5 Ingredients or Fewer

Moscow Mule

by:
October  1, 2021
5
5 Ratings
Moscow Mule
Photo by Mark Weinberg
  • Prep time 5 minutes
  • Serves As many as you like
Author Notes

This is a cocktail easily made for one, or you can scale up at will. Feel free to make it boozier if you like—there are no rules. —Amanda Hesser

Test Kitchen Notes

Moscow Mules are basically the perfect drink to make year-round—it'll chill you out in the hot summertime, but the gingery notes also make it ideal for those long winter months. All you need is some vodka, some good ginger beer, and a lime wedge, doesn't get much easier than that. Many of our lovely commenters recommended their favorite ginger beers to make this cocktail. A couple suggested Fever-Tree, while some said to use ginger beer that contains alcohol, such as Crabbie's. Also try with Bundeberg ginger beer, as well as Buffalo Rock Ginger Ale. What we recommend? Trying this drink with each of these beers to see which one is your favorite. No harm in experimenting with the flavor profiles to figure out what combination and what brand are the winners.

And yes, if you want to go all out, serve the Moscow mules in a copper mug. Not only are they beautiful, they keep the drink nice and cold since copper is a great conductor. Rumor has it that the origin of this drink surrounds a bartender who wanted to clear out his basement of the two things no one seemed to want at the time—yup, vodka and ginger beer. Another story surmises that it was three friends who wondered what would happen if they combined their drinks. Regardless of the origin story, we can't get enough of the refreshing yet spicy notes of a well-made Moscow mule. Feel free to let us know what your favorite ginger beer is in the comments! —The Editors

What You'll Need
Watch This Recipe
Moscow Mule
Ingredients
  • 1 part vodka
  • 2 parts ginger beer
  • Lime wedge, for garnish
Directions
  1. Fill a copper mug or Collins glass with crushed or cubed ice.
  2. Fill the glass one-third full with vodka.
  3. Top with the ginger beer and squeeze in some lime juice. Garnish with the lime wedge.
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Amanda Hesser

Recipe by: Amanda Hesser

Before starting Food52 with Merrill, I was a food writer and editor at the New York Times. I've written several books, including "Cooking for Mr. Latte" and "The Essential New York Times Cookbook." I played myself in "Julie & Julia" -- hope you didn't blink, or you may have missed the scene! I live in Brooklyn with my husband, Tad, and twins, Walker and Addison.

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25 Reviews

judy
judy November 10, 2015
ginger beer and lime. nuff said
 
Jill H.
Jill H. July 28, 2015
I also use the Fever tree ginger beer (clean with fresh ginger bite). We often do a variation called an Obama Mama (a bartender in St John named it)- use coconut rum instead of vodka, ginger beer & lots of lime - delish!
 
Chris H.
Chris H. September 3, 2015
I'd second Fever Tree. Either that or I'd use the ginger beer from "The Ginger People" - it's got a real nice tang to it. I tried some after seeing this: http://www.paykocimports.com/blog/the-best-and-worst-moscow-mule-ingredients/
 
Stacey B.
Stacey B. October 27, 2014
Wanna try a really really good version of this drink? Make it with REAL ginger beer (the kind that contains alcohol)! If you can find it, try making it with Crabbie's Ginger Beer, either the original or the orange spice...DELICIOUS! (Crabbie's can usually be found at Total Wine stores)
 
Realitywoman
Realitywoman December 20, 2015
Stacey, so glad to see your comment on Crabbie's because that is the only way I've made Moscow Mules or a Dark and Stormy. Ran out and couldn't remember where I purchased my last Crabbie's. Here in Oregon we have State owned Liquor Stores and the guy there said he never heard it being made with alcoholic ginger beer-just the soda kind. The only way I make it! It's not sickly sweet or high in sugars-that I know of???
 
Starlene R.
Starlene R. July 16, 2014
Bundeberg Ginger beer is fantastic. Also, add a dash or two of bitters to your mule. YUM!!
 
Ninja88
Ninja88 March 2, 2014
Thanks for info on Buffalo Rock Ginger. Serious Eats also raves about it, stating they thought Vernor's (my go to) was great but Buffalo Rock beats them. Will continue my quest. :-)
 
Matthew S.
Matthew S. March 1, 2014
If you are in certain areas of the South where it's available, Buffalo Rock Ginger Ale is a good ginger beer proxy. It has some nice "bite" to it.
 
Nina L.
Nina L. February 9, 2014
Really like the NO high fructose and lower calories. Thanks for info. Getting real tired of all the unnecessary additives.
 
Linda
Linda February 9, 2014
Fever Tree mixers are terrific! No high fructose corn syrup & fewer calorie too.
 
Nina L.
Nina L. January 31, 2014
In Vegas, am searching for all these new Ginger Beers. Been using Vernor's. That is also very good. Time to search web for additional varieties here.
 
brdwilliams
brdwilliams January 31, 2014
For Seattleites (or anyone ready to make an online committment to the best ginger beer you can imagine, there's none better than Rachel's Ginger Beer. Hands down. http://rachelsgingerbeer.com/collections/shop
 
karla C.
karla C. January 29, 2014
Fever Tree Ginger Beer or Fever Tree Ginger Ale
 
Panfusine
Panfusine January 1, 2014
This recipe has become a top favorite at home! Simply PERFECT!
 
Amanda H.
Amanda H. January 1, 2014
I'm so glad to hear this Panfusine. And this is perfect Moscow Mule weather -- think I might have to make one this weekend!
 
Carrie J.
Carrie J. November 19, 2013
I like Kettle One and was introduced to it by a NY relative who thinks it's the best.
 
Laura K.
Laura K. November 19, 2013
What's the best vodka to use?
 
Nina L.
Nina L. August 23, 2013
Sounds great, thanks for input.
 
cercdkc
cercdkc August 23, 2013
I prefer 1 part vodka to 2 parts lime juice, to 3 parts ginger beer. Yum.
 
Linda
Linda February 9, 2014
Me too, the extra lime makes it more refreshing.
 
Nina L.
Nina L. July 4, 2013
What brand of ginger beer do you suggest?
 
Amanda H.
Amanda H. July 4, 2013
Goslings, if you can find it.
 
Nina L.
Nina L. July 4, 2013
Great thanks.
 
Noah
Noah December 18, 2013
I can't seem to find Goslings. Any other recommendations?
 
Gerard
Gerard September 27, 2014
Goslings is made high fructose corn syrup. Other brands like Fever Tree are made with cane sugar. I'll take something sweetened with something natural than something made in a lab any day.