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Moscow Mule

moscowmuleWhen I think of Summer Cocktails there has to be a nod to the infamous cocktail that stole a new generation's hearts and somehow managed to convince all of us that a shiny set of copper mugs in our bar carts was now essential... the delightful, perfectly-refreshing, always-a-crowd-fave... Moscow Mule. I've been a fan of the Moscow Mule (and even moreso, its whiskey-with-a-splash-of-bitters cousin, the Horsefeather) for years and years now. But especially so in the summertime. When served up in a chilly mug, with a good spicy ginger beer, a solid splash of lime, and ideally a side of good friends all gathered around a patio table, this cocktail is my idea of a lovely way to cool down on a warm evening. And in my experience hosting, it's also proven to always be a hit. Three easy ingredients. And as with any cocktail with such a short ingredient list, the quality of each of those three ingredients will make a notable difference in your cocktail. So avoid the cheapest options at the liquor store, and do some taste-testing to learn which Moscow Mule ingredients you love best.

crushed ice
2 oz vodka
1 Tbsp. (½ oz) lime juice, freshly squeezed
4 oz ginger beer

Garnish:
lime wedge
mint leaves

Fill a copper mug or tall cocktail glass with ice. Add vodka and lime juice. Then fill the glass to the top with ginger beer.

Give the drink a quick stir, top with garnish(es) if desired, then serve cold.

Makes 1 cocktail.

Variations:

Nowadays there are about a million cocktails that claim to be some variation of a "mule". So feel free to get creative with your cocktails and see what you love best. Some ideas for variations could include:

  • Changing the Liquor:
    Dark & Stormy: swap vodka for dark rum
    Kentucky Mule: swap vodka for bourbon
    Irish Mule: swap vodka for Irish whiskey
    Glasgow/Scottish Mule: swap vodka for Scotch whiskey
    Mexican Mule: swap vodka for tequila
    Oaxacan Mule: swap vodka for mezcal
    Gin Gin Mule: swap vodka for gin
  • Adding Fruit:
    Muddling in juicy fruit, such as watermelon, berries, peaches, pineapple, apple, pear, cranberry, and/or grapefruit would be delicious.
  • Adding Veggies or Herbs:
    Muddling in veggies like cucumber, or herbs like basil, cilantro, sage or lavender would also be delicious.
  • Adding Heat:
    Add hot peppers, such as; jalapeño or serrano.
  • Adding Bitters:
    Bitters are not used in the classic Moscow Mule recipe, but I almost always add a few shakes to my own.