Go for the Gusto! The Simply Sweet, Spicy, and Tart, Bubbly-licious Moscow Mule

If you’re looking for a refreshing cocktail, fizzy, and packs a little kick, the Moscow Mule is your new best friend. This classic drink has been around since the 1940s, and it’s still one of the most popular cocktails today—for good reason! It’s easy to make and fun to serve, with a flavor combination of spicy ginger and crisp lime that’s downright delicious.

A Moscow Mule is a simple cocktail made with just three ingredients: vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. That’s it! But don’t let the short ingredient list fool you. When you mix them together just right and pour the drink into a cold copper mug, something magical happens. It’s bold, bubbly, and super refreshing—perfect for summer (or anytime you want to feel like it’s summer).

The Moscow Mule was born in the 1940s when a vodka salesman, a ginger beer maker, and a bar owner collaborated to create a new cocktail. At the time, vodka wasn’t very popular in the U.S., so they needed a way to get people excited about it. The copper mug was part of the original marketing strategy—and it worked! The drink caught on fast, and the rest is cocktail history.

The copper mug isn’t just for looks (though it does make the drink extra photogenic). Copper mugs keep your drink colder for longer, and they enhance the flavor of the ginger beer and lime. There’s even a bit of science behind it: the copper reacts slightly with the lime juice, giving the drink a sharper taste.

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Moscow Mule Ingredients

• Vodka
• Ginger Beer
• Lime Juice
• Lime Slice for Garnish

Best Vodka for a Moscow Mule

Use good quality spirits. The better the ingredients, the better your cocktail will taste. I like to use either Stoli (Stolichnaya), Absolut, or Ketel One Vodka for mixed drinks. They are good-quality, mid-priced vodkas.

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Bar Tools

Here are awesome products to help YOU make the most incredible drinks. Impress your family and friends and be the BEST Cocktail Barista in your neighborhood.

Need a great Cocktail Shaker but don’t know which one to buy? Look no further

Martini or cocktail, a good shake makes all the difference in the world so buying a cocktail shaker can seriously step up your at-home drink game. Think about it: no more settling for boring mixed drinks when you can whip up bar-quality cocktails in your kitchen. It’s not just about the fancy presentation (although that’s a fun bonus) but also about how it makes mixing drinks easier and more fun. 

I have at least a dozen shakers, but one favorite. The shaker doesn’t leak; you won’t have to hit the shaker against the sink to get the top off, and the cap will measure from 1/2 to 1.5 ounces with clearly marked labels. Measure the perfect amount every time. And it is dishwasher safe!

Plus, once you get the hang of shaking, you’ll feel like a total pro, impressing your friends and yourself with your newfound bartending skills. So why not add a little shake, shake, shake to your life and upgrade your happy hour?

Moscow Mule Copper Mugs

Perfect Measure Every Time

Another handy bar tool is the citrus juicer. Unless you free pour and don’t measure, this citrus juicer makes measuring citrus juices like limes and lemons, a breeze. Measure the perfect amount every time.

How to Make an Easy Moscow Mule

Fill a copper mug (or tall glass) with ice.

Pour in the vodka and lime juice, then top it off with ginger beer.

Stir Gently.

Garnish with a lime wedge.

Moscow Mule Variations and Fun Twists

The classic Moscow Mule is great, but you can easily change it. Here are a few popular variations:

• Kentucky Mule aka Bourbon Mule: Use bourbon instead of the vodka for a richer taste.
• Mexican Mule aka Tequila Mule: Swap the vodka for tequila for a spicy twist.
• Gin-Gin Mule aka Gin Mule: Replace the vodka with gin for a floral flavor.
• Berry Mule: Add crushed berries or berry-flavored vodka for a fruity punch.
• Garden Mule – Muddle fresh cucumber for a refreshing twist.
• Cranberry Mule – Add cranberry juice and garnish with cranberries for a holiday twist.
• Lima Mule: Use 2 ounces of Pisco instead of vodka, then add 2 ounces of passion fruit juice, 3 ounces of ginger beer and 1/2 ounce of lime juice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and dehydrated orange slice (see photo above).

The Moscow Mule is more than a cocktail; it’s a piece of history. It proves that sometimes, the simplest ingredients make the best drinks. The Moscow Mule will impress, regardless of whether you stick to the classic or try a new variation. So next time you want a drink that’s easy to make and fun to enjoy, grab a copper mug and mix up a Moscow Mule. Cheers!

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