Simple Moscow Mule (2024)

FAQs

What is a substitute for 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.

Moscow mule purists know that tradition isn't the only reason the drink is served in a copper mug: The cold metal insulates the temperature of the chilled ginger beer, keeping the co*cktail cool and refreshing. Some experts say that the mug enhances the individual flavors of the ginger beer, vodka, and lime.

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.

The Russian Mule, also known as the Moscow Mule, is a co*cktail that has been around for decades. There are a couple of stories that explain how it came into existence, but one of the most popular ones has its origins in Los Angeles.

Some drinks rely on the deeper flavors of ginger beer to stand up to other ingredients, but you can really use it interchangeably with ginger ale — as long as you know that ginger beer is more intense in flavor than ginger ale.

While these two drinks were once identical, ginger ale is typically sweeter, non-alcoholic, and made using artificial carbonation. Ginger beer tends to be spicier and is carbonated via fermentation. As a result, it may contain alcohol, though sometimes in amounts as low as 0.5% ABV.

A Texas version of the classic Moscow Mule thanks to some prickly pear syrup made with prickly pear jam.

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.

And so the Moscow Mule became the Snake Island Mule (with a line striking out “Moscow” for emphasis), and the Caipiroska — the Russian-ified name of the classic Brazilian drink the Caipirinha, when it's made with vodka instead of the traditional cachaça — was re-dubbed the Caipi Island.

Traditional Moscow Mules are made with vodka, whilst a Kentucky Mule uses whisky for a warmer, spicier serve. You can also swap in tequila for a Mexican twist, or dark rum for a classic Dark 'n Stormy.

What is the difference between a Moscow Mule and a Caribbean mule? ›

While you are probably familiar with the Moscow Mule, the Caribbean Mule is a variation that might just become your new favorite. The Caribbean Mule is a popular Mule that substitutes vodka for rum. An avid rum-drinker will no doubt love this version of the traditional Moscow Mule.

So yes, classic Moscow Mule ingredients are as simple as: Vodka. Ginger beer. Fresh lime juice (no one was trying to market lime juice to Americans—it just makes the drink delicious).

Both ginger ale and ginger beer pack bubbles and spice, but which ginger soda you choose can make a big difference. Here's why each drink deserves a place in your home bar. All products are independently selected by our editors.

At least ¾ of the "ginger ale" should be Sprite, 7–Up, or another lemon-lime soda. You can even make it most of the drink, saving just a splash for the remaining ingredients. Fill the rest with cola.

One of the more successful variations on the Moscow Mule is the London Mule, which is sometimes also referred to as a Foghorn.