Classic Moscow Mule with Ginger Beer and Lime

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh lime and spicy ginger beer create a crisp, lively flavor.
• The cocktail is built directly in the mug, so cleanup is minimal.
• It requires only three main ingredients and no special cocktail shaker.
• The proportions are easy to scale for parties without losing balance.

Grocery List

• Produce: 1 medium lime and 1 small mint sprig, if desired
• Dairy: None
• Pantry: Vodka, spicy ginger beer, and ice cubes

Full Ingredients

For the Moscow Mule

• 2 fluid ounces vodka, preferably chilled to 40°F or colder
• 1/2 fluid ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, equal to 1 tablespoon
• 4 fluid ounces spicy ginger beer, chilled to 38°F to 40°F
• 1 1/2 cups fresh, solid ice cubes

For the Garnish

• 1 thin lime wheel or lime wedge
• 1 small mint sprig, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Chill the mug

Place a 12- to 16-fluid-ounce food-safe, lined copper mug in a 0°F freezer for 10 minutes. A stainless-steel- or nickel-lined mug is best because acidic lime juice should not remain in prolonged contact with unlined copper. Keep the vodka and ginger beer refrigerated at 40°F or colder while the mug chills.

Step 2: Prepare the lime

Wash and dry 1 medium lime. Cut one thin wheel or wedge for the garnish, then squeeze the remaining lime. Measure exactly 1/2 fluid ounce, or 1 tablespoon, of fresh lime juice. Freshly squeezed juice gives the cocktail a brighter, cleaner flavor than bottled lime juice.

Step 3: Fill the mug with ice

Remove the chilled mug from the freezer and fill it with 1 1/2 cups of fresh ice cubes. Use solid, medium-to-large cubes when possible; they melt more slowly and keep the drink cold without quickly diluting the ginger and lime flavors.

Step 4: Add the vodka and lime

Pour 2 fluid ounces of chilled vodka over the ice, followed by the measured 1/2 fluid ounce of lime juice. The lime juice will begin mixing with the vodka as it moves around the ice, so no vigorous stirring is needed.

Step 5: Top with ginger beer

Slowly pour 4 fluid ounces of well-chilled spicy ginger beer into the mug. Pouring gently helps preserve its carbonation. Stir with a bar spoon or long spoon using only two slow rotations, just enough to combine the ingredients without flattening the drink.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Place the lime wheel on the rim or drop a lime wedge into the mug. Add a small mint sprig if desired, gently pressing it once between your palms before garnishing to release its aroma. Serve the Moscow Mule immediately while the ginger beer is lively and the mug is frosty.

Pro Tips

• Choose ginger beer, not ginger ale: Ginger beer has a stronger ginger bite and less delicate sweetness, producing the signature warming spice of a Moscow Mule.
• Keep everything cold: Chill the vodka, ginger beer, and mug before assembling so the ice melts as slowly as possible.
• Use fresh lime: Bottled juice can taste muted or bitter and will not provide the same bright citrus aroma.
• Stir gently: Two slow rotations are enough. Overmixing causes the ginger beer to lose carbonation.
• Use a lined copper mug: A food-safe lining prevents the acidic cocktail from making direct contact with copper while preserving the traditional presentation.

Variations

• Kentucky Mule: Replace the 2 fluid ounces of vodka with 2 fluid ounces of bourbon for notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel.
• Mexican Mule: Replace the vodka with 2 fluid ounces of blanco tequila and garnish with a lime wheel and thin jalapeño slice.
• Lighter Mule: Use 3 fluid ounces of ginger beer and 1 fluid ounce of chilled club soda in place of the full 4 fluid ounces of ginger beer.

Storage & Make-Ahead

A Moscow Mule is best assembled immediately before serving because the ginger beer loses carbonation and the ice begins diluting the cocktail. The lime juice may be squeezed up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated at 40°F or colder in a tightly sealed container. Lime wheels can be cut up to 4 hours ahead, covered, and refrigerated. Chill the vodka, unopened ginger beer, and copper mugs in advance, but do not combine the liquid ingredients until serving. Discard a leftover mixed cocktail once the ice has melted or the ginger beer has gone flat.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 180 kcal | Carbs: 13g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 12g | Sodium: 10mg | Cholesterol: 0mg