From classic to seasonal, these quick and easy Moscow Mule variations will have you sipping a refreshing cocktail in no time!
Most of these Moscow Mule recipes can be made in under 5 minutes making them a great idea for mixing up at home. Grab those copper mugs and make one of these tasty drinks for your next happy hour.
This post was originally published on January 22, 2019 and has now been updated with more recipes and tips and tricks to make perfect Moscow Mules every single time.
I’m a BIG fan of Moscow Mule cocktails (and ALL easy cocktails, really). And while I like the classic version, there are literally an unlimited amount of variations that can be made. Which I love!
Why These Recipes Work
As long as you know the basic structure of the drink, you can make seasonal variations and try unique flavor combinations.
Moscow Mules don’t usually require a ton of ingredients and you can easily make a recipe to suit your taste preferences.
An Original Moscow Mule has just 5 ingredients: vodka, ginger beer, fresh lime juice, bitters, and mint.
With its pungent kick (thanks to the ginger beer) and a touch of sweetness, you can make one with pretty much any type of alcohol. (You know I love vodka recipes but seriously these work with anything!)
Making a Mule doesn’t require a cocktail shaker (although you certainly can use the shaker to chill the vodka and lime juice – just don’t shake up the ginger beer… hello, ginger volcano!).
And while I think they are best when served in a copper mug, you really can serve them in any type of glass.
These are easy variations that can be made at home and are especially great for beginning drink makers.
And if you’re a fan of Moscow Mule cocktails, you definitely need to check out my Moscow Mule Cupcakes infused with vodka!
These Moscow Mule variations are a great signature drink idea for your parties since they can be tailor-made to fit any theme. You can make them for your guests or set out a bar to let them make their own.
Not sold on Moscow Mules? Browse my other cocktail collections: Wine Cocktails, Fireball Cocktails, Cocktails with Bitters, Cocktails Made with Coke, Cocktails with Apple Juice, 2-Ingredient Cocktails, Red Wine Cocktails with Tequila and Haus Cocktails.
Here are the best Moscow Mule recipes to try for your next happy hour.
Moscow Mule Variations
There are so many different types of Moscow Mules recipes to make! Here are some delicious ideas to try for your next happy hour. With holiday-inspired and unique flavor combinations, these Moscow Mule variations are recipes you need to try!
Variations with Vodka
Keeping things classic doesn't mean boring! These recipes use vodka as the base spirit, but are totally tasty.
This is the basic, classic Moscow Mule recipe that all the others are based on. If you get this recipe down, you can create Moscow Mule variations to go with every season, holiday or special event in your life. With fresh lime and ginger beer, this drink has tons of flavor! If you love vodka recipes, a Mules is a must!
This Green Moscow Mule recipe is great for St. Patrick's Day but also delicious if you love green juice! I like to pretend this variation is healthy... the fresh fruit in the green juice keeps things balanced and tasty.
This one is close to the classic cocktail recipe since it uses vodka. But the Oak Abolut is aged in oak barrels which gives it more of a whiskey-like flavor. Not only can you add fresh fruit and herbs to change the flavor profile, but you can also use flavored alcohol to create more Moscow Mule recipes.
With homemade blueberry simple syrup, this Blueberry Moscow Mule recipe is sweet and fruity! Muddle a few fresh blueberries for another hit of berry flavor. The color is gorgeous and you won't believe the taste!
A Lemon Blueberry Moscow Mule is the perfect spring Moscow Mule recipe! Lemonade and fresh blueberries are a match made in heaven! A garnish of fresh thyme gives off a gorgeous scent every time you bring your copper mug to your lips.
Pineapple Moscow Mules are so flavorful! The pineapple juice makes this cocktail sweet, and fruity without an overpowering pineapple flavor. YUM!
Fresh blood orange juice and ginger beer give this Blood Orange Moscow Mule a pretty color and bright, citrus flavor. This is one of my favorite seasonal drinks to make each year when I see blood oranges pop up in the store. And it only takes 5 minutes to make!
