Ingredients
Scale
- 2 oz (¼ cup) vodka
- ½ oz (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice (from ½ lime)
- 4-6 oz ginger beer (about ½ cup)
- Ice cubes (enough to fill mug)
- 1 lime wedge for garnish
- Fresh mint sprig for garnish (optional)
- Optional: ½ oz simple syrup if you prefer sweeter cocktails
Instructions
- Chill Your Copper Mug: For the best Moscow Mule experience, place your copper mug in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before making your drink. This step is optional but creates an extra-frosty cocktail. If you don’t have time, simply fill the mug with ice water for a minute, then dump it out before building your drink.
- Juice Your Lime: Cut a fresh lime in half and juice one half using a citrus juicer or by hand. You should get about ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) of fresh lime juice. Strain out any seeds or pulp. Cut the other lime half into wedges for garnish and set aside.
- Fill Mug with Ice: Take your chilled copper mug (or highball glass if you don’t have copper) and fill it completely to the top with ice cubes. Don’t be shy with the ice – you want this drink ice-cold!
- Add Vodka and Lime Juice: Pour 2 ounces of vodka over the ice, followed by the ½ ounce of fresh lime juice. If you’re adding simple syrup for extra sweetness, add it now.
- Top with Ginger Beer: Slowly pour 4-6 ounces of ginger beer over the vodka and lime mixture. Pour gently to preserve the carbonation – you don’t want to knock all the bubbles out. Fill the mug to about ½ inch from the rim. The exact amount depends on your mug size and ice amount.
- Stir Gently: Using a bar spoon or regular spoon, give the drink a very gentle stir – just 2-3 circular motions to combine the ingredients. Don’t over-stir or you’ll lose precious carbonation. The ingredients will naturally mix somewhat as you pour.
- Garnish Beautifully: Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink to add a bit more lime essence and oils, then drop it into the mug or hang it on the rim. If using fresh mint, slap the mint sprig gently between your hands to release its aromatic oils (you should smell it!), then nestle it into the ice next to the lime wedge.
- Serve Immediately: Present your Moscow Mule right away, ideally with a straw or cocktail stirrer. The drink is ready to enjoy! Instruct guests to give it a quick stir before sipping to ensure everything’s well-mixed.
- Enjoy Responsibly: Sip and savor this refreshing cocktail while it’s ice-cold. The copper mug will keep it perfectly chilled throughout!
Notes
- Fresh Lime is Essential: Never substitute bottled lime juice. The fresh citrus is crucial to the drink’s character.
- Ginger Beer vs. Ginger Ale: Always use ginger beer, not ginger ale. Ginger beer is spicier and less sweet, creating the signature Moscow Mule flavor.
- Copper Mug Care: Hand wash copper mugs and dry immediately to prevent tarnishing. Don’t put them in the dishwasher! Some copper mugs have a lacquer coating; uncoated copper will develop a natural patina over time.
- Adjusting Strength: For a stronger drink, use 2.5-3 oz vodka. For lighter, use 1.5 oz and more ginger beer.
- Sweetness Level: Start without simple syrup. Different ginger beer brands have varying sweetness levels, so taste first before adding sweetener.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail/Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Moscow Mule
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mf