A Moscow mule is the perfect cocktail when you want a drink that’s cold as ever, refreshing, and nicely spiced. It’s traditionally served in a copper mug, but if you don’t have any in your cupboards, all it takes is a glass, 5 minutes, vodka, lime, and ginger beer!
If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that ordering a Moscow mule at a bar is only half the fun. Making them at home is the real game-changer. This classic cocktail is crisp, refreshing, and incredibly easy to pull together, yet it always feels a little special when you serve it. It’s the kind of drink that makes guests think you went all out, even though it comes together in minutes.
A Moscow mule is traditionally served in a copper mug and made with vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. It’s not a sweet, fruity cocktail — it’s bright, citrusy, and refreshing, with a spicy kick from the ginger beer that keeps you coming back for another sip. The vodka provides structure without overpowering, the lime brings that sharp pop of acidity, and the ginger beer delivers bold ginger flavor you just don’t get from ginger ale.
The copper mug isn’t just for looks, either. It keeps the drink icy cold and makes every sip feel extra refreshing. Add a lime wedge, a few slices of fresh ginger, or a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy, and you’ve got a cocktail that’s as fun to serve as it is to drink. Once you start making Moscow mules at home, it’s hard to go back.
Why are Moscow mules served in a copper mug?
Even though the copper mug isn’t technically an ingredient, it’s so closely tied to a Moscow mule that it feels worth explaining. The classic reason this cocktail is served in a copper mug comes down to temperature.
Copper conducts cold extremely well, which means the mug chills almost instantly once you add ice and vodka. Unlike glass, it doesn’t need to be pre-chilled, and it stays colder for much longer, keeping your Moscow mule icy and refreshing from the first sip to the last. That ultra-cold experience is a big part of what makes this drink so satisfying.
You can find Moscow mule mugs in all kinds of styles online , and most are quite affordable, making them a fun (and practical) addition to your home bar.
Can a Moscow mule be made with ginger ale?
It can be made with ginger ale; however, using ginger beer will provide a zestier, spicier ginger flavor. If you only have ginger ale on hand, a whiskey ginger is another great option!
Moscow Mule Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 2 ounces vodka
- ▢ 1 ounce lime juice
- ▢ 4 ounces ginger beer
- ▢ Lime wedges, ginger slices, and mint (to serve)
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice and then add the vodka and lime juice. Top with some ginger beer and then give your mule a quick stir. 2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce lime juice, 4 ounces ginger beer
- Garnish with a few lime wedges, ginger slices, and mint and serve right away. Lime wedges, ginger slices, and mint
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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More mule cocktails
For more inspiration, check out all of my cocktail recipes !
Bourbon Mule
Irish Mule
Mexican Mule (AKA: Tequila Mule)
Mezcal Mule
Moscow Mule Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- Lime wedges, ginger slices, and mint , to serve
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice and then add the vodka and lime juice. Top with some ginger beer and then give your mule a quick stir. 2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce lime juice, 4 ounces ginger beer
- Garnish with a few lime wedges, ginger slices, and mint and serve right away. Lime wedges, ginger slices, and mint
