Moscow Mule

Name: Moscow Mule
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml / 2 oz Vodka; 120 ml / 4 oz Ginger Beer; 15 ml / 0.5 oz Lime Juice

Ingredients Instructions

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.

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.