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We love a margarita, but a mezcalita? Do tell. A mezcalita has the familiar sweet and tart elements of a margarita, but with the added smoky complexity of mezcal. This frozen version is SO refreshing and bursting with passion fruit for a fun and fruity…
We love a margarita, but a mezcalita? Do tell. A mezcalita has the familiar sweet and tart elements of a margarita, but with the added smoky complexity of mezcal. This frozen version is SO refreshing and bursting with passion fruit for a fun and fruity twist.
Bonus? It’s (ridiculously) quick and easy with just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes required. Let us show you how it’s done!
Here’s how to make a Mezcal mule! This smoky version of the Moscow mule is a tasty Mexican style twist…
Here’s how to make a Mezcal mule! This smoky version of the Moscow mule is a tasty Mexican style twist on the classic.
Love mezcal? Then you must try a mezcal mule! This spin on the classic Moscow mule has a hint of smoke is full of bubbly, tangy flavor. Using the tequila-based smoky liquor infuses an irresistible sharpness to every sip!
Why we love this recipe: Alex and I love making Moscow mule variations because the gingery, bubbly flavor is so simple to mix up right in the mug, making it perfect for entertaining or just a quick happy hour drink. Infusing the classic mule with smoky flavor is such a fun way to use mezcal and always wins over mezcal afficionados (like ourselves!).
The mezcal mule is spin on the Moscow mule, a classic cocktail from the 1940’s. The original features vodka, lime and ginger beer, traditionally served in a copper mug. While most mezcal mule recipes simply switch out the vodka for smoky mezcal, we mixed ours with tequila for a balanced flavor.
The Moscow mule is such a classic that it made the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, meaning that it has an “official” definition. Swap in mezcal and tequila for vodka to get this Mexican style spin. The ingredients in a mezcal mule are:
Some mule recipes use only mezcal and skip the tequila. In our recipe testing, we found a mule with straight mezcal tastes very strong and overpowers the delicate bubbles of the ginger beer. Even as smoky flavor lovers, Alex and I were a bit overwhelmed by a straight mezcal drink.
Mix in some tequila and it’s the perfect balance to the flavors. If you prefer a strong smoky flavor to your mezcal mule, feel free to use equal parts mezcal and tequila here (1 ounce of each).
The mezcal mule is one of the easiest cocktails you can make! You don’t even have to use a cocktail shaker: just mix it all in the glass. Here’s how to make a mezcal mule (or jump right to the recipe):
Mezcal is a type of alcohol made from the agave plant. Only one type of agave plant (blue agave) makes tequila, but mezcal can be made from 11 different varieties of agave. What gives mezcal its signature smoky flavor is cooking the agave in pits in the ground. It brings a depth and smokiness you don’t find in tequila!
Want more drinks with this liquor? Try all our mezcal cocktails, like the Mezcal Paloma, Mezcal Negroni, Mezcal Sour, and Mezcal Margarita.
Moscow mules are traditionally served in copper mugs. Why? It’s partially because of tradition, since this is how the drink has been served since the 1940’s. But there’s also a functional reason: copper mugs immediately takes on the temperature of the drink. The sensation of taking a sip of the drink with a cool copper rim makes it taste even colder and more refreshing!
It’s a fun sensory element that’s totally worth finding the real thing for serving. But it’s not required: you can use any sort of chilled glass to serve a mule.
Where to buy copper mugs for mules? After spending years without real copper mugs, Alex and I splurged and got a set. You can use them for any type of drink, and they make great gifts, too. Here’s a link to some copper mugs.
For the best flavor for a Moscow mule, look for ginger beer made with real ginger, without artificial flavors or sweeteners. Q Ginger Beer has great flavor and is made with real ginger. It comes in small cans so you don’t have to open a large bottle. Fever Tree Ginger Beer also has great flavor; it’s made with real ginger and has no artificial sweeteners.
There are so many great Moscow mule variations to try! If you love a mezcal mule, then you’ll love these tasty spins on the classic:
They’re very similar! The main difference is the base spirit. A Moscow Mule uses vodka, while a Mezcal Mule uses mezcal, a smoky spirit made from agave. This swap adds a complex smokiness to the drink.
Yes, using a good quality canned ginger beer is perfectly acceptable. The small cans are helpful so you don’t have to open a large bottle!
A sprig of fresh mint, a cucumber slice, or a few slices of jalapeno can all add interesting flavor and visual appeal to your cocktail.
A copper mug is traditional for Moscow Mules, but it’s not essential for a Mezcal Mule. Any chilled glass will work. However, copper mugs can help keep your drink colder for longer.
The smokiness will depend on the type of mezcal you use. Espadin mezcal will offer a subtler smokiness, while other varieties can be quite smoky.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes 
Yield: 1 drink Here’s how to make a Mezcal mule! This smoky version of the Moscow mule is a tasty Mexican style twist on the classic.
*If you’re a mezcal lover and would like a strong smoky flavor to the drink, try 1 ounce mezcal and 1 ounce tequila.
Category: Drink
Method: Stirred
Cuisine: CocktailKeywords: Mezcal mule
This article was updated in June 2024 to include more of our favorite products.
The Mezcal Amaro—a smoky, acidic, and spiced cocktail that includes its namesake ingredients, plus ginger beer, grapefruit, and lime juice—is what a Dark & Stormy wa…
This article was updated in June 2024 to include more of our favorite products.
The Mezcal Amaro—a smoky, acidic, and spiced cocktail that includes its namesake ingredients, plus ginger beer, grapefruit, and lime juice—is what a Dark & Stormy wants to be. Refreshing and warming, complex but technically straightforward, it upholds a tried-and-true theory: When a drink’s ingredients are delicious on their own, make two.
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