A guide to the best Moscow Mule recipe for beginners
Moscow Mule, the refreshing drink made with simple ingredients, is appreciated by both first-time drinkers as well as pro drinkers. If you, too, want to try this fantastic cocktail, you are at the right place.
But before diving into the Moscow Mule recipe, let us know some fun things about Moscow Mule.
Moscow Mule- An Interesting Story
Origin of Moscow Mule
One must wonder about the origin of this delicious cocktail. Many stories about its origin are on the surface, but some are worth telling. So, here it is!
Initially, it was claimed that the first Moscow Mule was imported from Russia, the country known for its vodka worldwide.
Another story goes back to 1948 when three friends Jack, John G. Martin, and Rudolph Kunett, decided to experiment with vodka, cold ginger beer, and some fresh lime. They wondered what would happen if all things were combined and tried it out.
So, everything was combined, poured in the glasses, and tasted. They found the taste good, which is how the Moscow Mule recipe came into existence. But, this is not all.
In 2007, a new version of the story came into the world. This time, a new name came up: Wes Price, the head bartender of Jack. He claimed to have mixed all the ingredients to clear the stock of vodka and ginger beer. At that time, neither vodka nor ginger beer did well in the market separately.
The popularity of the Moscow Mule
Here comes another fascinating tale. The next question is, how did the Moscow Mule recipe become so popular?
The Tale of Copper Mugs
It is said that John G. Martin went around the States to sell Smirnoff vodka and Moscow Mule. He asked the bartenders to pose with a copper mug and vodka and clicked their polaroid pictures to advertise the product.
From that day till today, the classic Moscow Mule is served in a copper mug to enhance the feel.
The Hollywood Connection
As we all know how celebrities, actors, and singers influence trends today, the same was the case back then.
The Cock N Bull had unique copper mugs for their famous guests which they could grab from behind the bar counter. When people saw their favorite person holding a copper mug, they wanted it too!
So, this is how the classic Moscow Mule and copper mugs made a mark worldwide.
Taste of Moscow Mule
Moscow Mule is a strong cocktail with the perfect blend of sweet and spicy that will soothe your taste buds. The prime ingredients of the Moscow Mule recipe are Ginger Beer, vodka, and lime juice.
Their unique flavor makes it the perfect drink for various occasions like a brunch in the summer afternoon or a get-together in the chilly winters. In addition to this, you can have multiple variations of the same cocktail by adding fruits.
Moreover, traditionally Moscow Mule Copper mugs served the classic cocktails. While many might think there is no reason behind this, that is not true.
This copper mule mug is oxidized slightly due to the vodka. This, in turn, enhances the aroma and flavor of the Moscow Mule cocktail.
Main Ingredients of Moscow Mule
Before diving into the recipes, let us take a closer look at two of its main ingredients- Ginger Beer and Vodka.
Ginger Beer
While the name might suggest it is an alcoholic drink, it isnโt. Ginger Beer is a sweet carbonated drink prepared by fermentation of spicy ginger, yeast, and sugar.
It has a robust flavor and aroma that is perfect for every ginger beer cocktail. Ginger Beer makes an ultimate mixer with bourbon, rum, and whiskey.
The top four Ginger Beer brands for Moscow mule are:
Q Ginger Beer
Q Ginger Beer is a highly carbonated, spicy, and not too sweet drink. The Ginger Beer was crafted as a mixer by the brand. They use lots of real ginger in their drinks for the perfect spicy flavor.
To add a unique element to their drink, chili peppers are used. If you are looking for some fantastic cocktail recipes, check out here.
Fever-Tree Ginger Beer
Fever-Tree Ginger Beer is a blend of gingers from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Cochin. It is spicy and gives a long-lasting taste, but you wonโt find it too sweet.
You can have Fever-Tree as a soft drink or add it to Moscow mules. If you want to know more about the ginger used, head to their site.
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
Bundaberg Ginger Beer is famous in Australia for its taste. It is made from a family-owned recipe passed onto generations and has locally grown ginger from Australia and sugarcane.
Their bottle has a unique design with a rip cap. If you are looking for some fantastic ginger beer recipes apart from Moscow mules, you should check their site.
Goslingโs Ginger Beer
Goslingโs Ginger Beer is the most versatile non-alcoholic drink for the Dark and Stormy Cocktail. It has an overall good balance of sweetness and spice that makes it perfect for various other cocktails.
Moreover, it is easily available and budget-friendly, especially for beginners. It has a refreshing taste and is less fizzy than other ginger beers on the list.
Vodka
It is a clear alcoholic drink that adds a punchy flavor to various cocktail recipes. The best vodka varieties have originated from Sweden, Russia, and Poland.
In ancient times, vodka was prepared from fermented cereal grains and potatoes. But in recent times, brands have started using fruits, maple, etc.
Vodka can have different tastes depending upon the food products used in it. For example, potato-based vodka and wheat-based vodka have a creamy taste.
The top four vodka brands for Moscow mule are:
Titoโs Vodka
Titoโs Handmade Vodka is an award-winning vodka in America known for using pot-stills. It has a very distinct taste and is loved by buyers. They taste every batch and sell certified gluten-free vodka to the consumers.
You can Titoโs vodka, ginger beer, and lime to get the perfect Moscow Mule. Additionally, you can use it in other recipes as well.
