A 3-Ingredient Cocktail in 60 Seconds or Less
Nothing says “five o’clock” like the fizz of crisp ginger beer on the tip of your tongue, a hint of lime and a little something to take the edge off. In the case of the Moscow Mule, it’s five o’clock more often than not.
This versatile cocktail is a bar staple year-round – it has a refreshing tang and sharp spice taste right for just about any occasion or time of year. Plus, the Mule is one of the few cocktails that simply must be served in a no-less-than-glamorous copper mug.
Surprisingly, though, the Moscow Mule is almost as easy to make as it is to drink, pleasing all palettes with a blend of just three simple ingredients. Best of all, there’s no measuring cup required – especially when it’s time to add the good stuff.
Follow the Mule Rules
Now, there’s no ‘right way’ to make a mule, but before you go shopping,
know that some traditions are better left unbroken.
Copper Mugs
While the average libationist (or happy hour attendee) might just as well sip from a solo cup, there’s something about the cold sweat along the rim of a handcrafted copper mug that just feels right. It’s been suggested that the copper mug makes a Mule colder, but others believe that to be a façade.
While some have been curious around the toxicity of drinking from copper and opt for a lined copper mug, studies have shown that copper has antimicrobial, purifying properties. Whether you opt for a pure copper mug or prefer one with lining, almost all studies have shown that as the Moscow Mule is ingested, concerns tend to be resolved.
Our current stock is 100% pure, 22-gauge copper; the industry standard for quality copper mugs. For custom orders, including lined copper mugs, contact our team today.
Ginger Beer
Any Mule enthusiast can agree that the ginger beer in a Moscow Mule is what sets it apart from the next. What does your ginger beer of choice say about you? Whether you play it safe with a lighter brew like Fever-Tree or opt for a spicier route such as Bundaberg, make sure you look past the label to find the ginger beer that’s right for your palette.
Some brewers add other spices, such as cardamom and chili pepper, whereas others allow the ginger beer to ferment longer than average, giving the beer a kombucha-like flavor. For a fun twist, we recommend Reed’s Craft Ginger Beer. With three levels of spice, its Jamaican-inspired flavors, and real fresh ginger root, makes it the perfect addition to your Moscow Mule.
Vodka
Just about any vodka will do when making a Mule, but a few select connoisseurs have their preference. Tito’s Vodka is one of the most highly-regarded brands in the world of Mules. For a more novel experience, we recommend trying Tahoe Blue Vodka. It has a delicious 3-vodka blend that finishes smooth and clean as the Tahoe lake itself.
Copper Straws
It’s never a bad time to have a few reusable straws on-deck. These barware accessories aren’t necessarily required, but they’re sure to add a tasteful aesthetic to your happy hour moment. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy sipping from a straw – especially one that’s on-brand with your beverage?
Our selection of large and small copper straws are fit our mugs just right and make for a great stir.. They’re durable, perfect for travel and 100% waste free. While some copper drinkware is known to leave an unpleasant taste, our copper straws (like our mugs) are treated to ensure that the only surprise you’ll encounter is the ice cold chill of your fresh Moscow Mule… or whatever you’re sipping on.
Brands That Trust our Mugs
The Classic Moscow Mule Recipe
There’s no denying the simplicity of the Moscow Mule. Since its origin, the recipe has consisted of the following ingredients:
Mule’ll Need…
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz Vodka
- ½ cup ginger beer
- ½ cup fresh lime
- 1 cup ice cubes
Supplies
- – Copper mug of your choice
- – Mixing spoon or copper straw
Add a Twist
If your cravings have you burnt out on the traditional Mule, add a twist of herbs or citrus to keep things interesting.
Some of our favorite alternatives include:
- – Mint
- – Rosemary
- – Grapefruit
- – Orange
- – Lemon
How to Craft a Traditional Moscow Mule
Simply put, making a Mule is almost too simple.
Instructions
- Chill your copper mug. Simply set it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes prior to five o’clock – whatever ‘five o’clock’ means to you.
- Mise en place (/mizɑ̃ˈplas/) – an excuse to speak French, literally meaning “set in place”. After all, a good bartender is always organized. Set out each of your ingredients and tools.
- Once your mug is chilled, fill it with ice. Then, add the vodka and lime juice to taste. Finally, fill the remainder of the mug with your ginger beer of choice and give it a quick swirl with your mixing spoon or straw.
- Say “Voilà” in your best French accent (/vwa.la/).
