The Moscow Mule typically gets served in a copper mug. A wonderfully savory cocktail, Moscow Mules take advantage of the heat and savory spiciness of fresh ginger.

Moscow Mule Recipe

This classic cocktail is a great one to have in your books and in your cupboard. It is simple to make, has only a few ingredients in it, and is super customizable depending on what variations you want to spin on it. 

Can you make a mule with gin instead of vodka?

Yes, the classic Moscow mule is made with vodka. But of course, there are many variations of the Moscow mule.

Depending on the type of alcohol used, there is a Mexican mule – tequila. The whiskey mule goes by “Kentucky mule”. Spiced rum becomes a Jamaican mule, and you get the picture. Pretty much every kind of alcohol can become some variation on the Moscow Mule.

A “gin gin mule” gives a sly nod to the British phrase “chin chin” for “drink up”.

Any alcohol mixed with ginger beer and with some fresh ginger grated over it qualifies. Put it in a chilled copper mug and it is officially a mule of some sort.

Gin works so well though because gin adds so much character. A Moscow mule already invigorates with the sweetness and heat of the ginger. When you add all the savory notes from gin, you get something that tastes like a wonderfully healthy tonic.

 Every sip tastes like a toast to health and happiness.

More Cocktail Recipes here!

What kind of vodka should you use?

Good vodka should be smooth and not sharp, and what type you use in a Moscow Mule will definitely make a difference. 

Personally, I like Titos as a good mid-range Vodka option with a great flavor and price-point. If you want to get a little higher-end, go with Gray Goose. 

Why are Moscow mules served in copper cups?

The Moscow mule typically gets served in a copper mug. This actually started later in the history of the drink as a promotional way to get people interested in drinking them.

Of course, since Moscow Mules are slightly acidic, the Moscow mule must be served in a copper cup lined on the inside with stainless steel.

However, copper still works to keep the drink cool. So if you have a chance to enjoy one in the steel lined copper cup, all good. If you have to use glass, then the drink is just as tasty.

I recommend serving them with ice in a tall tumbler style glass. I like being able to see the grated ginger drifting down like snow in a snowglobe knowing every sip will sing with ginger.

The right kind of ginger beer for a Moscow mule

Nowadays, you can find a wide variety of ginger beer. Make sure you do not confuse ginger beer with ginger ale. There are important differences.

Real ginger beer is actually brewed and fermented. Even though nowadays ginger beer with some alcohol in it is harder to find, there are “hard” ginger beers. Ginger ale, on the other hand, is ginger, sugar, and carbonated water.

Usually you can find Reed’s in the market. That is the brand typically associated with Moscow Mules. However, there are plenty of other options these days too.

Sometimes you find it in the alcohol mixers section, and other times by the sodas and soft drinks.

More delicious drinks waiting for you!

Lemon or limes for Moscow Mules?

For not only garnish, but also flavor, adding either lime or lemon slices brings in yet another flavor component… sour.

I prefer the way limes go with the ginger and the vodka myself. Again, the choice is a matter of taste.

What are some other fun cocktails to try?

If you are interested in expanding your cocktail making repertoire, I have some fun drinks to think about next time you feel like entertaining a new cocktail.

• Bellini rum punch
• Frozen mojito
• Strawberry lemon drop