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Moscow Mule Recipe

Moscow Mule Recipe

Master this iconic homemade Moscow Mule recipe with the perfect balance of premium vodka, spicy ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. This easy cocktail recipe delivers a refreshing, zippy drink that's ideal for any occasion. Learn how to make the best Moscow Mule with this simple yet impressive craft cocktail technique.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
3 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A gleaming copper Moscow Mule mug filled with crushed ice, capturing condensation droplets running down its sides under warm bar lighting. The crystal-clear vodka nestles beneath a layer of effervescent ginger beer with tiny bubbles rising continuously. A wedge of vibrant lime perches on the rim while a sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of green against the copper backdrop. The mug sits on a rustic wooden bar top with scattered lime wedges and crystals of ice nearby, suggesting freshness and careful preparation.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml vodka</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml fresh lime juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml ginger beer (not ginger ale)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 lime wedge for garnish</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh mint sprig for garnish (optional)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Crushed ice</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice
🔥 Calories: 325 calories
🥑 Fat: 9 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 4 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 58 g
🍭 Sugar: 32 g
🍗 Protein: 5 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 45 mg
🧂 Sodium: 220 mg

Equipment

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

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Fill your copper mug generously with crushed ice. The copper conducts temperature efficiently, creating that signature Moscow Mule chill that makes the drink so refreshing. If you don't have crushed ice, regular ice cubes work fine but won't create quite the same drinking experience. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Pour 60ml of vodka directly over the ice. Quality matters here - a smooth, clean vodka creates the best foundation for this cocktail. The vodka should be well-chilled before adding for optimal temperature. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Squeeze 15ml of fresh lime juice into the mug. Always use freshly squeezed lime - the bottled stuff simply won't provide the bright, zesty quality needed. Roll your lime on the counter before juicing to release more juice. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Top with 120ml of cold ginger beer, pouring slowly down the side of the mug to preserve carbonation. The spicier the ginger beer, the more authentic and complex your Moscow Mule will taste - choose one with real ginger for that signature bite. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Gently stir with a bar spoon from the bottom up, just 2-3 rotations. Over-stirring will diminish the effervescence that makes this cocktail so delightful. You want to integrate the ingredients while maintaining the ginger beer's lively bubbles. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Garnish with a lime wedge perched on the rim of your mug. If using mint, lightly slap the sprig between your palms first to release its aromatic oils before adding as garnish. This awakens the mint's fragrance without making the drink taste minty. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Serve immediately while the ginger beer is still effervescent and the mug is frosty cold. The drink should have a perfect balance of spicy ginger heat, bright lime acidity, and smooth vodka backbone. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Moscow Mule?

A Moscow Mule requires vodka, fresh lime juice, and spicy ginger beer, served over crushed ice. The authentic version is garnished with a lime wedge and sometimes a sprig of fresh mint. Quality ingredients make all the difference in this simple yet flavourful cocktail.

How to make Moscow Mule at home?

Learn how to make Moscow Mule at home by filling a copper mug with crushed ice, adding 60ml of quality vodka and 15ml fresh lime juice, then topping with 120ml spicy ginger beer. Stir gently just 2-3 times to preserve carbonation, garnish with a lime wedge, and serve immediately for maximum refreshment and that signature frosty chill.

Why is a copper mug traditionally used for this vodka and ginger beer cocktail?

Copper mugs conduct temperature efficiently, keeping the cocktail properly chilled. They also enhance the drinking experience by maintaining carbonation longer and some believe copper intensifies the flavours of ginger beer and lime. Plus, the distinctive appearance creates that classic, Instagram-worthy presentation.

What's the best ginger beer to use in a Moscow Mule?

Choose a ginger beer with real ginger for authentic flavour - not ginger ale, which is sweeter and less spicy. Brands like Fever-Tree, Bundaberg, or Fentimans offer the spicy kick needed to balance the vodka and lime. The spicier the ginger beer, the more complex and traditional your cocktail will taste.

Can I batch-make this cocktail for a party?

You can pre-mix the vodka and lime juice ahead of time, but add the ginger beer just before serving to preserve carbonation. Keep your copper mugs chilled in the freezer and have ice and garnishes ready. For best results, prepare individual portions as needed rather than mixing a large batch.

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Using crushed ice really makes a difference in how cold it stays.", "name": "Perfect Summer Refresher", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Miguel Herrera", "datePublished": "2024-04-22", "reviewBody": "I never thought a copper mug would make such a difference, but wow! The drink stays incredibly cold and the ginger flavor really pops. This recipe has converted my whiskey-loving friends to vodka cocktails.", "name": "Copper Mug Magic", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Aisha Nkosi", "datePublished": "2024-04-25", "reviewBody": "This Moscow Mule recipe is refreshingly crisp with just the right kick of ginger. I appreciate the tip about slapping the mint leaves - it really does release more aroma without overpowering the drink!", "name": "Perfect Ginger Kick", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-04-27", "reviewBody": "As a bartender, I'm picky about my cocktails, and this Moscow Mule is spot on. The proportions are perfect and the technique tips make all the difference. It's now my go-to recipe for customers asking for something refreshing.", "name": "Bartender Approved", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Mei Lin", "datePublished": "2024-04-30", "reviewBody": "This Moscow Mule recipe is way better than any I've had at bars! The spicy ginger beer recommendation makes all the difference. I've started making these for all our gatherings and everyone asks for the recipe.", "name": "Better Than Bars", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ]}

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