You can make the *BEST* Moscow mule recipe with fresh lime juice, ginger lime simple syrup, vodka, and ginger beer! I love serving this cocktail in a classic copper mug, but a rocks glass works just fine! Garnish with a lime and a sprig of mint – and serve over plenty of ice!
Quick & Easy Moscow Mule Recipe
I’ve always liked Moscow Mules. But I’ve never loved them, because I’ve always felt like they were missing something. For years I’ve sipped and sipped and wondered how could I make an already great cocktail even better?
And then it hit me; I realized what was missing! I wanted more of a punch. I wanted more lime… more ginger… and more flavor! So I got to recipe testing, and after a few tries came up with the best ginger lime syrup I’ve ever tasted!
Fresh Lime Juice Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is the secret ingredient to a lot of my cocktail recipes! But it’s especially delicious in this classic Moscow Mule! When I make these for parties, people stop after one sip and – eyes wide open – proclaim it’s the best mule they’ve ever had!
So today I’m sharing my little simple syrup secret with you! As well as a few tips and tricks for making and decorating the prettiest Moscow mules ever!
Moscow Mule Ingredients
- Fresh Lime Juice: Please do not use bottled lime juice! Fresh lime juice is key for flavor here.
- Ginger Beer: Ginger ale is not the same thing as ginger beer, and it will not yield the same flavor if you use it. That said, if it’s all you can find, it’ll still be a delicious, albeit much sweeter and syrupy, drink.
- Vodka: I like Tito’s vodka, but Grey Goose, Kettle One, Smirnoff Vodka, or whatever you enjoy will work just fine! No vodka? Add bourbon or whiskey instead and you’ll have yourself a Kentucky mule!
- Fresh Ginger Root: A must-have for the ginger simple syrup.
- Limes: Regular lime or key limes work here.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar works best but you could sub honey.
- Mint: Fresh mint is a must! Do not sub dried mint or mint tea in this recipe.
- Ice: You’ll also need plenty of ice cubes or crushed ice to fill your copper mugs or rock glasses. Always buy more ice than you need. Trust me!
These are all basic ingredients you can find at the grocery store!
How to make a Moscow Mule
The first thing you’ll want to do is make the ginger lime syrup! That’s because it needs to cool down before it can be used in the cocktail. The good news? You can make the simple syrup up to 2 weeks ahead of time, and store it in the fridge! Use it as you need!
Unlike most cocktail recipes that start with adding ingredients into a stainless steel cocktail shaker, this recipe is made direct in the glass! Or copper cups, if you have them!
Simply fill squeeze the lime into the cups, fill with ice, then add the ginger syrup, vodka, and top with ginger beer. Stir, garnish with a mint spring and lime wedge, and serve and/or sip!
Best Ginger Beer for a Moscow Mule
There are so many good ginger beers on the market these days! But our favorites are:
My Favorite Moscow Mule Mugs
You definitely don’t need pretty copper mugs to make this recipe. But in case you’re in the market, here are links to retailers that have some pretty nice ones!
- This Moscow Mule gift set is STUNNING! It includes coasters, stirrings, a measuring cup, and the mugs! This would make a beautiful birthday or holiday gift for the mule lover in your life!
- These mule mugs are super stylish and very similar to the cups I used in this post!
- Don’t need a whole set? Here’s a copper mug for one! Super cute and there are several color and style options!
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