Moscow Mule Recipe – Few cocktails balance simplicity, refreshment, and timeless charm quite like the iconic copper-mug favorite enjoyed at parties, bars, and cozy evenings at home. Crisp ginger beer, bright lime, and smooth vodka come together to create a drink that feels both old-school and modern.
Whether you’re mixing for guests or crafting a weekend treat, this guide walks you through the history, flavor profile, and fool-proof method to create a beautifully balanced drink at home. This article features the **Moscow Mule Recipe ** as a single primary keyword while also offering practical preparation tips, variations, and serving suggestions to help you mix the perfect glass every time.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Active Time: 5 minutes
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Resting Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 5 minutes
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Cuisines: American / Classic Cocktail
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Course: Drinks / Cocktail
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Servings: 1 glass
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Calories (approx): 180–200 kcal per serving
Ingredients
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2 oz vodka
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½–1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice (to taste)
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4–6 oz chilled ginger beer
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Ice cubes (crushed or cubed)
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Lime wheel or wedge — for garnish
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Fresh mint sprig (optional garnish)
Equipment
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Copper mug (recommended) or highball glass
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Jigger or measuring shot glass
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Bar spoon
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Citrus juicer (optional)
Instructions
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Fill the mug with ice
Add crushed or cubed ice until the mug is almost full. Copper keeps the drink extra cold and enhances aroma and carbonation. -
Add vodka & fresh lime juice
Measure the vodka and lime juice with a jigger and pour over the ice. Stir gently to chill and combine. -
Top with ginger beer
Slowly pour chilled ginger beer into the mug, letting it fizz naturally for the best effervescence. -
Lightly stir
Give the drink a soft stir to integrate flavors without flattening the bubbles. -
Garnish & serve
Add a lime wedge and — if you like a fragrant finish — a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.
Nutrition & Notes (Per Serving — Approximate)
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Calories: 180–200
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Carbohydrates: 15–22 g (varies by ginger beer)
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Sugars: 12–18 g
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Alcohol Content: ~14–16% ABV (standard pour)
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Fat / Protein: 0 g
Nutrition Tip:
Choosing a low-sugar or spiced ginger beer can significantly change both sweetness and calorie count. If you prefer a zesty, sharper profile, use fresh lime juice and a dry ginger beer; for a smoother, dessert-like finish, choose a sweeter brand.
Why This Cocktail Works
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Three ingredients, maximum impact — no syrups or complicated techniques
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Customizable sweetness & spice — tweak with ginger beer style or lime ratio
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Great for parties — easy to batch or assemble individually
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Universally appealing flavor — light, aromatic, and refreshing
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Mule
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Use fresh lime juice — bottled juice dulls the brightness.
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Chill your ginger beer beforehand for better fizz and flavor.
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Avoid shaking the drink — shaking flattens carbonation.
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Crushed ice melts faster but creates a colder, more refreshing sip.
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A copper mug is traditional — but not required — flavor remains the same.
Conclusion
Timeless, refreshing, and delightfully simple, this classic copper-mug cocktail proves that great flavor doesn’t require complexity. With just a few quality ingredients and a little balance between lime, vodka, and ginger spice, you can craft a version that feels bar-worthy every time. Whether you enjoy it traditionally or personalize it with flavor twists, this drink remains an effortlessly impressive crowd-pleaser — and a staple worth mastering in any home bar.
