Moscow Mule Recipe | European Bartender School (2024)

The Moscow Mule was invented around 1941. John G. Martin, an executive at the Heublein drinks company, borrowed Edwin Land's Polaroid camera when he was upset by his inability to sell vodka. Vodka is not popular in the United States. Martin went up to a bartender at the L.A. bar co*ck 'n' Bull and talked to the owner, Jack Morgan, who was having a similar issue of not being able to sell even a single ginger beer. Another businessman was unable to sell his copper mugs. Given that they were all losing money and time, they decided to combine the two drinks and serve them in a copper mug. Even today, the copper mug is a popular serving vessel for the Moscow Mule. Vodka also became popular in the United States after that. Martin frequently claimed that he and Jack Morgan created the drink, but this may not be the case.

The Moscow Mule was apparently chosen as one of the best co*cktails because Americans associate vodka with Russia. Mule was added to the name because the ginger beer added a specific kick to the drink. However, the origin of the name Moscow Mule is still unclear. The Moscow Mule recipe includes vodka, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer. Moscow Mules have a combination of spicy, sweet, and strong flavours. The Moscow Mule is recommended for someone who likes the strong flavour of vodka, and the spiciness of ginger beer.

What are the ingredients for a Moscow Mule?

Listed below are the following ingredients for a Moscow Mule.

  • 40ml vodka: Vodka is a Russian alcoholic spirit made by distilling rye, wheat, or potatoes.
  • 20ml fresh lime juice: Lime juice is a liquid extracted from lime by squeezing it.
  • Ginger beer: Ginger beer is an effervescent drink made from syrup and ginger.

1. 40ml vodka

Vodka is necessary for making a Moscow Mule because it gives a strong flavour to the drink. The taste of vodka is subtle and often similar to a clear grain. Vodka contains 40% alcohol concentration and has 87 calories. There are many good vodkas to choose from when making a Moscow Mule, including Husky Vodka, Absolut Elyx, Stolichnaya Vodka, Smirnoff No. 22, Tito's, Russian Standard Gold, Belvedere Ginger Zest, CH Vodka, Humboldt Organic, and Smoke Lab Aniseed.

2. 20ml fresh lime juice

Freshly squeezed lime juice is necessary because it adds a sour kick to the drink. Freshly squeezed lime juice has a strong sour taste due to the acidity of the limes. Fresh lime juice has 5 calories per 20ml.

3. Ginger beer

Ginger beer is necessary for making a Moscow Mule because it adds a strong and spicy ginger flavour to the drink. Ginger beer is a bubbly drink with a strong ginger taste and a spicy finish. There is no alcohol in ginger beer and it has 16 calories per ounce. There are many good ginger beers for making a Moscow Mule, including Fever-Tree Premium, Q Mixers, Barritt's Original, Bundaberg, Maine Root, Reed's Stronger, Royalty Ginger Beer, Brooklyn Crafted Mango Ginger Beer, Zevia Mixer Ginger Beer, and Top Hat Ginger Beer Craft Concentrate.

How to make Moscow Mule?

Preparing a Moscow Mule has never been easier thanks to this recipe, so don't miss it and make the most out of your co*cktail!

1. Pour the vodka and lime juice into a copper mug or highball glass over cubed ice.
2. Fill with ginger beer.
3. Garnish with a lime wedge.

1. Pour vodka and lime juice into a copper mug or highball over cubed ice.

Pour the vodka and lime juice into a copper mug. Pouring vodka and lime juice is necessary because it adds a citrus flavour to the bitter drink.

2. Fill with ginger beer.

Add 2 or 3 ice cubes, then fill with 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of cold ginger beer. Adding ice makes the drink cold. Filling it with ginger beer is necessary because it balances the strong flavour of vodka.

3. Garnish with lime wedge

Garnish with a lime wedge by cutting the fruit lengthwise. Then set one half of the fruit cut-side down onto the cutting board. Lastly, slice the part lengthwise and place it onto the rim of the glass. Garnishing with a lime wedge is optional but mostly it adds aesthetic appeal to the drink.

What does Moscow Mule taste like?

Moscow Mules taste spicy, sweet, and strong. The fizz of the ginger beer, the punch of the vodka, and the chilled copper mug combine to make an excellent co*cktail.

What nutritional benefit can you get from drinking a Moscow Mule?

There are nutritional benefits when drinking one Moscow Mule co*cktail which includes 0.1% Vitamin A, 7.6% Vitamin C, 0.5% Calcium, and 1.7% iron. One Moscow Mule co*cktail has a number of 210 calories.

What are the different variations of the Moscow Mule?

There are multiple variations of the Moscow Mule, including the Kentucky Mule, Mexican Mule, Gin Mule, Dark and Stormy, Mezcal Mule, Irish Mule, Watermelon Mule, and Apple Cider Mule. To variate a Moscow Mule, the bartender should substitute tequila, gin, whiskey, or rum for the vodka. For example, use tequila instead of vodka to make a Mexican Mule. When altering a Moscow Mule, the bartender could also add watermelon or apple cider for a fruity flavour. The Moscow Mule is similar to several other co*cktails, including Pineapple Ginger Mojitos, Spring Ginger Honey Switchel, The Zing Ting, Cranberry Ginger co*cktail, Grapefruit Ginger Gin Fizz, and Kentucky Mule.

