Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a light vodka highball, sweet and tart on the palate. Built and served in a copper mug. It's one of the International Bartenders Association's official contemporary classics cocktails.
- 2 min
- Copper mug
- Built

Flavor profile
- Tart
- 53 out of 100
- Sweet
- 78 out of 100
- Fruity
- 14 out of 100
- Herbal
- 45 out of 100
- Boozy
- 19 out of 100
How to make a Moscow Mule
To make a Moscow Mule, build over ice in a copper mug: 2 oz vodka, 2 oz lime juice and 8 oz ginger ale.
You'll need
- Vodka2 oz
- Lime juice2 oz
- Ginger ale8 oz
Make it virgin: the Virgin Moscow Mule.
Instructions
- 1
Fill a copper mug with ice cubes.
- 2
Pour in vodka and lime juice.
- 3
Top with ginger ale.
- 4
Give it one gentle stir.
Why build it in the glass? Nothing here needs shaking, and pouring straight in keeps the ginger ale fizzy.
Moscow Mule questions
What does a Moscow Mule taste like, and is it sweet?
Yes, it's on the sweet side: it's mostly sweet and tart. It's a light drink at about 6% ABV once mixed.
How much alcohol is in a Moscow Mule?
About 6% ABV after mixing with ice, closer to a beer or glass of wine.
What's the difference between a Moscow Mule and a Vodka Slime?
Both use vodka and lime juice. The Moscow Mule adds ginger ale, while the Vodka Slime uses sprite. The Moscow Mule is stirred and served in a copper mug; the Vodka Slime is built in the glass and served in a highball glass.
How many people does a Moscow Mule serve?
This recipe makes about 0.4 liters, enough for roughly 2 glasses. Top each glass with ginger ale as you serve, so it stays fizzy.
What glass do you serve a Moscow Mule in?
A copper mug.