Home
Recipes
Cocktails
Tequila / Mezcal-Based Cocktails
Mezcal Mule Recipe

Mezcal Mule Recipe

By What’s Baking

A smoky twist on the classic copper mug favorite, blending earthy mezcal with spicy ginger beer and bright lime for a complex, refreshing sipper with a hint of fire.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
3 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A modern copper mug centered on a dark wooden bar top, filled with a Mezcal Mule that sparkles with condensation under warm amber bar lighting. Crushed ice creates a frosty crown where a lime wheel and fresh mint sprig rest dramatically against the copper rim. Inside the mug, bubbles visibly rise through the pale amber liquid, creating a dynamic effervescent effect where microscopic droplets catch the light. In the background, softly blurred bottles of mezcal and ginger beer suggest the drink's key components, while the copper reflects rich golden tones that emphasize the cocktail's smoky, spicy character.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">45ml mezcal (preferably joven)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml fresh lime juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">7.5ml agave nectar (or simple syrup)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml ginger beer</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 dashes Angostura bitters</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Lime wheel for garnish</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh mint sprig for garnish</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Copper mug (or highball glass)</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring tools</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Citrus juicer</li> </ul>
BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
⇄
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Chill your copper mug by filling it with ice and cold water, then set aside. This traditional serving vessel not only looks stunning but maintains the perfect temperature throughout your drinking experience. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Empty the copper mug and refill with fresh ice, preferably crushed or small cubes that will chill the drink rapidly without excessive dilution. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Pour the mezcal directly into the mug. Take a moment to appreciate its smoky aroma – this will form the signature foundation of your cocktail. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Add the fresh lime juice and agave nectar. The acidity of the lime balances the smokiness of the mezcal, while the agave complements the spirit's natural flavors better than regular sugar. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Add the Angostura bitters, which provide subtle spice notes that enhance both the mezcal's complexity and the ginger beer's bite. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Gently pour the ginger beer down the side of the mug to preserve carbonation. The bubbles should rise dramatically through the drink, carrying aromatic compounds to the surface. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Stir very gently with a bar spoon, just enough to incorporate all ingredients without losing carbonation. You'll know it's right when the drink turns a uniform pale amber color. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Garnish with a lime wheel balanced on the rim and a fresh mint sprig, which should be lightly slapped between your palms first to release its essential oils. The aroma will complement the smoky mezcal beautifully with every sip. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice
🔥 Calories: 425 calories
🥑 Fat: 28 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 10 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 36 g
🍭 Sugar: 22 g
🍗 Protein: 9 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 85 mg
🧂 Sodium: 95 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Why is a copper mug recommended for serving this smoky cocktail?

Copper mugs aren't just aesthetically pleasing—they conduct temperature efficiently, keeping your drink colder longer. They also enhance the flavour experience by maintaining the drink's temperature and carbonation while intensifying the zingy notes from the ginger beer and lime.

What's the best type of mezcal to use in a ginger-based cocktail?

A joven (young) mezcal works best as its pronounced smokiness stands up beautifully against the spicy ginger beer. Look for an Espadin variety with balanced smoke that won't overwhelm. Avoid aged mezcals, as their subtle complexities can get lost among the vibrant mixer flavours.

Can I substitute ingredients in this copper mug classic?

Absolutely! Try tequila instead of mezcal for a milder profile, or use honey instead of agave nectar for a different sweetness. You can swap ginger beer for ginger ale (though you'll lose some spiciness), or experiment with flavoured bitters like orange or chocolate for intriguing complexity.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.

