Oaxacan Mule

The Oaxacan Mule is a strikingly refreshing highball that masterfully substitutes the neutral vodka of a Moscow Mule with the complex, smoky character of mezcal. This simple swap creates a profoundly different drink, where the earthy, savory notes of the agave spirit are beautifully balanced by the spicy kick of ginger beer and the bright acidity of fresh lime juice. Served traditionally in a copper mug to keep it ice-cold, it's a sophisticated yet incredibly accessible cocktail. It serves as both a perfect introduction to mezcal and a beloved staple for agave spirit aficionados.
Oaxacan Mule

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Oaxacan Mule is classified as a cocktail, specifically belonging to the 'buck' or 'mule' family, which consists of a spirit, citrus, and ginger beer. It is considered a modern classic because it's a widely adopted contemporary variation of the mid-20th century Moscow Mule. This positions it as an important drink in the modern craft cocktail movement.

Serving

This is a cold, ice-filled drink with a moderate alcohol level, best served in a chilled copper mug which helps maintain its low temperature. The presentation is simple yet iconic, emphasizing refreshment.
Serving size
Approximately 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

The Oaxacan Mule has no single credited inventor but emerged in the early 2000s as mezcal's popularity surged in the United States and beyond. During this cocktail renaissance, bartenders began experimenting by substituting mezcal into classic drink templates. The 'Mule' format, with its strong ginger and lime backbone, proved to be an ideal canvas for showcasing mezcal's unique smoky profile, leading to the drink's organic rise in craft cocktail bars globally.
Origin
The Oaxacan Mule is a modern creation, originating in the United States around the early 21st century. It is a direct descendant of the Moscow Mule (c. 1941) but is defined by its use of the traditional Mexican spirit, mezcal, from which it derives its name.

Oaxacan Mule

The drink is most commonly known as the Oaxacan Mule, a name that pays homage to Oaxaca, Mexico, the heartland of mezcal production. It is also frequently called the Mezcal Mule, which more directly describes its base spirit. Both names refer to the same smoky and refreshing cocktail.
Original name
Oaxacan Mule
Alternative name
Mezcal Mule

Characteristics overview

This cocktail is defined by its vibrant interplay of smoky mezcal, spicy ginger, and zesty lime, delivered in a light, bubbly texture. Its aroma is invigorating, and the finish leaves a pleasant, warming sensation of smoke and spice.
Flavor
Smoky, Spicy, Tart, Ginger, Citrus, Earthy
Aroma
Smoky agave, Pungent ginger, Fresh lime
Taste balance
Balanced, Sour, Spicy-Sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, Lingering smoke, Warming ginger spice
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Cloudy, Pale yellow-green, Hazy
Texture
Light, Crisp, Bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, Year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dynamic and moderately intense, led by a distinct smokiness, a sharp ginger spice, and bright lime sourness. It is highly carbonated and carries a noticeable but not overpowering alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The beauty of the Oaxacan Mule lies in its simplicity, requiring only three essential ingredients: a good quality mezcal, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a spicy ginger beer. No complex syrups or liqueurs are needed.
  • Mezcal60 ml / 2 oz
    A quality Espadín mezcal is a great choice for its balanced smoke profile.
  • Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Using freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for a bright, authentic flavor.
  • Ginger Beer120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    A spicy ginger beer is recommended to stand up to the bold flavor of the mezcal.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This is a 'built' cocktail, so no shaker is required. All you need is a jigger for accurate measurements and a bar spoon for a gentle stir to combine the ingredients in the glass.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for measuring liquids
  • Bar spoon for stirring

Instructions

To make an Oaxacan Mule, simply build the ingredients in an ice-filled copper mug. Add mezcal and lime juice, top with ginger beer, stir gently, and garnish with a lime.
1. Fill a copper mug (or a highball glass) to the top with cubed ice.
2. Pour the mezcal and fresh lime juice directly over the ice.
3. Top the glass with spicy ginger beer.
4. Gently stir with a bar spoon just enough to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
5. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge or wheel and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a fresh lime wedge or wheel is all that's needed. It complements the drink's flavors and adds a touch of visual appeal.
  • Lime wedge or wheel, placed on the rim or floating in the drink

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy, and is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets. To ensure it is fully gluten-free, it is important to select a ginger beer that is certified as such.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The nutritional content is moderate, with calories coming primarily from the mezcal and carbohydrates and sugar from the ginger beer. Using a low-sugar ginger beer can significantly reduce these values.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14-18 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a quintessential warm-weather drink, perfect for summer parties, patio gatherings, and barbecues where its refreshing qualities can be fully appreciated. Its simple, quick preparation also makes it an excellent choice for a casual happy hour or any laid-back social event.
  • Summer Parties
  • Happy Hour
  • Barbecues
  • Casual Gatherings

Pairing suggestions

The smoky and spicy character of the Oaxacan Mule makes it an excellent match for bold-flavored foods. It pairs beautifully with spicy Mexican dishes, cuts through the richness of barbecue, and complements the bright acidity of ceviche. It's also a great companion for simple, salty appetizers.
  • Spicy tacos, such as al pastor or chorizo
  • Smoked or grilled meats and barbecue
  • Fresh citrusy ceviche
  • Salty snacks like chips with guacamole or salsa

Oaxacan Mule: A Smoky and Refreshing Modern Classic

The Oaxacan Mule stands as a brilliant example of how a single ingredient change can redefine a classic cocktail. By swapping neutral vodka for characterful mezcal, the drink gains a captivating smoky depth that elevates the familiar combination of ginger and lime. It is at once complex and highly drinkable, offering a spicy, tart, and effervescent experience with a lingering smoky finish. Easy to make yet sophisticated in flavor, the Oaxacan Mule is a modern classic that has earned its popularity in bars around the world.

Similar Cocktails

Moscow Mule

The original version, which uses vodka as the base spirit, resulting in a cleaner, less complex flavor profile without the smoke.

Kentucky Mule

Made with bourbon, which lends sweet notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak to the ginger and lime pairing.

London Mule

Features gin as the base, adding botanical complexity with notes of juniper and citrus that complement the ginger beer.

Dark 'n' Stormy

The classic rum-based equivalent, traditionally made with dark rum (specifically Gosling's Black Seal) for a rich, molasses-forward flavor.

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