Mezcal Mule

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.

Mezcal mule in copper mug.

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!).

Ingredients in a mezcal mule

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:

  • Mezcal
  • Tequila
  • Lime juice
  • Ginger beer

A mix of mezcal and tequila adds depth and balance

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).

How to make a mezcal mule: step by step

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):

  1. Step 1: Pour ½ oz mezcal, 1 ½ oz tequila, ½ oz lime juice, and 4 oz ginger beer into a copper mug.
  2. Step 2: Add ice cubes, and garnish with lime. It’s that easy!
Mezcal bottle with limes.

More about mezcal

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.

Copper mugs for mules

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.

Mezcal mule in copper mug with lime and mint garnish.

Best ginger beer for mules

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.

More Moscow mule variations

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:

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a Mezcal Mule and a Moscow Mule?

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.

Can I use ginger beer in a can?

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!

What can I garnish my Mezcal Mule with besides lime?

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.

Do I need a copper mug?

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.

Is this a smoky cocktail?

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.

Print
Mezcal mule

Mezcal Mule


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink

Description

Here’s how to make a Mezcal mule! This smoky version of the Moscow mule is a tasty Mexican style twist on the classic.


Ingredients

  • ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) mezcal*
  • 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) tequila
  • ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice
  • 4 ounces (½ cup) ginger beer
  • For the garnish: lime slice, mint sprig (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a copper mug or glass, pour in the mezcal, tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer.
  2. Add ice and garnish with a lime slice. Serve immediately.

Notes

*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: Cocktail
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Mezcal mule

Christmas Mule

This Christmas Moscow mule cocktail is perfect for entertaining! It takes just minutes to pour it together in a mug.…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This Christmas Moscow mule cocktail is perfect for entertaining! It takes just minutes to pour it together in a mug.

Christmas Mule

Need a Christmas cocktail that’s quick and easy? Try the Christmas Moscow mule! This spin on the classic Moscow mule is a zingy, festive combination of cranberry juice, vodka, peppermint schnaps and ginger beer. It’s so simple you can build it right in the glass, no cocktail shakers required! Say hello to your new favorite holiday drink.

Ingredients in a Christmas Moscow mule

The classic Moscow Mule is one of the most popular cocktails of all time, invented in the 1940’s. This combination of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer is always served in a copper mug. The Christmas spin on the classic has cranberry juice for a seasonal flavor and color, and peppermint for holiday flair. Though they’re an unexpected combination, the mint, berry and ginger all work incredibly well together! The ingredients you’ll need for a Christmas Moscow mule are:

  • Vodka
  • Peppermint schnapps
  • 100% all natural cranberry juice (no sugar added)
  • Ginger beer
  • Simple syrup
Christmas Moscow mule

Cranberry juice cocktail vs 100% cranberry juice

For cranberry cocktail recipes we prefer using 100% all natural cranberry juice instead of sweetened juice. This makes a pure, super tart berry flavor that you can then sweeten to taste. It also makes a brilliant red color (which is hard to see in a mule in a mug, but it’s there!). Here’s what to know about the difference between the two products:

  • 100% all natural cranberry juice is all juice: it’s not sweetened like bottles labeled “cranberry juice” or “cranberry juice cocktail.” This gives it a pure, tart flavor and a dark red color. It’s preferable because then you can add sweetness to the drink to taste, while amping up the berry flavor.
  • Cranberry juice is typically sweetened, especially if it’s labeled as cranberry juice cocktail. It’s lighter in color and still tastes good, but the flavor isn’t as pure. Try to find 100% juice if at all possible.

How to make a Christmas mule (basic steps)

The Moscow mule is one of the easiest drinks for entertaining because you can build the drink right in the glass. There’s no need to dirty a cocktail shaker or a strainer: just pour each ingredient right in! Here’s how to make a Christmas mule:

  1. Pour 1 ounce each vodka, cranberry juice, and peppermint schnapps, into a copper mug or serving glass of your choice. Add ½ tablespoon
  2. Top with 4 ounces ginger beer.
  3. Add ice and serve. If desired, garnish with a rosemary sprig and a peppermint stick.
Christmas Mule

Use copper mugs, or any type of mug

Traditionally, a Moscow Mule is always served in a copper mug. Placing the cold drink in a copper mug makes an ice cold rim, which makes the drink taste even colder. It’s so satisfying! Of course, you can use any type of mug for a Christmas mule.

Copper mugs make great gifts, so it’s a fun gift idea for the cocktail lover in your life. Here’s a link to some solid copper mugs on Amazon.

Garnishes for a Christmas mule

This Christmas Moscow mule is at its finest with a fun garnish or two! Here are a few ways to garnish this drink for best presentation:

  • Rosemary sprigs
  • Peppermint stick
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Cinnamon stick

More Christmas cocktails

Looking for more fun drinks for the season? Here are a few ideas for Christmas cocktails:

This Christmas Moscow mule is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Print
Christmas Mule

Christmas Mule


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 minutes
  • Yield: 1d rink

Description

This Christmas Moscow mule cocktail is perfect for entertaining! It takes just minutes to pour it together in a mug.


Ingredients

  • 1 ounce vodka
  • 1 ounce peppermint schnapps
  • 1 ounces 100% all natural cranberry juice
  • ½ tablespoon simple syrup (omit if using sweetened cranberry juice*)
  • 4 ounces ginger beer
  • For the garnish: Rosemary sprig, peppermint stick (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a copper mug or glass, pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, peppermint schnapps, and simple syrup. Add the ginger beer.
  2. Add ice and garnish with a rosemary sprig and peppermint stick, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

*100% cranberry juice has no sugar added. If using cranberry juice cocktail, omit the simple syrup. You can also add the simple syrup to taste if you prefer a more tart drink.

**Tip: For advanced prep, pour together the 8x the recipe in a pitcher. Then pour a little over 3 ounces in each glass and top with 4 ounces ginger beer.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Cranberry mule, Cranberry moscow mule, christmas mule cocktail

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.