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This Moscow Mule recipe comes straight from Moscow by way of Minnesota. It was developed by Josh, a close friend of mine and long-time bartender. Weโve both been making cocktails for years, and I was excited to try his take on this refreshing cocktail.
Josh used his numerous years of Midwestern bartending experience to update this classic cocktail. Itโs a little bit sweet thanks to powdered sugar, while orange bitters add an extra layer of flavor. The real treat is in the garnish: crystallized ginger. This unexpected candy pairs perfectly with a wedge of lime for a sweet and sour finish.
Copper mugs are a fun, flashy way to serve a Moscow Mule. But if you donโt have them, Josh says this particular cocktail has beautiful layers that are best appreciated in a clear glass.
What makes this Recipe For a Moscow Mule Unique
This Moscow Mule recipe is made with surprising ingredients like powdered sugar, orange bitters, and crystallized ginger. The cocktail has a sweeter, more complex flavor profile than the standard 4-ingredient version.
Moscow Mules Recipe Ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
- Ginger beer: Reedโs Extra Ginger Beer is the gold standard. It can be found at well stocked specialty stores, Trader Joeโs, or online. However, if you have your own favorite ginger beer, feel free to use that.
- Angostura Orange Bitters: Crucial ingredient! Look for the orange bitters, not the standard aromatic bitters.
- Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar dissolves easily in the drink and makes things just a touch sweeter. Leave it out if you prefer, but it does make a difference.
- Crystalized ginger: Candied ginger, especially the kind sold by the bag at Trader Joeโs, makes a spicy-sweet garnish youโll love. Use a lime wedge or fresh mint sprig if you donโt have it (or even if you do!).
Best Vodka For Moscow Mule
The best vodka for a Moscow Mule is the one you have on hand. The flavors of fresh lime and ginger beer will override even the most expensive vodkas, so you donโt need to splurge for a top-shelf liquor. That being said, I usually keep Titoโs on hand because I like the flavor and the history of the company.
How to Make this Recipe for Moscow Mule
- Find a large cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Pour in the vodka, ginger beer, soda, lime juice, and the orange bitters into the shaker.
- Then, ever so gently, stir in the powdered sugar. Stir, donโt shake, so that you donโt burst those bubbles. Strain the drink into the ice-filled copper mugs, and garnish with a slice of candied ginger and a wedge of lime. Cheers!
Moscow Mule Drink Recipe variations
- Irish mule: Substitute Jameson Irish whiskey for the vodka.
- Mexican Mule: Substitute tequila for the vodka.
- Kentucky Mule: Use your favorite Kentucky bourbon instead of vodka. Woodford Reserve is the preferred brand for the Kentucky Derby.
- Gin Buck or Gin Gin Mule: This mule is made with gin instead of vodka.
- Dark โn Stormy: Substitute dark rum for the vodka.
- Virgin mule: Skip the vodka and make this drink as-is for the non-imbiber in your life; theyโll love it.
Best Moscow Mule Recipe Tips For Success
- Why the copper mug: Enjoying chilled drinks in copper cups offer a super-cool sensation because the metal takes on the cold temperature of the drink quicker than glass. That frozen sensation feels good on your lips! Also, icy cold copper can increase the amount of bubbles in the carbonated ginger beer, making things extra fizzy. Here are the copper mugs shown in the photos.
- Shopping for copper barware: Don’t worry about a Moscow Mule mug poisoning you. Most copper cups on the market are lined with steel or nickel, so the acidity of the drink wonโt interact with the metal and leach into your lovely cocktail. Some vintage mugs are even made out of anodized aluminum. When shopping, look for sturdy mugs that are lined and food safe. There are lots of good options out there, even gorgeous hammered copper ones.
- Virgin mule: Skip the vodka and make this drink as-is for the non-imbiber in your life; they’ll love it.
- Make ahead: This cocktail should be “built” in the glass, exactly when you need it. Otherwise, the fizz will fade and the drink will lose its magic. But you can squeeze the limes and have everything chilled and ready to go beforehand and things will go smoothly.
