Rating: 3.71
(113)

Moscow Mule

November 25, 2024

he Moscow Mule is a crisp and refreshing cocktail that perfectly balances the sharp bite of ginger beer with the smoothness of vodka and a splash of fresh lime juice. Known for being served in its signature copper mug, this classic drink not only tastes refreshing but also stays icy cold from the first sip to the last.

The beauty of the Moscow Mule lies in its simplicity. It requires just three main ingredients – vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. The combination creates a perfect balance of spicy, citrusy, and smooth flavors. The ginger beer delivers a punch of fizz and warmth, while the lime juice adds brightness that cuts through the richness of the vodka.

To make a Moscow Mule, fill a copper mug or a glass with ice. Add a shot of vodka, squeeze in fresh lime juice, and top it off with chilled ginger beer. Stir gently to combine, and garnish with a lime wedge or a sprig of mint for extra freshness. The copper mug isn’t just for looks – it helps maintain the cold temperature, making every sip as crisp and refreshing as the first.

This cocktail is incredibly versatile and easy to customize. You can swap the vodka for bourbon to create a Kentucky Mule or use tequila for a Mexican Mule. Some even like to muddle in fresh fruits like berries or cucumber for a fun twist on the classic.

The Moscow Mule is perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re relaxing on a summer evening, hosting a party, or looking for a simple yet impressive cocktail, it always delivers. It pairs wonderfully with appetizers like shrimp cocktail, charcuterie boards, or spicy dishes, as the ginger and lime cut through rich flavors beautifully.

Light, fizzy, and packed with flavor, the Moscow Mule remains a favorite for cocktail lovers everywhere – a refreshing drink with just the right kick.

Moscow Mule
Moscow Mule
3.71 from 113 votes
A refreshing and zesty cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, typically served in a copper mug.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 4 oz ginger beer
  • 0.5 oz lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 slice lime for garnish
  • 1 sprig mint for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Fill a copper mug with ice cubes.
  • Pour the vodka and lime juice over the ice.
  • Top off with ginger beer and gently stir to mix.
  • Garnish with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 13gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 40mgSugar: 12gVitamin C: 8mg
Calories: 120kcal
Meal Type: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cocktail, ginger beer, vodka
Cooking Method: Nobake
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. 4 stars
    Moscow Mule? I thought it was a cocktail for hot days, but my friend said they’re good anytime lol.

    1. User avatar rea.mueller says:

      2 stars
      Nah, I always thought it was a summer drink too. Who drinks cocktails in winter? 🤔

    2. User avatar alissa.schinner44 says:

      5 stars
      Honestly, I think Moscow Mules are great any time! The ginger beer gives it a nice kick.

  2. 5 stars
    This drink is amazing!!! So refreshing, perfect for summer. 🌞

  3. 2 stars
    I don’t see what the hype is about. Tastes too strong for me. :/

  4. User avatar sima.howe89 says:

    3 stars
    Confused about the ginger beer. Is that non-alcoholic? Can I just use soda? 🤔

  5. User avatar andrew.okeefe7 says:

    4 stars
    Tried it exactly as written—really solid balance. I might add a little more lime next time for extra zing.

    1. 3 stars
      Huh, I tried it once and my ginger beer was kinda flat. Maybe that’s why it didn’t zing for me. Still, extra lime might help.

    2. User avatar Vroomfondel says:

      5 stars
      Nice! I do love a Moscow Mule with that lime snap—adding a bit more lime sounds like the perfect tweak.

  6. User avatar lewis.metz11 says:

    1 star
    Tried it for the first time and I didn’t like the taste of ginger beer. Yuck!

  7. 3 stars
    Vodka seems like overkill. I feel like you could sub something more flavorful—ginger beer is already strong. Still, it tastes fine.

    1. User avatar brad.wisozk13 says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean, vodka can feel kinda “extra,” but it’s mainly there to keep it classic and let the lime + ginger beer shine. If you sub something, the vibe changes fast—rum/tequila won’t be the same mule.

  8. User avatar providencia.cole1952 says:

    4 stars
    My copper mug gave me a weird metallic aftertaste at first—turns out it wasn’t properly cleaned. After that it was great.

  9. User avatar Merle O'Conner says:

    5 stars
    So refreshing! The ginger beer adds a nice kick! 🍹

  10. User avatar ismael.moen says:

    3 stars
    This was okay, but I think I might have used too much lime juice. A lil less might be better.

