Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a celebrated cocktail known for its invigorating combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. It features a simple yet potent mix of vodka, fiery ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. Served over ice in its iconic copper mug, it offers a crisp and effervescent drinking experience. The mug not only provides a unique aesthetic but also helps to keep the drink exceptionally cold.
Moscow Mule

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Moscow Mule is classified as a classic cocktail and a long drink. It is also a member of the "Buck" family of drinks, characterized by a base spirit mixed with ginger beer or ginger ale and citrus. This simple composition places it among timeless and easy-to-make classics.

Serving

This cold, moderately alcoholic drink is famously served in a chilled copper mug which enhances the cool sensation. The typical serving is a standard cocktail size of about 6 to 8 ounces.
Serving size
180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Copper mug
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Legend has it the Moscow Mule was invented in the 1940s in Los Angeles. It was a marketing collaboration between a vodka distributor (John Martin of Heublein), a ginger beer maker (Jack Morgan of Cock 'n' Bull), and a woman who had a surplus of copper mugs. Together, they created the drink to popularize their respective products, and it quickly became a sensation across the United States.
Origin
United States, circa 1941.

Moscow Mule

The drink is primarily known as the Moscow Mule. An alternative name is Vodka Buck, as it belongs to the "Buck" family of cocktails, which are made with a spirit, citrus, and ginger ale or ginger beer. The name does not originate from Moscow, Russia, but was part of a marketing campaign in the USA.
Original name
Moscow Mule
Alternative name
Vodka Buck

Characteristics overview

The Moscow Mule offers a crisp and refreshing experience with a dominant spicy ginger flavor and a zesty lime aroma. It's a bubbly, light-textured drink with a balanced sweet and sour taste, leaving a clean, spicy aftertaste.
Flavor
Spicy ginger, Zesty lime, Crisp, Refreshing
Aroma
Sharp ginger, Citrusy lime
Taste balance
Sour, Sweet, Spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, Spicy, Lingering ginger
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Pale, Cloudy, Light golden
Texture
Light, Bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink's flavor profile is driven by a prominent spicy kick from the ginger beer and a sharp sourness from the lime, with moderate sweetness and alcohol strength. The high carbonation adds to its refreshing quality.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The essential ingredients are vodka, a spicy ginger beer, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Quality of the ginger beer is key to the drink's signature kick.
  • Vodka60 ml / 2 oz
    A clean, neutral vodka works best.
  • Ginger Beer120 ml / 4 oz
    Use a spicy, high-quality ginger beer for best results, not ginger ale.
  • Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the best flavor.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You only need a jigger for accurate measurement and a bar spoon for a quick, gentle stir. The drink is built directly in the mug, so no shaker is required.
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring

Instructions

Simply build the drink in an ice-filled copper mug by adding vodka and lime juice, topping with ginger beer, and giving it a gentle stir before garnishing.
1. Fill a copper mug or a highball glass completely with cubed ice.
2. Pour 60 ml (2 oz) of vodka over the ice.
3. Squeeze in 15 ml (0.5 oz) of fresh lime juice.
4. Top with 120 ml (4 oz) of chilled, spicy ginger beer.
5. Stir very gently with a bar spoon just to combine the ingredients, preserving carbonation.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and an optional sprig of mint.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Garnishing

Garnish with a fresh lime wedge, which can be squeezed into the drink for extra tartness, and a fragrant sprig of mint for an additional aromatic layer.
  • Lime wedge on the rim or in the drink
  • Mint sprig placed in the drink

Dietary Information

The Moscow Mule is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, vegan, and vegetarian. For it to be gluten-free, ensure both the vodka and the ginger beer are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A typical Moscow Mule contains around 180-200 calories, with 15-20 grams of carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the ginger beer. The nutritional values can vary depending on the brand of ginger beer used.
Calories
Approximately 180-200 kcal / 750-840 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 15-18 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Moscow Mule is a versatile and refreshing drink, perfect for warm weather occasions like summer parties and barbecues. It's also a popular choice for happy hour and casual social gatherings anytime of the year.
  • Summer party
  • Happy hour
  • Casual get-together
  • Barbecue

Pairing suggestions

The spicy and zesty profile of the Moscow Mule pairs excellently with flavorful and spicy foods. It cuts through the richness of tacos and grilled meats, and complements the bright flavors of Asian cuisine. It also works well with salty appetizers and smoked fish.
  • Spicy Asian cuisine
  • Tacos
  • Grilled chicken
  • Light appetizers like spring rolls
  • Smoked salmon

The Moscow Mule: A Refreshing Kick in a Copper Mug

The Moscow Mule is a classic vodka-based cocktail renowned for its refreshing and spicy character. Its simple three-ingredient recipe—vodka, ginger beer, and lime—makes it incredibly easy to prepare. Traditionally served in a distinctive copper mug that keeps it icy cold, this drink offers a perfect balance of spicy ginger, tart lime, and a clean vodka kick. It's a versatile and popular choice for any season or occasion, beloved for its simplicity and invigorating taste.

Variations

Kentucky Mule

Uses bourbon instead of vodka.

Irish Mule

Uses Irish whiskey instead of vodka.

Oaxacan Mule

Uses mezcal instead of vodka for a smoky flavor.

Similar Cocktails

Dark 'n' Stormy

Uses dark rum instead of vodka, a closely related cocktail.

You May Also Like

Rossini

An elegant and refreshing Italian sparkling cocktail made with fresh strawberry puree and Prosecco.

Fernandito

Argentina's iconic national drink, a simple yet complex highball combining the bittersweet herbal notes of Fernet-Branca with the familiar sweetness of Coca-Cola.

Spanish Gin and Tonic

A visually stunning and aromatic version of the classic Gin and Tonic, served in a large balloon glass with curated botanical garnishes.

Between the Sheets

A seductive and sophisticated classic cocktail that balances the richness of Cognac and rum with tart lemon and sweet orange liqueur.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Ambassador Cocktail

A smooth and citrus-forward tequila cocktail, elegantly balancing the sweetness of orange with the bright tang of lime.

Yellow Parrot Cocktail

A vibrant, herbal, and subtly sweet pre-Prohibition cocktail featuring Yellow Chartreuse, apricot liqueur, and a hint of absinthe.

Opal Cocktail

A bright and refreshing classic gin cocktail with a delicate, opalescent hue and a perfect balance of citrus and sweetness.

Remember the Alamo

A sophisticated and spirit-forward cocktail combining rye whiskey, bittersweet amaro, and rich Oloroso sherry.