I’m a Moscow Mule mug guy through and through. Some people prefer a champagne-based cocktail, a classically dry Martini, or something tinged with tequila and madness. Others prefer something simple and sweet, like a gin and pineapple juice or soda and grenadine.

Give me the crispness of premium vodka, ginger beer, and throw in some ice, fresh lime, and simple syrup. A Mule done right can work in any situation, from bow tie and suit at a swanky get together right through to sandals and cargo pants on a beach in the middle of nowhere.

After being created during WWII, the Moscow Mule has grown to become one of the world’s most popular cocktails. It’s simple to make, easy to drink, and suits a wide variety of consumer tastes.

The following article shows you how to make a traditional Moscow Mule, 10 great vodkas to utilize when making a Moscow Mule, and throws in a few individual variations that can take your cocktail craft to the next level.

How to Make a Moscow Mule Cocktail

The following Moscow Mule recipe creates a simple, easy to drink cocktail using ingredients you can utilize from your home bar or refrigerator.

For a sweeter and/or tangier flavor, utilize a grain to glass premium vodka or flavored vodka combined with syrup and bitters and a spicy ginger beer with great carbonation to suit your personal taste.

Ingredients

• 1 oz vodka
• 2/3 oz fresh lime juice
• Dash of bitters
• Ginger beer (we recommend Fever Tree Ginger Beer)
• Crushed Ice

Optional: Simple syrup, ginger syrup

Garnish: Lime wedge, fresh mint

Instructions

Add fresh lime juice, bitters, simple syrup/ginger syrup (if needed), and vodka to a classical cocktail shaker or mixing glass and stir thoroughly.

Strain mix into a copper mug or highball glass filled with crushed ice. Top with ginger beer, add mint, and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve straight away.