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The Moscow Mule is the 5th most popular cocktail in the U.S. and one of the drinks every bartender should know.
This may be surprising to you because Moscow Mules require a set of hardware that a lot of popular cocktails don’t. To serve a Moscow Mule properly, you need chilled mugs of copper. Either every bar across the country has those or they’re not serving Moscow Mules in copper mugs. But, there's more to a Moscow Mule than just an interesting mug.
Read on to see a recipe for Moscow Mule, what ingredients to use, the calorie count, and more.
Best Moscow Mule Recipe
Since the Moscow Mule is such a classic and standardized drink, most recipes are fairly similar. We'll go over the ingredients and steps below, but first, let's take a look at some tips to help you make the best Moscow Mule around.
Here are a few tips to get the most out of your Moscow Mule Recipe:
- Don't skimp on the vodka. A call drink Moscow Mule will always be better than a well drink one.
- Choose a spicy, extra-gingery ginger beer to avoid the feeling of a vodka ginger ale.
- Serve the drink in a chilled copper mug.
- Use fresh lime juice if possible to ensure the balance is correct.
Moscow Mule Ingredients
There are a few ways you can concoct a Moscow Mule, but in general, a Moscow Mule requires the following ingredients:
- 4 oz. ginger beer
- 1.5 oz. vodka
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 lime slice
It's important to note that these are just the basic ingredients for a traditional Moscow Mule.
You can always add your own ingredients to create a unique and flavorful drink.
We're partial to adding some club soda or soda water for extra fizz.
Best Vodka for Moscow Mule
Vodka, unlike other spirits, is designed to be flavorless. The best vodkas are held up as pure, odorless, and with only a slight hint of clean grain. And some of the best spring cocktails rely on vodka to make them that way.
Here are our top picks for the best vodka for Moscow Mule:
- Absolut Vodka
- Tito's Handmade Vodka
- Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
- Stolichnaya Vodka
- Husky Vodka
Best Ginger Beer For Moscow Mule
Ginger beer is a sweet carbonated beverage, usually non-alcoholic. It should not be confused with ginger ale. Ginger beer is bubbly with a strong, spicy ginger flavor while ginger ale is a soft drink with a less powerful ginger flavor and little spice. The best ginger beers tend to be brewed and fermented, but a manufactured ginger beer can also be a good mixer.
Here are our top picks for the best ginger beer for Moscow Mule:
- Q Mixers Ginger Beer
- Fever-Tree Ginger Beer
- Bundaberg Ginger Beer
- Zevia Mixer Ginger Beer
- Remedy Ginger Beer
How to Make a Moscow Mule
The Moscow mule is one of the most popular liquor recipes of all time, and also counts as a cocktail. To make one, combine half a cup of ginger beer, one and a half ounces of vodka, half an ounce of lime juice, some ice, and garnish with lime.
Here are the steps involved in making a Moscow Mule:
- Combine ginger beer and vodka in a highball glass full of ice
- Add lime juice, stir
- Garnish with lime slice
Now you have a delicious Moscow Mule that you can sell at a high margin!
Moscow Mule Calories
On average, a Moscow Mule contains a total of 182 calories per serving. However, this number can vary depending on the vodka, syrup, and ginger beer you use in its construction. If you run a bar or restaurant, it's a good idea to track how much goes into each drink, so you can answer customer questions when they come in. You can also try to use less sugary ingredients or limit the amount of simple syrup used. If that's still not enough, you can always recommend your customers buy a low calorie wine or other drink more suited to their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Moscow Mule Recipe
Bartenders across America are selling more Moscow Mules every day and customers are loving it. However, this also means there are many misconceptions about how to make a Moscow Mule that leads many people to have questions.
If you have questions about your chosen Moscow Mule recipe or are learning about it for the first time, you’re in the right place. We researched frequently asked questions about Moscow Mule recipes, so you don’t need to. Take a look at our answers below:
Why Does a Moscow Mule Have to Be In a Copper Mug?
Copper mugs are great at conducting temperatures, so they can keep a drink cold for longer than a regular glass. Since Moscow Mules are best at a cold temperature, the copper mug ensures the drink is delicious for as long as possible. This is also why the drink is a great choice for summer cocktails.
Should a Moscow Mule Be Shaken?
A Moscow Mule may be shaken, but only before adding the ginger beer. Once you've added carbonation, shaking the drink will negatively affect the drink, and you'll have to start again. That's why you should invest the right bartender tools, and you can stir the drink instead.
What's the Difference Between a Moscow Mule and American Mule?
The American Mule is a variation of the Moscow Mule where certain ingredients are replaced or added. For example, you may choose to replace the vodka with whiskey or bourbon. Or, you may supplement the flavors by adding various syrups, fruits, or even chocolate. American Mule recipes are much more varied than their classic counterpart.
Can I Use Different Types of Vodka in a Moscow Mule?
Yes, you can use different types of vodka in a Moscow Mule. While traditional recipes call for plain vodka, flavored vodkas such as citrus or ginger can add an extra dimension to the drink. The choice of vodka can subtly influence the overall flavor profile of the cocktail.
What Kind of Ginger Beer Is Best for a Moscow Mule?
The best ginger beer for a Moscow Mule is one that has a strong, spicy ginger flavor and a good amount of carbonation. Popular choices include brands like Fever-Tree, Q Mixers, and Gosling's. The quality of the ginger beer can significantly affect the taste of the final cocktail.
Are There Any Variations of the Moscow Mule?
There are several variations of the Moscow Mule. Some popular ones include the Kentucky Mule (with bourbon instead of vodka), the Mexican Mule (with tequila), and the Gin-Gin Mule (with gin). You can also experiment with adding fresh fruits or herbs to create your own unique twist.
A Gallon of Mule, Please
The Moscow Mule is a beloved drink that really sets the mood due to the unique mug. It's easy to make, allows for some interesting variations, and can help you set your bar or restaurant apart from the competition.
For even more help boosting your profit margin from these drinks, think seriously about using a bar inventory system like BinWise and our accompanying barcode scanner app for your beverage program. It speeds the entire inventory process up and gives you all the data you need to make profitable decisions. Book a demo and let us show you exactly how BinWise will help.
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