Moscow Mule Recipe | European Bartender School (2024)

FAQs

Moscow Mule Recipe | European Bartender School? ›

Tito's Handmade Vodka is crafted in an old-fashioned pot still, and it's teeming with traditional tastes. A neutral spirit, Tito's Vodka is anything but bland. Pouring it over crushed ice, you'll unlock a delectable crispness that elevates your Moscow Mule to new heights.

Is titos vodka good for Moscow mules? ›

Tito's Handmade Vodka is crafted in an old-fashioned pot still, and it's teeming with traditional tastes. A neutral spirit, Tito's Vodka is anything but bland. Pouring it over crushed ice, you'll unlock a delectable crispness that elevates your Moscow Mule to new heights.

What kind of vodka is best for Moscow mules? ›

What is the Best Vodka for Moscow Mules?
  • You may like the slightly oily mouth feel of Absolut Vodka.
  • Or, possibly the more crisp bite of Stolichnaya (Stoli)
  • For a fuller flavor, try the potato-based Chopin Vodka.

What is the best ginger beer to use for a Moscow Mule? ›

The best ginger beer for Moscow mules is Fever-Tree brand ginger beer. Mara said, “It tastes the most like a Moscow mule,” and I wholeheartedly agreed. Fever-Tree's ginger beer has the most clear and pronounced fresh ginger flavor, thanks to a blend of three gingers from Nigeria, Cochin and the Ivory Coast.

Do copper mugs make Moscow mules taste better? ›

Along with American tradition, a copper mug is vital to fully enhance the aroma and taste of a Moscow Mule co*cktail. When vodka is served in a copper mug, vodka gets oxidized, leading to a potent aroma and superior flavor profile.

What's the difference between Moscow Mule and Smirnoff mule? ›

Smirnoff Mule is the ready to drink version of the timeless and world renown co*cktail, the Moscow Mule. Smirnoff Mule is made with a flavorful combination of Smirnoff Vodka recipe No. 21, zesty ginger beer and a tangy spritz of lime. Note: Confirmation of product price occurs upon the receipt of your order.

Should Moscow mules be shaken? ›

Should a Moscow Mule Be Shaken? A Moscow Mule may be shaken, but only before adding the ginger beer. Once you've added carbonation, shaking the drink will negatively affect the drink, and you'll have to start again. That's why you should invest the right bartender tools, and you can stir the drink instead.

What is the most popular vodka in Moscow? ›

Russian Standard, Stoli, and Zyr are a few of the most popular vodka brands in Russia.

What lime juice is best for a Moscow Mule? ›

LIMING YOUR MULE

If you're looking to add a little more of the old mule kick into your concoction, a key lime is the assertive way to go, with an acidic, tangy citrus bite that has slightly herbal undertones.

What is the main alcohol in a Moscow Mule? ›

Vodka: Moscow mules are traditionally made with vodka. Lime: You'll need the juice for the drink and a wedge for garnish. Ice: Moscow mules are cold served over ice. Ginger beer: Not to be confused with ginger ale!

Why does a Moscow Mule have to be in a copper cup? ›

The co*cktail made with vodka, lime juice and spicy ginger beer is popularly served in copper mugs for a reason. As copper is highly conductive, when the delicious Moscow Mule is served in a copper cup or mug, it help takes on the temperature of the drink.

Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer in a Moscow Mule? ›

In a pinch, ginger ale will work as a substitute for ginger beer in a Moscow mule, however the citrusy, zingy flavor that the ginger beer normally brings will be a lot more muted. Ginger ale will make your Moscow mule a lot more sweet and bubbly.

Why is Moscow Mule so good? ›

A great Moscow mule combines smooth vodka with ice-cold, spicy ginger beer and lime – in a signature copper mug. Ginger beer doesn't taste the same without the copper mug, which highlights the sweet-and-spicy taste of the beverage.

Are you supposed to chill Moscow Mule mugs? ›

Moscow mules are served in copper mugs to enhance the presentation, chill the drink to a frosty temperature, and some believe it even affects the flavors. Keep reading to learn more about the history of copper mugs and why they go hand-in-hand with Moscow Mules.

Do you have to polish Moscow Mule mugs? ›

No matter which type of mug you choose, be sure to hand wash your copper cups, dry them thoroughly, and polish them as desired. With proper care, your guests can always enjoy a tasty co*cktail from a classic copper mug.

Is a Moscow Mule healthy? ›

A study published in the January/February issue of the Journal of Environmental Health found that copper leaches into the drink made of ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka. In a little under half an hour, the copper levels rise higher than the safety standard set for drinking water.

What does Tito's vodka support? ›

We started Vodka for Dog People to rescue and protect the animals that have come into our lives, many of whom now thrive alongside us at our distillery and office. The vision of our Vodka for Dog People program is to better the lives of pets and their families far and wide.

Is Tito's good for co*cktails? ›

If you're on the hunt for a vodka that makes a mean, refreshing, homemade co*cktail - look no further than Tito's Homemade Vodka. This beloved American vodka brand has become a household name, known for its high-quality production, smooth taste, and versatility - especially when it comes to making co*cktails.

What is Titos vodka known for? ›

Tito's Handmade Vodka is a vodka brand made by Fifth Generation, founded by Tito Beveridge in 1997 in Austin, Texas – specializing in vodka made from yellow corn, rather than potatoes or wheat. It is distilled 6 times and unaged.

What kind of vodka is in the copper can Moscow Mule? ›

Deliciously crafted with three simple ingredients: fresh lime juice, our signature ginger beer made in house, and 6x distilled gluten free vodka.

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