What you need to succeed in the cocktail game.
We’ve taken the time, put in the effort, slain our dragons and whatnot to tell you exactly what you need to make the best moscow mules in 2022.
You can finally relax. Number 2 on your 2022 resolutions list, “Totally crush my home cocktail game” is about to be checked-off.
Perhaps it goes without saying that (yes, we’re about to say it anyways) the most important aspect of your Moscow Mule is the mug in which it is served. Easy. Buy a 100% pure copper mug from us.
It’s the barware that keeps on giving.
Easy-peasy, lime squeezy.
Now, let’s move on to the other parts of everyone’s favorite cocktail which, in case you forgot, is the Moscow Mule.
We present to you:
6 Must-Try Moscow Mule Ingredients
Ginger beers, vodkas, and lime (juice)…oh my!
The Very Best Vodkas to Mix with Your Mule
We know that Smirnoff has been given historical mention as the liquor of the first Moscow Mule. So there’s one option. We’ve got two other vodka possibilities for your bar.
Skyy vodka is another popular distillery. They set themselves apart by being the first to quadruple-distill and triple filter their vodka–resulting in a noticeably smooth sip. This smoothness lends itself to an aptitude for mixing.
It blends in without disappearing.
One lesser-known vodka is Tahoe Blue. Their vodka’s lack of popularity is contradictory to it’s quality, evidenced by their being awarded Best Unflavored Vodka in the World at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in New York.
To Lime or to Lime Juice? The Best Lime Juice for Moscow Mules
Fresh is best, right? Maybe not. Natural is certainly the right choice, but when it comes to limes some say that slightly aged squeezes may be preferable. But that’s a discussion for another day.
What if you haven’t a lime in sight and really, really need a Moscow Mule? First, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. Never fear, bottled lime juice is here!
Bottled Lime Juice
We do prefer using a fresh lime (though you might try letting your juice sit in the fridge a few hours before mixing), but in time of need, a bottled citrus spritz can do the trick.
Santa Cruz Organic can be found in almost any grocery store and is made with the following ingredients:
Neat-o. It’s 100% juice and has a reliable, resealable cap.
Another lime juice bottler, Nellie and Joe’s Key West Lime Juice, has garnered something of a cult following in the culinary world (frequently proven for its use in key lime pie). It can be found on Amazon and in some typical grocery stores like Walmart.
What’s the verdict? Try one of these great options out for yourself! Just don’t keep yourself from a mule because you don’t have fresh limes.
The Perfect Ginger Beers for a Moscow Mule
Some like it spicy, some like it sweet–there’s a ginger beer for every Moscow Mule preference.
Fever-Tree is a commonly recommended ginger beer for mules. The folks at Fever-Tree have traveled the globe to find their curated mix of three different gingers. While they get loads of travel points, you get a masterful mouth-full of sweetness, freshness, warmth and spice.
What’s more, if you’re of the carbohydrate-conscious variety, they make a “Refreshingly Light” version of their critically-acclaimed ginger beer. It boasts all the flavor and half the carbs. Pinky up, scale down.
Colorado-Local Ginger Beer
If you’re a fan of small, family-owned businesses (and happen to be in Colorado) you should check out Oliko. In their words, “fermentation is an exciting obsession!” Their ginger beer is made with a Peruvian ginger, fermented in-house with live cultures.
Don’t be afraid, Oliko’s flavor is not limited by the naturalistic approach they take. If anything, it’s enhanced by the use of natural ingredients that are as good for you as they taste (emphasis on taste).
Both brands can be purchased online and in-stores. However, as of this post’s writing, Oliko can only be found in-store in Colorado.
Fever-Tree makes a great point, “If ¾ of your drink is the mixer, mix with the best.”
We’ll let you decide on the best between these unique ginger beer options.
What’s the best type of copper mug for a Moscow Mule?
Okay, can you read minds? This is one of our favorite questions!
First and foremost, order a 100% pure copper mug from yours truly–Copper Mug Co. Our mugs are handmade and have a food safe lacquer for carefree drinking with reckless abandon–and timeless style. You can even get your mug… sorry, mugs, custom engraved.
We know you want two.
Or ten.
It’s fine, however many you want, we support you. If you aren’t sure what style to get, continue reading for our two most-popular Moscow Mule mugs.
The Original Smooth Copper Mug
Often imitated, never reproduced.
Our original smooth mug blends the best of barware–pure copper with a sleek, smooth finish and a welded brass handle.
Brass? That’s not copper. Get a grip!
Indeed! Do get a grip! The brass handle allows you to keep a healthy thermoconductive distance from the contents of your mule. Brass is less conductive than copper, so your hand heat doesn’t transfer to the mug and, thus, your Moscow Mule.
It’s the best thing since the original Moscow Mule was crafted.
The Vintage Barrel Hammered Copper Mug
This antique, but far from antiquated, mug is for the purists.
The vintage barrel hammered mug is a top pick for us because it combines everything that’s good about copper mugs with a stylistic nod to vintage style. Few barware items have stood the test of time as the copper mug has done.
The hammered finish promotes an even temperature across the surface of the copper, with pockets of air for a slight boost in the insulation of our highly conductive copper.
Even, consistent temperature of your beverage’s vessel (the copper mug, in our case) means your drink experience stays the same for longer. The temperature of a container has a significant effect on the experience of a drink (think about coffees, for example).
First sip to last should be as little difference as possible–that’s why we love the vintage barrel hammered mug.
What’s the best recipe for a perfect Moscow Mule?
If you’ve never made a mule before or want a reminder, here’s our recipe. Just like the pirate code, recipes are more like guidelines (ask Captain Barbosa, he’ll vouch for us on this one).
The beauty of the Moscow Mule is its simplicity–a simplicity which makes it a nice starting point for creative minds and adventuresome palettes alike.
Check out our blog for other ideas, and keep exploring!
Your home bar is already on its way to becoming the next best thing in hosting.
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