How to Make a Moscow Mule

Learn how to make the best Moscow mule you'll ever have! This is a simple recipe that is the perfect refreshing drink for the summer!

You are getting ready to learn everything you need to know for how to make a moscow mule aka my favorite summer time cocktail!

If you know me you know I am a HUGE red wine drinker - like it's pretty much all I prefer to drink.

HOWEVER.

Once that summer heat hits, give me all the moscow mules, sparkling dry rose, and processo please! Clearly I am a sucker for a refreshing fizzy drink during my favorite months of the year. #suntan #poolhappyhour #living

Making a Moscow mule is not hard. I just use 5 ingredients. Which sounds like a lot but it is not, I promise.

Ingredients Needed for a Moscow Mule

A traditional moscow mule only uses

• Vodka
• Ginger Beer
• Lime Juice

But we are going to jazz it up a little and make it how I like it with a couple of extra ingredients.

• Fresh Mint
• Sparkling Water

How to Make a Moscow Mule

1. Fill your copper mug with 3 fresh mint leaves ice ¾ of the way up. We have copper mugs that were given as a Christmas gift but these are similar (affiliate link). They are pretty common nowadays and not hard to find at all. You can also find at your local HomeGoods or liquor store. Muddle some mint leaves in the bottom of the mug so that the aroma and oils can start to release.
2. Pour in 2 Ounces of Tito's Vodka. This is not the time to skimp on cheap ingredients. Since there aren't many, to begin with, get the best. We are a Tito's house over here.
3. Pour in 6 ounces of Ginger Beer. Again, use the best. We always like Cock N Bull Ginger Beer.
4. Top off the rest of the glass with sparkling water. I usually use lime-flavored sparkling water, but regular is just fine too. This just helps give an extra fizz to the drink and cut some of the ginger beer.
5. Finish off with a fresh mint spring and lime wedge and ENJOY!

PRO TIP: if you are feeling EXTRA and hello why the heck not - I will add a couple of dashes of ginger and lime bitters ** This is totally not necessary but adds a little something extra if you have them.

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Watch Here for a 1 Minute Video on How to Make a Moscow Mule

What is the Best Ginger Beer to Use and Is Ginger Beer Alcoholic?

Like I said above, you want to use quality ingredients for this recipe. We always get Cock N Bull Ginger Beer from our local Kroger, but Bundaberg, Gosling's, and Fever-Tree are great options too!

There are both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of ginger beers. For the most part, ginger beer is a soft drink made with ginger, sugar, and water. There is less than 0.5% alcohol classifying it as non-alcoholic.

Why is a Copper Mug Used When Making a Moscow Mule?

A copper mug is a traditional glass used for a mule. It does an excellent job of insulating the drink keeping it nice and chilled the entire time you are enjoying it.

A chilled frosty copper mug is iconic for a mule!

What Does a Moscow Mule Taste Like?

If you are from Kentucky and love you some Ale-8 then you'll know what to expect!

Or if you have had a ginger ale then you will kind of know too.

It is tangy, sweet, limey, fizzy, a little spice kick from the ginger, and oh so delicious.

I am not a huge sweet drink person so adding the sparkling water helps cut some of the sweetness.

Can You Use Ginger Ale Instead of Ginger Beer?

In a pinch, sure. But the traditional mule uses ginger beer and not ginger ale.

Now, we have been out and in a pinch have used ginger ale and it's definitely not the same nor as good in my opinion. Save the ginger ale to mix with bourbon and use ginger beer instead.

Make it Virgin!

If you do not drink alcohol, are expecting, or just want to hold back, a virgin Moscow mule is actually the perfect cocktail for you! The virgin version of a Moscow mule practically tastes the same since vodka is used as alcohol.

Make according to the recipe below but hold the vodka and add more sparkling water!

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Want More Drink Recipes From FSS? Here You Go!

• Easy Mint Cold Brew
• Post-Run Berry Smoothie
• How to Make an Authentic Greek Frappe
• Cranberry Pomegranate Christmas Punch

Disclosure. Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, I may receive compensation. This compensation comes at no additional cost to you, and as always I only recommend products I trust!  Heather Bilyeu is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.