  11. User avatar Leto II Atreides says:

    3 stars
    I tried making this with tequila instead of vodka and it didn’t taste right. 😕

  12. User avatar nick.anderson says:

    2 stars
    I dunno, this seemed kinda plain. Expected more flavor. Just tastes like fizzy lemonade. 🙁

  13. 3 stars
    Too much lime for my taste! Next time I’ll use less.

    1. 4 stars
      I actually love the zing of lime in my Moscow Mule! Maybe you just need a taste adjustment. 😊

  14. User avatar rogelio.koelpin2016 says:

    3 stars
    I accidentally used bottled lime juice (gasp) and it still turned out fine. Fresh lime must make it way brighter though.

  15. User avatar lorilee.blanda says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely love this drink! So refreshing and perfect for summer nights. 🌞🍹

    1. 2 stars
      I don’t know… isn’t ginger beer kinda gross? I prefer something sweet. 🤔

    2. User avatar hilario.gerhold35 says:

      5 stars
      I agree! This drink is just the best. I tried it last weekend and it was a hit at the party! 🎉

  16. User avatar delta.terry says:

    2 stars
    Vodka + Ginger = not a fan. 😩 Maybe I’m just not a cocktail person.

  17. 1 star
    How is this even a recipe? Just pour some stuff in a mug and call it a drink? 🙄

    1. User avatar cortez.klocko1981 says:

      4 stars
      It’s a simple recipe but sometimes less is more! The mix of flavors is super refreshing. 🍹

    2. User avatar viola.legros says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, seems kinda lazy to me. Can’t believe people call this cooking. 🤷‍♂️

  18. 5 stars
    This is such a classic. The ginger beer + lime combo is perfect—refreshing without being too sweet. I used extra ice and it stayed cold the whole time.

    1. User avatar tifany.dibbert75 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree—ginger beer + lime is the sweet spot. I also love using a colder mug when I can. Makes it extra crisp!

    2. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

      4 stars
      I tried this but my ginger beer was kinda sweet, so I added more lime juice than the recipe. Not sure if I did it “right” but it tasted way better to me.

  19. 5 stars
    Quick and easy, love it! I’m gonna drink this every weekend now. 🍹

  20. User avatar marylin.stanton says:

    3 stars
    I thought it was tasty, but is a copper mug really necessary? Seems a lil extra to me.

  21. User avatar cordelia.brakus42 says:

    4 stars
    Y’all ever try it in a stainless steel mug? Works just as good! 🤷‍♂️

  22. User avatar maia.kohler says:

    2 stars
    Moscow Mule? Never heard! Can someone tell me if it’s better with rum? 🤔

  23. User avatar Su Shenlong says:

    3 stars
    Can someone tell me if I can use club soda instead of ginger beer? I don’t have any.

  24. User avatar zack.paucek14 says:

    5 stars
    Tastes like a real Moscow Mule from a bar. I did muddle the mint a bit at the end and it was even better.

  25. User avatar kena.hartmann says:

    5 stars
    Fresh mint makes a world of difference! Don’t skip it, folks!

  26. 3 stars
    Is there a way to make this without the vodka? I want it to be non-alcoholic but still nice.

  27. User avatar Hotblack Desiato says:

    5 stars
    Never tried ginger beer before, but I love this drink! My new favorite!

    1. User avatar Wilfred Nienow says:

      5 stars
      Ginger beer is the bomb! Glad you love it! 🥳

  28. User avatar edwin.larkin says:

    2 stars
    My friend says this drink is fancy, but come on, you just pour things together. Lol.

  29. User avatar Super Saiyan 2 Vegeta says:

    4 stars
    Super easy to make! I added extra lime juice and it was zingy, just how I like it!

  30. User avatar julieann.hickle72 says:

    2 stars
    Meh, not my thing. I couldn’t taste much vodka, mostly ginger beer sweetness, and it felt kinda strong on the ginger.

  31. User avatar geoWizard says:

    4 stars
    I heard you should use a special type of vodka for a proper mule. Is that true? 🤔

    1. User avatar carlton.kohler says:

      5 stars
      I’ve heard that too! Some say using high-quality vodka really makes a difference in the taste. 🥂

  32. 5 stars
    Love how clean and refreshing this is—ginger beer + lime is a perfect combo. Copper mugs really do make it feel extra legit.

    1. 4 stars
      I tried this but mine was kinda too gingery? Maybe I should’ve used less ginger beer or more lime. Still tastes good though—just not super balanced.

    2. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

      5 stars
      Yes! The ginger beer + lime combo is spot on, and the copper mug makes it feel like a real cocktail instead of “just vodka.”

  33. 4 stars
    I used bottled lime juice once and yeah… big difference. Fresh is better. Also, stir gently like the recipe says or it goes foamy.