View all
A tall, frosted highball glass filled with a dark, effervescent Batanga cocktail, where amber tequila mingles with cola creating tiny bubbles that dance upward. Ice cubes glisten under warm bar lighting, while a substantial lime wedge perches on the salt-crusted rim. Condensation beads roll down the glass surface, catching light dramatically against a distressed wooden bar top. The drink's deep brown color transitions to caramel where sunlight hits the edges, with a twist of lime zest floating on the surface adding a vibrant green accent against the dark liquid.
Cocktails
Tequila / Mezcal-Based Cocktails

Batanga Tequila Recipe

A refreshing Mexican classic that elevates cola with sharp lime, quality tequila, and a salted rim for a sophisticated twist on the familiar.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
3 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A close-up shot reveals a deep amber cocktail with wisps of smoke lingering above its surface, served in a heavy Moroccan-inspired tumbler with intricate metal detailing. Dramatic side-lighting accentuates the complex texture while casting mysterious shadows across the drink's surface. A delicate dusting of cinnamon and crushed cardamom creates a fragrant layer atop the cocktail, with a thin orange peel twist perched on the glass rim alongside a smoking cinnamon stick. Small droplets of condensation form on the exterior of the glass, catching the warm, amber light that suggests a Moroccan lantern glow in the background.
Cocktails
Tequila / Mezcal-Based Cocktails

Midnight in Morocco – Mezcal Recipe

Smoky mezcal meets exotic North African spices and fresh citrus in this sultry sipper that evokes mysterious desert nights.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
8 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A tall collins glass showcases layers of vibrant red watermelon-infused liquid transitioning to a lighter pink, with chunks of fresh watermelon visible through crystal-clear ice. Captured under golden-hour lighting, the glass features a thin rim of Tajin spice that catches the light. A bright green jalapeño slice and watermelon wedge garnish rest on the rim, while condensation beads down the side of the glass, suggesting immediate refreshment. Lime wheels are visible bobbing between ice cubes, with a small splash of liquid captured mid-stir, highlighting the freshly muddled nature of this spicy-sweet cocktail.
Cocktails
Tequila / Mezcal-Based Cocktails

Spicy Watermelon Tequila Smash Recipe

A refreshing blend of juicy watermelon, zesty lime, and silver tequila with a fiery kick of jalapeño that delivers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy in every sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A tall, cylindrical Collins glass filled with crystal-clear Ranch Water cocktail, capturing sparkling bubbles rising through the liquid in natural sunlight. Ice cubes with perfect clarity create refractive patterns while a wedge of lime perches on the rim, its oils glistening on the surface. Droplets of condensation run down the glass, emphasizing the drink's refreshing quality. A partial bottle of premium blanco tequila and Topo Chico mineral water sit slightly blurred in the background, with desert-inspired styling elements suggesting its Texan heritage.
Cocktails
Tequila / Mezcal-Based Cocktails

Ranch Water - Tequila Recipe

A refreshingly crisp tequila cocktail with bright lime and effervescent mineral water that captures the essence of West Texas in every sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
2 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
An overhead shot of a rocks glass with a black lava salt rim, filled with a striking magenta-colored cocktail that transitions to a subtle orange glow near the edges. Golden hour sunlight streams across the frame, illuminating the drink's vivid color against a rustic wooden table. Large, clear ice cubes catch the light while a dehydrated lime wheel and prickly pear slice rest on the rim. Droplets of condensation form on the glass surface, suggesting refreshing coolness, while wisps of smoke from the mezcal linger above the cocktail, hinting at its complex flavor profile.
Cocktails
Tequila / Mezcal-Based Cocktails

Prickly Pear Mezcal Margarita Recipe

A smoky-sweet fusion where vibrant prickly pear meets the earthy depth of mezcal, balanced with bright citrus and a subtle kick of spice.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
A tall Collins glass showcases layers of amber and blush-pink liquid, with a salt-rimmed edge catching the warm afternoon light. The cocktail's surface features delicate bubbles from the grapefruit soda, while a wedge of ruby-red grapefruit and a cinnamon stick garnish rest on the rim. Condensation beads elegantly down the glass, reflecting the golden-hour glow that highlights the tamarind-infused drink's rich gradient of color. In the background, slightly blurred, sits a small bowl of fresh tamarind pods and sliced grapefruits, suggesting the natural ingredients that create this complex flavor profile.
Cocktails
Tequila / Mezcal-Based Cocktails

Tamarind Paloma Recipe

A vibrant twist on the classic Paloma, featuring sweet-tangy tamarind that harmonizes perfectly with tequila's earthy notes and grapefruit's citrusy brightness.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe