Moscow Mule Recipe: Refreshing Vodka and Ginger Beer Cocktail 2026

The Moscow Mule is a bright, refreshing cocktail that balances the warmth of vodka with the spicy kick of ginger beer and the tartness of fresh lime juice. Despite its Russian-sounding name, this drink was born in the United States, and its unmistakable copper mug has become part of its identity.

Making one at home takes just five minutes and a handful of ingredients. The key is plenty of crushed ice, a generous squeeze of lime and a good-quality ginger beer, so the drink stays cold, fizzy and full of flavor from the first sip to the last.

Whether you are hosting friends or simply unwinding after a long day, this cocktail is an easy, crowd-pleasing choice. Keep reading to see how simple it is to mix a perfectly balanced Moscow Mule.

Ingredients for Moscow Mule

This recipe makes 1 cocktail.

• Crushed ice
• 45 ml vodka
• 15 ml lime juice
• A few lime slices
• 1 ginger beer
• Mint (optional)

How to Make Moscow Mule Step by Step

1. Fill the mug with ice and add the vodka

Fill a copper Moscow Mule mug with crushed ice up to about three quarters of its capacity. Then pour in 45 ml of vodka.

2. Add the lime juice

Measure out 15 ml of fresh lime juice and add it to the mug with the vodka and ice.

3. Stir the mixture

Stir the vodka and lime juice together with a small spoon so the flavors begin to combine and the drink starts to chill.

4. Add lime slices and more ice

Slide a few lime slices into the mug and top it up with more crushed ice until the glass is full.

5. Top with ginger beer

Finally, pour in the ginger beer until the mug is completely full, letting it fizz over the ice and lime.

6. Garnish and serve

Optionally, garnish the drink with fresh mint and a lime slice, then serve immediately while it is cold and bubbling.

Tips for the Best Moscow Mule

Use plenty of crushed ice

Crushed ice chills the drink quickly and keeps it fizzy for longer. Fill the mug generously so the cocktail stays cold without diluting too fast.

Choose a good ginger beer

The ginger beer is the backbone of this cocktail, so pick one with a strong, spicy ginger flavor. A bland ginger beer will make the drink taste flat.

Serve it in a copper mug

The copper mug is more than a pretty presentation: it conducts cold beautifully and keeps the cocktail refreshing. If you do not have one, a well-chilled glass will still work.

30 Top Dishes I Enjoy Cooking at Home

Much like me, you probably like having a rotation of fuss-free comfort dishes, well-known global plates, and desserts that please a crowd.

When a rich, indulgent treat is what I'm after, I tend to reach for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this refined Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a luscious Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And any time a fruity, cozy dessert sounds good, this timeless French Tarte Tatin recipe is my go-to.

On mornings when I want something quick and on lighter days, I'll whip up these airy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a hearty Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these bright Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, I'm fond of making this no-fuss Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean flavors, I switch between this punchy Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crunchy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, silky Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and a cool Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is another one I love to serve when the occasion calls for something a bit fancier.

Come lunchtime cravings or a cozy evening meal, I'm quick to suggest this warming Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, time-honored Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, deeply savory Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and velvety Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. Should I be after something more substantial, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, a homey Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the deeply comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Any time street-food style or party-ready plates are calling, I'll usually fix this succulent Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, punchy Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crisp Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These simple Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe are another favorite of mine to set out as a light starter or snack.

And when drinks plus a whole spread are on the agenda for company, I'll typically serve dinner alongside this cooling Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this strong Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. Then to fill out the table, I like to add this zesty French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finish things off with this eye-catching Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Additional Tasty Recipes to Cook for Loved Ones

After years of trying and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to see that the greatest dishes balance ease, dependable methods, and big flavor.

The recipes gathered here are the very ones I keep coming back to, time and again—whether I'm throwing together a fast meal just for me or putting on something memorable for friends and family.

For a sweet finish, the rich, silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I turn to whenever I want something elegant yet effortless. Another dessert I adore is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better dessert texture comes in handy, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe shows exactly how I make it at home.

Whenever something light and uncomplicated is what I'm craving, I reach for the familiar Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a flawlessly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For fuller comfort meals, I'm quick to point to the filling Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the speedy weeknight winner One Pot Pasta Recipe.

I'm equally fond of passing along dishes rooted in tradition from across the globe, among them the genuine Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crisp Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the timeless Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is another area I return to often, since it cuts down on time while still delivering excellent texture. The ones I make most include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my cozy Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that baked pasta classics can still be indulgent, cheesy, and deeply satisfying minus the gluten.

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