  34. 5 stars
    This is my go-to when I want something simple that looks fancy. The mint garnish makes it feel like a café cocktail.

  35. User avatar majorie.murphy7 says:

    4 stars
    Just made it and wow! Super refreshing! Might have put a little more ginger beer, but still yum!

  36. User avatar Doug Skiles says:

    4 stars
    This drink is soooo good! I can taste the mint and lime, very summery vibes! Perfect!

    1. User avatar michel.kemmer says:

      5 stars
      I can’t believe how refreshing this drink is in the summer heat! 🍹

  37. User avatar donte.frami10 says:

    4 stars
    I forgot the mint and it still worked, just looked sad. Also, 0.5 oz lime juice is the right call—too much makes it sour.

  38. User avatar Bee Flatley says:

    5 stars
    Simple yet classy drink! I love the mint garnish. Makes it look fancy.

    1. User avatar glenn.corwin45 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! The mint really does make it look upscale. Cheers! 🍹

  39. User avatar raul.gerhold83 says:

    5 stars
    This is my favorite drink! So refreshing for summer BBQs. 🍹

    1. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

      5 stars
      I love a good Moscow Mule too! Perfect for cooling down. 🍹

  40. 3 stars
    Good drink but soooo many calories! Gotta watch those carbs, ya know?

    1. User avatar sylvester.hegmann36 says:

      4 stars
      You can always adjust the ginger beer amount! Not everything has to be super high in calories if you tweak it a bit.

  41. 2 stars
    I tried it and the ginger beer was just too strong for me. I prefer more lime!

  42. User avatar Farengar says:

    5 stars
    This Moscow Mule recipe is amazing! I love the freshness of the lime and mint. Perfect for summer nights!

  43. 3 stars
    Idk… ginger beer brand matters a LOT. I used one that was kinda flat and it wasn’t as punchy. If you’ve got good ginger beer, this works.

  44. User avatar Questular Rontok says:

    5 stars
    Yum! This is so easy to make and looks fancy! The mint really adds a nice touch.

  45. User avatar odell.pfeffer says:

    2 stars
    Honestly, I don’t get the hype. It’s just vodka and ginger beer. Not my favorite drink.

    1. 4 stars
      I can understand why you feel that way, but the combination is refreshing on a hot day! Give it another shot with more lime! 🍹

  46. User avatar kanisha.kautzer82 says:

    1 star
    Uhm, isn’t a Moscow Mule supposed to have rum? I thought that’s what it was. 🤔

  47. 2 stars
    Not my favorite. It felt too strong for my taste. Maybe I added too much vodka? 🤔

  48. 4 stars
    Tried it without a copper mug and it was still great. I’d maybe add a tiny pinch of salt next time (idk why, just feel like it could pop).

  49. 2 stars
    Wait—does the ginger beer actually need to be spicy or can it be regular? I used mild and it felt kinda flat, but still drinkable.

  50. User avatar rich.landlord says:

    4 stars
    First time making this. I mixed it up with rum! Still turned out good, haha.

    1. User avatar scarlett.ebert78 says:

      4 stars
      Haha, that’s creative! Rum or vodka, as long as it tastes good, right? Just make sure to follow the recipe next time!

  51. User avatar dwayne.bayer13 says:

    4 stars
    Not gonna lie, I measured the ginger beer wrong the first time and it turned out too sweet. But with 4 oz it’s balanced and hits nicely.

  52. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    2 stars
    Meh, I don’t get the hype. It’s just vodka and soda, right? Why bother?

  53. 5 stars
    Easy to make and a huge hit at my party! Everyone loved it. Thx for sharing! 🙂

  54. User avatar Daedric Prince says:

    2 stars
    Super simple recipe but I burned the ginger beer! How do you burn ginger beer? Ugh.

    1. User avatar Paul Bayer says:

      4 stars
      Burned ginger beer? That’s a new one! Just be careful next time, it’s really about the timing.

  55. 4 stars
    Pretty good, but my ginger beer was super strong and kind of overpowered the lime. Next time I’ll try a milder ginger beer.

  56. User avatar Spider Soldier says:

    5 stars
    This Moscow Mule is fantastic! I loved the fresh mint and lime, it really makes a difference! 🍹

  57. User avatar Falmer Gloomlurker says:

    1 star
    Why is it in a copper mug? I don’t get it. Just use a glass! 🙄

  58. 5 stars
    Wait, vodka + ginger beer + lime? That’s it? I made it and it’s crazy good. 10/10

  59. User avatar cortez.wisozk61 says:

    5 stars
    Super easy and fast. I’m surprised how much flavor you get from just vodka, lime, and ginger beer. Will make again for sure.