- No mug: If you don’t have a copper mug, just serve the drink in a glass; it will still be amazing. This particular recipe looks better in a glass because you can admire the layers of the drink.
Moscow Mules Recipe Serving Suggestions
I love to serve Moscow Mules with salty, crunchy snacks like kettle chips, Chex mix, and cocktail peanuts. Pretzels and dip, nachos, or a cheese board are great, too. On your cheese board, try cheddar, goat cheese, and Parmesan.
Moscow Mule Garnish Ideas
A wedge of lime is the classic garnish, but I love the look of fresh mint. Our version includes candied ginger. Fresh blueberries are great, too. For a holiday twist, try fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
What to pair with this Moscow Mule Drink Recipe
Moscow Mules pair well with citrusy seafood like fish, shrimp, or crab. They also compliment Asian dishes really well including Thai noodles, Indian curries, or Asian salads.
More cocktails to try:
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Moscow Mule Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ginger beer preferably Reed's Extra (see note 1)
- 4ยฝ ounces vodka
- 1ยฝ ounces club soda
- 1 ounce lime juice
- ยผ tsp Angostura Orange Bitters (see note 2)
- 1 tsp powdered sugar (see note 3)
- Crystallized ginger lime slices, or fresh mint, for garnish (see note 4)
Instructions
- Fill a large cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Pour ginger beer, vodka, club soda, lime juice, and orange bitters into the shaker.
- Gently stir in powdered sugar, being careful not to disrupt the carbonation (do not shake). Strain into two copper mugs or lowball glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish with a skewer of crystallized ginger, lime slices, or fresh mint as desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Ginger beer: Reedโs Extra Ginger Beer is the gold standard. It can be found at well stocked specialty stores, Trader Joeโs, or online. However, if you have your own favorite ginger beer, feel free to use that.
- Angostura Orange Bitters: Crucial ingredient! Look for the orange bitters, not the standard aromatic bitters.
- Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar dissolves easily in the drink and makes things just a touch sweeter. Leave it out if you prefer, but it does make a difference.
- Crystalized ginger: Candied ginger, especially the kind sold by the bag at Trader Joeโs, makes a spicy-sweet garnish youโll love. Use a lime wedge or fresh mint sprig if you donโt have it (or even if you do!).
- Why the copper mug: Enjoying chilled drinks in copper cups offer a super-cool sensation because the metal takes on the cold temperature of the drink quicker than glass. That frozen sensation feels good on your lips! Also, icy cold copper can increase the amount of bubbles in the carbonated ginger beer, making things extra fizzy. Here are the copper mugs shown in the photos (Culinary Hill may earn money if you buy through this link).
- Shopping for copper barware: Don’t worry about a Moscow Mule mug poisoning you. Most copper cups on the market are lined with steel or nickel, so the acidity of the drink wonโt interact with the metal and leach into your lovely cocktail. Some vintage mugs are even made out of anodized aluminum. When shopping, look for sturdy mugs that are lined and food safe. There are lots of good options out there, even gorgeous hammered copper ones.
- Virgin mule: Skip the vodka and make this drink as-is for the non-imbiber in your life; they’ll love it.
- Make ahead: This cocktail should be “built” in the glass, exactly when you need it. Otherwise, the fizz will fade and the drink will lose its magic. But you can squeeze the limes and have everything chilled and ready to go beforehand and things will go smoothly.
- No mug: If you don’t have a copper mug, just serve the drink in a glass; it will still be amazing. This particular recipe looks better in a glass because you can admire the layers of the drink.
Nutrition
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.
Does the ginger dissolve in the cocktail?
Hey, I live in Minnesota and will definitely be making this drink!
Hey, that’s great! I love Minnesota! I visit there at least once a year to see friends and family. Stay warm!!!
I appreciate our MInnesota food scene and I may have had that same Moscow Mule that she had :). I’m going to try this out AFTER I pick up the perfect mugs!