Moscow Mule Cocktail

If you want a simple, three-ingredient cocktail that will make you feel like a master bartender, then the Moscow Mule should be a staple in your rotation. Vodka, fresh lime juice, and spicy-sweet ginger beer combine in an adorable little copper mug to make the crushable fizzy drink that you’ll be sipping all year long. Here’s everything you need to know about this iconic cocktail:

How To Make A Moscow Mule

INGREDIENTS

• Mint: This drink is all about freshness. The sharp, cool bite of mint works perfectly to make a mule even more refreshing. Muddling the mint leaves releases the oils that contain all that beautiful flavor and aroma. Plus, mint is a great garnish that brings a fresh scent each time you lift the mug to your lips.
• Lime Juice: The acidity of the lime juice works perfectly to cut through the other strong flavors of this drink. Mint and lime are a dream combination that go together in so many classic cocktails, and for good reason. That little bit of tartness is a big part of what makes Moscow Mules so drinkable.
• Vodka: Vodka is the perfect choice for a Moscow Mule for its sharp coolness. When stirred in ice the cold vodka becomes so refreshing against the mint and ginger beer. Use your favorite, or check out our list of the best vodka brands.
• Ginger Beer: Even if you are not a huge ginger fan, it's worth it in this drink. The tangy, slightly spicy kick of the ginger beer is the perfect companion for the freshness of the mint and vodka, giving this drink a little sparkle.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Start by adding mint leaves and lime juice into your copper mugs (or other glasses) and muddle them until the leaves begin to bruise and break up, releasing their oils.

Then fill the glasses all the way up with ice to ensure a cold drink, and add in the vodka and ginger beer. Give the mixture a stir to combine everything and let the ice do its work. Garnish the drink with mint leaves and lime and enjoy!

The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.

Recipe Tips

• Where did the Moscow Mule originate? Now this is a fun story. Despite its very Russian name, the Moscow Mule was invented in California in 1941. The iconic cocktail was the product of a fated collaboration between a struggling vodka distillery, a pub owner trying to introduce the world to his ginger beer, and a woman with 2,000 inherited Russian copper mugs. After that chance encounter, the three entrepreneurs went through dozens of tests before finally settling on the right ratio to create the drink we all love today, served, of course, in the icon ice-cold copper mug.
• Don’t skip the copper mug. While the copper mug is certainly aesthetically pleasing, it serves a crucial function as well. Copper is a highly conductive metal, which means that it has the ability to quickly cool down, quickly heat up, and maintain a steady temperature for longer periods of time. Having a super-cold mug enhances the qualities of both the bubbly ginger beer and the sharp vodka here, making the drink almost impossibly refreshing. Holding the mug by the handle also helps keep the drink colder for longer. It’s truly a win-win.