Moscow Mule, the Original Recipe

The Moscow Mule can only be prepared one way and must be served in its characteristic copper mugs to rightfully bear this name. Beware of imitations and prepare the Moscow Mule with the Original Recipe, which calls for Vodka, Ginger Beer, and Lime juice. Remember: no cucumber!

Among the most famous Ginger-based Cocktails, the Moscow Mule Recipe has a moderate alcohol content and is perfect to enjoy at any time during the evening, both as a pre and after-dinner drink. It can be prepared directly in the glass, so you don’t need a shaker, and since the Moscow Mule contains very few ingredients, it’s also easy to make at home.

The Moscow Mule Drink originated in California around the 1940s and belongs to the Buck Cocktail category, which includes drinks made with ginger ale or ginger beer, lemon juice, and a spirit of choice. It appears to have been inspired by existing recipes such as the Horse’s Neck, where the addition of Vodka gave it an extra kick, transforming it from a “horse” to a “mule”.

Wordplay aside, a proper Moscow Mule should be enjoyed in a Moscow Mule Mug, the characteristic copper mug. An highball glass can be used as an alternative, but it should really be the last resort. There are several variations of this famous cocktail made by replacing vodka with Gin (Gin Gin Mule), Tequila (Mexican Burro), or Bourbon (Kentucky Mule).

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in March 2022, the United States decided to rename the Moscow Mule to Kiev Mule or Snake Island Mule (in honor of the Ukrainian soldiers who didn’t surrender to the Russian invasion on Snake Island).