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Moscow Mule Recipe

Moscow Mule Recipe

By What’s Baking

A refreshing burst of spicy ginger beer mingling with crisp vodka and tangy lime, creating a perfectly balanced, copper mug-chilled sensation that dances on your palate.
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>

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>
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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>

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

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

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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