Smirnoff Vodka
The worldโs largest vodka brand has a smooth taste and classic flavor. Their vodka is sold in over 130 countries worldwide because of its rich taste and exceptional quality.
An easy-to-drink vodka is superb for Moscow mule cocktails and other cocktails. To know more about the brand, you can visit their site.
Reyka Vodka
The vodka is made from the glacier water of Iceland. It is why it has a more earthy flavor to it. Overall, it is the best vodka with a clear and crisp taste.
For this reason, you can add it to Moscow mule recipes. If you want to know more, visit their site.
Hangar 1 Vodka
The Hangar 1 Vodka is famous in California for its flavor. There are several varieties available- Straight Vodka that comes from distilled grapes and grains, Buddhaโs Hand Citron with citron flavor, Mandarin Blossom with blossom flavors, Makrut Lime that is lime flavored, Honeycomb Vodka that is infused with honeycomb, and Rose Vodka.
Moscow Mule V/S Kentucky Mule
A lot of people get confused between Moscow Mule and Kentucky Mule. If you are one of them too, let me clear your doubt. Both of them are different. Kentucky Mule substitutes bourbon with vodka in Moscow Mule. That is why the name โKentucky.โ
Bourbon, in general, can be served in a lot of ways- neat, on the rocks, mixed with soft drinks, cola, or as a mixer in cocktails. It is also used in cooking waffles, fruit-based cakes, and sundaes.
But why do people replace it with vodka in mules? It is because bourbon combines better with ginger beer. It cuts through the ginger beer or ale and provides a more flavorful drink.
Here is a complete recipe for Kentucky Mule that will take two minutes:
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Bourbon
- 4-6 oz. Ginger Beer
- 1/2 oz. Lime Juice
- Mint and lime for garnish
How To Make
Take a cup or glass and add bourbon and lime juice.
Now, pour ice and vodka into the cup or glass.
Finally, garnish with mint and lime wedge. Serve chill.
Moscow Mule Recipes
After knowing almost everything about the Moscow Mule, I am sure you are waiting to try it yourself. So, let us not wait anymore. Here are four easy, quick, and refreshing recipes for beginners.
So, gather all the stuff and start making your own refreshing Moscow Mule.
1. Moscow Mule Recipe Cocktail
This is the most simple recipe for making the Moscow Mule. It is super delicious and has 5 minutes of prep time!
Ingredients (One Serving)
- 2 oz. Vodka
- 6 oz. Cold Ginger Beer
- 1/2 Lime Juice
- Lime Wedge for garnish
How To Make
First, take a copper mug or a highball glass and pour some lime juice.
Next, fill the mug or glass with a few ice cubes, ginger beer, and vodka.
Finally, stir the cocktail well and add some cut lemon wedges.
Smell the drink to get the ginger aroma and then sip it.
2. Moscow Mule Recipe with Ginger Ale and Lime Juice
If you do not like the taste of ginger beer, you can modify this classic cocktail by replacing it with ginger ale. It is mild, sweet, and non-alcoholic. This recipe also has a 5 minute prep time.
Ingredients (One Serving)
- 2 oz. Vodka
- 4 oz. Ginger Ale
- 1/2 Freshly squeezed Lime juice
How to Make
Just like the last recipe, add fresh lime juice into the glass, then pour vodka and ginger ale into it.
Finally, add some ice cubes and garnish with a lime wedge and mint leaves.
Stir well with a bar spoon before serving.
3. Mocktail Moscow Mule Recipe
If you do not want to add vodka or beer to your drink, here is the perfect recipe for you. It is equally spicy, tasty, and an ideal companion for your summer party.
The prep time of 5 minutes is again a quick recipe.
Ingredients (One Serving)
- 4 oz. Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer
- 2 oz. Club Soda
- Freshly Squeezed lime juice
- Mint
How to Make
Add the freshly squeezed lime juice to your cup or glass.
Then, add some fresh mint leaves.
Finally, fill ice cubes and pour ginger ale or ginger beer and club soda into the glass.
Garnish with a lime wedge and the extra fresh mint. Serve chill.
4. Strawberry Moscow Mule Recipe
Do you like strawberries? Excited to know how? Read on to know this perfect brunch recipe!
Then, give a color to this classic cocktail by adding some strawberries. This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, so get ready with all the ingredients in advance.
Ingredients (One Serving)
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
- 2 oz. Vodka
- 4 oz. Ginger Beer
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice
How To Make
Combine water and sugar in a pan on flame and stir until sugar dissolves completely. You can skip this step if you use a ready-made simple syrup of sugar.
Then, add some strawberries and simmer for the next 10 minutes.
During this time, mash your strawberries thoroughly. Take it off the flame and let it cool.
Once cooled, pour it through a sieve. Add ice cubes and lime juice to this mixture.
Finally, add ginger beer and vodka.
Garnish with mint and lime wedge and serve in copper mugs for the original element.
Here is another simple Strawberry Moscow Mule Recipe for you:
If you are in the mood for experimenting, you can substitute strawberries with other sweet fruits like peaches and other berries.
So, try any Moscow Mule recipe and let us know how it was in the comment section below!
If you prefer a good drink, head to our page and check out this post!
Last Updated on by Himani Rawat
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