  60. User avatar reggie.fay14 says:

    4 stars
    I just mixed everything in a glass, not sure if that changes anything, lol. Still tasted yummy!

    1. User avatar derek.waelchi2003 says:

      4 stars
      Mixing it in a glass sounds fun! I always thought the copper mug was part of the magic, but if it tasted good, who cares?

    2. User avatar Arthur Dent says:

      3 stars
      I mean, isn’t that how you make a cocktail? Just throw it in a cup and drink it, right? That’s what I do! 😂

  61. User avatar judson.mosciski1967 says:

    5 stars
    This Moscow Mule recipe is a game changer! So refreshing, especially on a hot day. Will definitely make it again.

  62. User avatar elizabet.schowalter30 says:

    3 stars
    I’m not sure about the mint. Is it really necessary? Feels like overkill.

  63. User avatar edwin.stanton says:

    4 stars
    So easy to make! I used store-bought ginger beer and it turned out great. Definitely making this again!

  64. User avatar jerrod.runolfsson22 says:

    2 stars
    Tried this but I don’t think ginger beer and vodka go well together. Wont be making again.

  65. 5 stars
    Absolutely love this drink! The ginger beer gives it such a nice kick. Perfect for summer parties!

  66. User avatar yong.cummerata67 says:

    2 stars
    Had it the first time at a bar, tried making it myself, and it turned out terrible. Guess I need to practice more…

    1. 4 stars
      Maybe you used the wrong ginger beer? Not all are created equal! Keep trying!

    2. User avatar gaye.farrell97 says:

      5 stars
      Don’t worry! It’s all about practice. The first one I made was a disaster too, but now I love it!

  67. User avatar len.tremblay7 says:

    3 stars
    Kinda basic, ya know? Three ingredients plus garnish. But I guess basic wins sometimes. It’s refreshing, not mind-blowing.

    1. 5 stars
      Honestly, “basic” is kind of the point with a Moscow Mule—it’s meant to be crisp and punchy. That ginger beer + lime combo really does the heavy lifting.

  68. User avatar merrill.casper1998 says:

    5 stars
    Moscow Mules are my go-to. Copper mugs are a must, adds an extra zing! 🥳

    1. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! The copper mugs make all the difference. Can’t wait to try this recipe! 🍹

  69. 5 stars
    This is my go-to cocktail! Easy to make and always impresses guests. Thanks for sharing!

  70. 3 stars
    It’s okay, but I expected it to be stronger. Maybe I’m used to sweeter drinks? Vodka taste didn’t come through much.

  71. 3 stars
    Moscow Mule? More like Moscow ‘meh.’ Just didn’t do anything for me, too fizzy for my taste.

    1. User avatar devin.parisian1999 says:

      4 stars
      I totally get that! The fizz can be overwhelming if you’re not into bubbly drinks. Maybe try it without the ginger beer next time?

  72. User avatar Falmer Shadowmaster says:

    5 stars
    Super refreshing and classic! The mint and lime make it feel way more “bar at home” than I expected.

  73. 4 stars
    Easy peasy! I didn’t have a copper mug though. Used a glass instead and still delicious! 🍹

  74. User avatar ileen.grimes says:

    3 stars
    I like it but my friend said it’s too spicy. What? Ginger beer spicy!?! Anyway, cheers!

  75. 4 stars
    Moscow Mule is a classic. I use more lime juice though, it makes it better!

    1. 2 stars
      More lime juice?! You’ve got to be kidding! I like it more balanced, not sour!

    2. User avatar deann.sipes48 says:

      3 stars
      I tried that, but it was too tart for me. I think the recipe is perfect as it is!

  76. User avatar fritz.goodwin78 says:

    2 stars
    1 slice lime? That’s it? Lol I probably should’ve added more citrus. Still, very drinkable and refreshing.

  77. User avatar Effrafax of Wug says:

    4 stars
    Tastes great, but I forgot the mint! Still good tho!

  78. User avatar darius.ohara says:

    5 stars
    Wow, really good. Reminds me of drinking it by the beach. 🍹🏖️

  79. 4 stars
    Lime juice + vodka = good times! I also added more mint ’cause yolo! 😂

  80. User avatar randa.boehm41 says:

    3 stars
    Idk, “0.5 oz lime juice” seems tiny. I used a full lime and it was way better. Also use extra ice—copper mug matters!

  81. 4 stars
    Super simple and honestly I nailed it on the first try. The copper mug helps too, I swear.

3.71 from 113 votes
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