- Chef’s kiss. (Pinch the fingers of one hand together, and quickly kiss the tips of your fingers.)
- Cheers. Whether you’re in the company of others, or in solitude, a ‘clink’ makes it official.
Liberal Libation Variations
No two mules are created equal, and some of the most delicious concoctions experiment with more than just your typical vodka.
Kentucky Mule
The ‘Kentucky Mule’ is made just the same as a traditional Mule, but instead, bourbon is substituted for vodka to bring a warming feel and honey-like flavor to an otherwise crisp and cool drink.
Whiskey Mule
As the name suggests, the Whiskey Mule uses whiskey instead of vodka for an unexpected flavor reminiscent of another crowd fav, the Old Fashioned.
Mexican Mule
You might be able to guess on this one – tequila is the star of the Mexican Mule. Switch things up with tequila (which, as we know, pairs very well with lime). Plus, you’re sure to be surprised by the merger of ginger beer and tequila… for the better.
Happy Hour History
Moscow Mules originally came to be after vodka sales plummeted in the 1940s. In the forties, vodka was commonly perceived as a “Russian” drink, which, for a country in the midst of a World War, was the roadblock that many alcohol sellers couldn’t seem to get around.
One day, an alcohol seller by the name of John Martin was in a rut over how to get his vodka off the shelves and consulted Jack Morgan, a friend and local bar owner. Morgan was having an equally hard time selling his ginger beer in his Los Angeles bar, the Cock ‘n’ Bull. Like a destined trifecta, both Martin and Morgan crossed paths with another saleswoman.
Sophie Belezinski was a Russian immigrant who designed and manufactured copper mugs with her father. When the mugs wouldn’t sell in Russia, Sophia immigrated to America, only to find out that – you guessed it – her unique copper mugs still would not sell.
One day, Sophie walked into the Cock ‘n’ Bull to sell her mugs, only to find Martin and Morgan searching for a way to sell their vodka and ginger beer. And thus, the Moscow Mule – copper and all – was born. America accepted vodka back in their cups.
Some have thought that the Moscow Mule got its name from the heavy Russian connotation that the drink carried as it introduced vodka back into American culture.
The word “Mule” has been suspected to represent the unexpected kick from the ginger beer, comparing it to the kick of a mule… but presumably, a surprisingly pleasant kick (?) All things considered, there are several stories about how the Mule got its name, but the answer has not yet been found.
Looking for new ways to change up your Moscow Mule recipe?
The traditional Mule may have three common ingredients, but we’ve found a way to spice them up.
From kiwis to apple cider, try any of these six different variations below!
Img Source: Home Cook’s Kitchen
Strawberry Mule
- 2 oz vodka
- Ginger beer
- Strawberries
- Mint
Instructions:
- Fill copper mug with ice, set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker or glass, add vodka, strawberries, and mint then muddle.
- Add ice from mug into the shaker and add ginger beer.
- Shake and pour mixture back into the mug.
Bloody Citrus Mule
- 1 Blood Orange
- 2 oz Gin
- Ginger beer
- Lime wedge
Instructions:
- Cut up the blood orange and place the slices in a shaker or pint glass.
- Muddle the oranges to release their juice.
- Squeeze the juice of one half of a lime into the mixture.
- Strain the mixture into a copper mug.
- Fill the remainder of the mug with ginger beer.
Img Source: Food Fanatic
Melbourne Mule
- 1 Kiwi Fruit, peeled & cut up
- 2 oz White rum
- Ginger beer
- Orange peel
Instructions:
- Pour vodka into copper mug and muddle in kiwi fruit.
- Fill with ice.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with orange peel.
Img Source: City Scene Columbus
R&R Mule
- 2 oz vodka
- Ginger beer
- Raspberries
- Sprig of rosemary
Instructions:
- Fill copper mug with ice, set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker or glass, add vodka and raspberries then muddle.
- Add ice from mug into the shaker and add ginger beer.
- Shake and pour mixture back into the mug.
- Garnish with Rosemary.
Dark & Stormy Mule
- 2 oz. dark rum
- Ginger beer
- Lime wedge
Instructions:
- Fill copper mug with ice.
- Pour in the ginger beer.
- Pour in the dark rum over the back of a spoon to help keep the darker layer floating on top.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Apple Cider Mule
- 2 oz Vodka
- 2 oz Apple cider
- Club soda
- Cinnamon stick
Instructions:
- Combine vodka and apple cider into copper mug.
- Fill with ice.
- Top with ginger beer and a splash of club soda.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
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