This perfect summery cocktail! This Lemonade Moscow Mule recipe is easy to make and super easy to drink poolside. Grab your favorite lemonade and vodka and make one now!
This easy Pear Mule is full of flavor and a fantastic cocktail idea for all your fall entertaining. With a sprinkle of cardamom, this delicious drink is a variation that you need to share with friends.
Kombucha has a great tang which makes it a great substitute for ginger beer in a Moscow Mule recipe. If you're a kombucha fan, you'll love this cocktail! (Look for flavors that include lemon and ginger for best flavor results!) Also, check out my Kombucha Mimosa Recipe!
This Lemon Lavender Moscow Mule is one of my absolute favorite Moscow Mule variations. With a Lemon Lavender flavored aperitif wine (read my full Haus review here) you're in for a flavor treat!
This delicious and refreshing Christmas cocktail will bring you all the holiday cheer. Make a Cranberry Mule before Santa gets here. Thanks to the spiced cranberry juice needed to make this recipe, it's easy to batch this for a crowd.
I can't wait for the holidays! This Holiday Mule is full of seasonal flavors that all your holiday party guests will love! Store-bought cider or wassail means you can make this drink, with tons of layers of flavor in minutes!
Have leftover canned pumpkin? Use it to make a delicious fall cocktail like this Spiced Pumpkin Mule recipe! The ginger beer is a great flavor pair for pumpkin and the pie spices add those warm notes we love in fall.
This Strawberry Mule is tart and tangy thanks to the muddled fresh strawberries and ginger beer. Mint is the perfect finishing touch for this drink recipe that is great at spring but can be enjoyed any time. You will also enjoy my Strawberry Basil Margarita recipe.
It's a touch fruity, a little bit floral and the perfect amount of refreshing. This Hibiscus Moscow Mule is sure to be your new favorite cocktail recipe. This unique Moscow Mule variation would be perfect for a bridal shower or bachelorette party thanks to it's pretty pink hue. (Also check out my Hibiscus Martini!)
Moscow Mules with Bourbon or Whiskey
If bourbon, whiskey or scotch are your jam, these Moscow Mule recipes are for you!
Here I swapped out the vodka in favor of Bourbon. And to give it a little bit of a fall twist, I used fresh sage instead of mint to finish the drink. YUM! This is a great example about how making just a few ingredients swaps can create a whole new Mule recipe! (This Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is basically another version of a Bourbon Mule!)
Like spice? The cinnamon whisky gives this spicy Fireball Moscow Mule recipe a kick! It's great for Valentine's Day or all winter long! It's sweet and full of cinnamon flavor! You'll love it!
Similar to the Bourbon Mule, this Whiskey Mule is simple and tasty with fresh lime and ginger beer. Any type of whiskey will do! And depending on the type you have you can make a Canadian Mule, Irish Mule or Tennessee Mule.
Rum Moscow Mule Recipes
Dark or spiced rum adds hints of warm spices to any Mule it's in. You'll love the unique flavors it brings to your copper mug.
The spiced rum and ginger beer give this Moscow Mule with Rum a tropical vibe. It's refreshing and easy to make. It will take your mouth on an island vacation. With subtle notes of nutmeg and vanilla, this one is similar to a Dark and Stormy and is super delicious!
This Pumpkin Mule is perfect for all the fall holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving! It's easy to make, thanks to the pumpkin-flavored rum and delicious to sip on!
This black cocktail idea is a fun one for the upcoming holiday. Make this Halloween Moscow Mule to keep the ghouls away. With muddled blackberries, this one is spooky and scarily yummy.
Variations with Tequila
I'm obsessed with tequila and these Mule recipes show you that you won't miss the vodka at all.
