is because it makes a pretty garnish, but it isn’t at all necessary for you to enjoy the recipe and I would hate for readers to spend the extra money on ingredients that aren’t necessary.

  6. Barbara says

    I can’t find frozen limeade concentrate. What could I substitute?

    • Lisa Longley says

      You can use really any juice concentrate, it just won’t be frozen Moscow Mules without the limeade. You need that lime flavor for Moscow Mules. But we have a Pink Party Punch version of this and a Frozen Vodka Lemonade version on our sister site, Shake Drink Repeat.

SUPER-SIMPLEFAMILY FAVORITES
Broccoli Pasta"Omg! I didn’t think anything so simple could be so good!"
overhead of skillet of Cajun Shrimp Pasta ingredients on a cooling rack with toasted bread sitting beside
Cajun Shrimp Pasta"My family absolutely loved this recipe. Even my finicky eaters."
overhead photo of a gray skillet filled with beef and broccoli recipe, garnished with sliced green onions
Beef and Broccoli Recipe"I have made this a couple or more times. It’s easy & quick to prepare. I like this for a quick meal. It will be my go to recipe."

5 Secrets to Stress Free Dinners

SUBSCRIBE & RECEIVE

MY TOP 10 EASY DINNER EBOOK!