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With just three ingredients consisting of vodka, lime and ginger beer, this traditional Moscow Mule recipe couldn't be easier to make. There isn't a drink more refreshing on a hot summer day!
When it is hot out, there isn't much better than a drink - from a mango mojito to a strawberry gin smash.
But one forgotten drink as people have gotten more creative over the years is the Moscow Mule.
Just a few years ago I had never tried a Moscow Mule, much less heard of it. It's pretty easy for me to remember the first time I tried one as it was the week after I got engaged to Lauren.
My dad was in town and we had decided to visit DC for the day. We were walking around Georgetown and he wanted to take us to the original Clyde's to celebrate our engagement.
I remember seeing the Moscow Mule and wondering what the heck it was. (Don't judge me for not knowing!) My dad thought I'd like it so I gave it a shot. It's crazy to me that something so simple can be so refreshing. For those that don't know, Moscow Mules aren't actually that old as they were invented in the 1940s.
Now these days, mule-type drinks are some of my favorite. We almost went with an autumn mule for our signature drink but went a different route in the end.
Either way, when you have something that's only three ingredients and is served in a super cool copper mug you can't go wrong. I may be biased but I truly believe this is the best Moscow Mule recipe. Just try it and you'll understand.
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Recipe Ingredients
- Vodka - the alcohol in the Moscow Mule. Use quality vodka like Grey Goose or Belvedere.
- Lime - only freshly-squeeze lime juice. No bottle lime juice.
- Ginger beer - there are a ton of ginger beer options out there, so use your favorite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker with ice ¾ of the way. Add vodka and lime juice and shake until chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a mug, preferably copper, filled with crush ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with lime.
Types of Ginger Beer
Luckily for everyone, there is no shortage of options for ginger beers. However, which one to pick for this Moscow Mule recipe?
- Fever-Tree - has a strong ginger flavor without being overpowering.
- Gosling's - nice balance of spice and sweetness.
- Bundaberg - the Australian ginger beer is great for Mules.
- Q Ginger Beer - has some added carbonation.
Variations
As with any drink you can replace ingredients. If you don't have vodka or prefer another liquor, try these options below:
- Caribbean Mule - rum
- Dark 'n Stormy - spiced rum
- Gin Mule - gin
- Kentucky Mule - bourbon
- Mexican Mule - tequila
FAQs
If you believe history, the Moscow Mule was created as a way to get rid of excess vodka and copper mugs. Even if it isn't true, I'm glad it was invented!
If you believe the stories, Moscow was used because of Americans associated vodka with Russia and mule was used because you get a kick of flavor from the ginger beer.
I'm of the opinion to always use quality vodka like Belvedere or Grey Goose.
The main benefit of using copper mugs is temperature. The metal quickly takes to the icy temperature of the cocktail which creates a tasty chilled drink. You can buy copper mugs on Amazon.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- While store-bought bottles can be quite convenient, they lack in flavor compared to the real thing. It really isn’t that much extra work to freshly squeeze the lime and you’ll notice a difference in taste.
- Used crushed ice which will make the Moscow Mule colder quicker.
- Garnish the mule with some fresh herbs like Mint or basil.
Other Cocktail Recipes
- Apple Cider Moscow Mule
- Cranberry Mimosa
- Black Manhattan
- Pear Bourbon Cocktail
- Blueberry Smash
- Apple Cider Cocktail
- Blackberry Margarita
If you’ve tried this traditional Moscow Mule recipe or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.
Traditional Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 3 oz ginger beer
- lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker with ice ¾ of the way. Add vodka and lime juice and shake until chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a mug, preferably copper, filled with crush ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with lime.
Notes
- While store-bought bottles can be quite convenient, they lack in flavor compared to the real thing. It really isn’t that much extra work to freshly squeeze the lime and you’ll notice a difference in taste.
- Used crushed ice which will make the Moscow Mule colder quicker.
- Garnish the mule with some fresh herbs like Mint or basil.
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