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    Home » Cocktails » Moscow Mules » Smoky Scotch Moscow Mule Recipe

    Published: Apr 21, 2022 · Updated: Apr 25, 2022 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Smoky Scotch Moscow Mule Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Copper mug garnished with mint filled with a Scotch Mule cocktail with a bottle of Scotch in the background.
    Close up of a copper moscow mule mug on a table.

    Smoky and refreshing, a Scotch Moscow Mule is a winter cocktail you need to try. Gather the copper mugs and make this quick and easy cocktail recipe that is a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule.

    A copper mug on a table next to a bottle of scotch.
    This delicious Scotch Mule is an easy twist on everyones favourite classic lime and mint cocktail.

    This post was originally published on November 17, 2020, and has now been updated with updated links, and more information and instructions!

    Of course, we search out refreshing cocktail recipes during the warmer months. But they're great for colder months too.

    Moscow Mules are a great cocktail to make no matter what time of year. It's easy to take the basic recipe and swap out ingredients to make them suit holidays, seasons, and themes perfectly.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Directions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • A few more easy recipes you might also enjoy!
    • Scotch Moscow Mule

    Scotch, scotch, scotch, scotchy, scotch scotch. I can't help but think of Will Ferrell in Anchorman when I hear the word "scotch."

    Scotch has a moss-y, smoky flavor that makes an original Mule recipe even better for fall.

    It's a very unique flavor that not everyone will love. But when paired with ginger beer, it becomes moody and delicious for sipping during the dreary winter months.

    It's also a great way to ease into the world of Scotch. Pretty soon you'll be sipping it straight like some super powerful CEO (how they show it in movies).

    A Whiskey Mule is tasty too, but using Scotch really adds tons of extra flavor.

    It's such an easy cocktail to make. A Moscow Mule with Scotch has almost an herbal quality to it. It's the slightest bit sweet from the ginger beer which makes it really smooth.

    I love to make these when nights turn chilly.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for a scotch mule on a white marble countertop.

    To make this easy cocktail you'll need Scotch, fresh lime, ginger beer, bitters, and fresh mint, to garnish.

    I'm not an expert on Scotch, like at all. This bottle was in my cupboard and when I decided to take a little swig to see if I liked it, it dawned on me that it would be so good with the heat from the ginger beer.

    I'm a big proponent of not rushing out to buy a bottle of something just to make one cocktail. So if you don't already have a bottle, pin this recipe for later and just use whatever you have.

    Or buy a mini, airplane-sized bottle from the local wine store and give it a try to see if you even want to spend on a full bottle. But you can make lots of yummy Scotch cocktails if you do have some to hand.

    Ginger beer is less sweet and has more bite to it than ginger ale. And it is the key ingredient in Moscow Mules.

    I always opt for fresh lime in my Scotch Mules, but you may substitute with the sweetened option of Rose’s Lime Juice if you have to.

    The final touch of fresh mint for garnish adds a beautiful final touch to your drink as you sit down to enjoy this Moscow Mule with Scotch after a busy day!

    Directions

    Overhead view of a copper mule mug next to bitter and ginger beer.

    Add ice to a copper mug. Add Scotch, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer.

    Stir.

    Top with a few dashes of bitters.

    A copper Moscow Mule mug on a table with a terra cotta planter in the background.

    Garnish with some fresh mint and sip away!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why does a Moscow Mule have to be in a copper cup?

    Since a copper mug insulates the beverage, it will keep your beverage super cool. They can be enjoyed in a regular glass, but an extra frosty cocktail is never a bad idea.

    Your hand will freeze if you don't hold it by the handle. But once you try your Mule out of the copper cup, you will want to use them for every drink!

    Can I use whiskey or bourbon instead?

    Of course and you'll still have a delicious cocktail. Just use whatever you have to hand.

    A few more easy recipes you might also enjoy!

    • Whiskey Mule Recipe (Kentucky Mule)
    • Hibiscus Mule (Hibiscus Ginger Beer Cocktail)
    • White Russian Mule Recipe with Heavy Cream
    • Bourbon Moscow Mule Variation
    • Green Juice St. Patrick's Day Cocktail (Green Moscow Mule)

    Save this and Pin it for later!

    If you want to save this recipe make sure you Pin it for later! If you are not already you can follow me on Pinterest, as well as keep up with me on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. If you make this recipe make sure to tag me in your photos and leave a star rating below!

    Close up of a copper mug on a table.

    Scotch Moscow Mule

    Smoky and refreshing, this easy Scotch Mule is a delicious whiskey cocktail idea to drink when the weather cools down.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: cocktails
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 drink
    Calories: 188kcal
    Author: Sharon Garofalow

    Ingredients

    • 2 oz. Scotch Whiskey
    • ½ oz. Fresh lime juice
    • 3-4 oz. ginger beer
    • 3 dashes bitters
    • mint garnish (optional)

    Instructions

    • To a copper mug full of ice add scotch and fresh lime juice.
    • Top with ginger beer.
    • Add 3 dashes bitters.
    • Garnish with mint.

    Notes

    You can use a regular glass but a copper mug helps to keep the drink extra frosty and delicious.
    If you'd like the drink to be a little bit sweeter, you can add a little bit of honey, simple syrup or agave. 
    Don't love the smokiness of scotch? You can use regular whiskey or bourbon.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1drink | Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!

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    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

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    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

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    Posts about wine, liquor and/or cocktail recipes are expressly for people 21 years of age and older. Drink responsibly.

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