After a trip to Mexico, where I really fell in love with tequila, I knew I needed to try a Mexican Mule and it didn’t disappoint. Tequila and fresh lime go hand in hand and the addition of ginger beer make this full of flavor and not margarita-like at all. This one is also sometimes called a Tequila Mule. (Want something even easier? Make a Tequila Soda!)
While I don’t like spicy food, turns out I really like spicy cocktails! Adding jalapeno to a Mexican Mule gives it a delicious kick that is perfect for happy hour sipping. The heat is a nice surprise! You may also like this Spicy Serrano Margarita.
Unique Moscow Mule Variations
These recipes use wine to change up the flavors and keep things interesting.
This yummy Mimosa Mule is perfect for any celebratory event where you need a champagne cocktail. With orange juice and sparkling wine, this one is easy to make for a crowd.
Find even more flavored Moscow Mule variations on my Moscow Mule Variations Pinterest board!
The best Moscow Mule variations are always simple, always delicious and totally perfect for sipping any time.
Tips
- Use fresh citrus if at all possible. Bottled lime juice would work in a pinch, but for the best flavor, you’ll want to use fresh citrus.
- This is my favorite citrus squeezer. I use it ALL the time and it’s lasting really well. It’s also great if you will be making a bunch of Moscow Mules so you can batch the juice ahead of time.
- Fresh herbs are a great way to garnish and subtley flavor Moscow Mule variations. You can simply garnish, muddle or create a flavored simple syrup (like my Basil Simple Syrup) to add more layers of flavor.
- While you can switch up the kind of alcohol you use in your recipes, you can add even more flavor variations by adding flavored spirits (like a DIY Orange Flavored Vodka).
- There are several brands of Ginger Beer on the market but Reed’s is usually my go-to! It’s not overly sweet and has a lovely ginger flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can make Moscow Mules and not serve them in a copper mug. But I prefer mine in a copper mug. The technology of the mugs is designed to keep your drink nice and frosty making it oh so refreshing. Plus they really add to the overall experience. They aren’t expensive and I think it’s great to have a few on hand.
Depending on which type of alcohol you use, the name of the Mule changes. Usually, they are a play on the country or state where the alcohol originated (for example, with Vodka it’s known as a Moscow Mule, with Tequila, it’s called a Mexican Mule). There are tons of types of mules. The name doesn’t matter so much as knowing you can make a Mule with just about anything!
You could substitute Ginger Beer with Ginger Ale, but I hope you won’t. Unless it’s a cocktail emergency. Ginger Ale is so much sweeter and lacks that bite from the ginger, like ginger beer does. It will work in a pinch but, in my opinion, won’t be quite as refreshing.
Supplies to Make Mules
- Copper Mugs are a must! Not only do they look great, they really do keep your drink extra refreshing! This set comes with copper straws and a shot glass too!
- This is my favorite measuring jigger. It’s super easy to use for making cocktails!
- A bar spoon is my favorite for stirring this drink. The smaller spoon makes getting around the ice super easy.
- I mentioned my favorite citrus squeezer above but it bears repeating! Previously, I’ve gone through many sub-par squeezers. This one is holding up really well!
Related Posts
Moscow Mules are one of those recipes that have raving fans. And if you’re into them, you’re really into them. If that’s you, you may also like these other Moscow Mule posts I’ve done.
- Mules and Jewels Stella and Dot Party – Chances are, you’ve been asked to host a Stella & Dot party at some point. This Mules and Jewels party idea is so fun! Create a Mule station for your guests to make their own drinks while they shop for pretty jewelry.
- Gift Ideas for the Moscow Mule Lover – If you have a friend that can’t get enough of these delicious cocktails, you’ll love these fun gift ideas that you can buy right on Amazon! They’re perfect for gifting any time of the year!
Related Recipes
So here I am looking for a different type of mule to make this weekend, so I could get everything I need at my field trip…I mean, visit to Total Wine, and I find this post! Thank you for making our celebration that much easier AND increasing my Total Wine shopping list!