Sometimes all we want on a summer evening after a long week is to cool down on the couch with a fresh cocktail in hand. As you sip from your copper mug, you taste the sharp tang of fresh lime juice followed by the warm embrace of vodka. Then you notice that spicy kick on your palate called ginger beer, playing with the bitters like a dance in your mouth.
The intriguing blend of flavors in this classic moscow mule invites another sip, and in the blink of an eye, you’re making yourself another glass of this delightful drink.
How to Make Moscow Mule with Bitters
Making a Moscow Mule is super easy, just follow these simple steps and let the ingredients do their magic for this refreshing cocktail.
Moscow Mule Ingredients
-
- 2 oz Vodka (like Smirnoff vodka, Russian Standard, or similar)
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 4-6 oz Ginger Beer
- Dash of bitters (2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters are good)
- Ice
- Garnish: Lime wedges and mint sprig
- Optional: Simple syrup or honey
Alternative Ingredients
- Vodka – Gin, white rum, tequila, Jack Morgan rum
- Ginger Beer – Ginger ale, homemade ginger syrup with club soda
- Lime Juice – Lemon juice, lime and orange juice mix
- Angostura Bitters – Orange bitters, ginger bitters, homemade bitters
- Garnishes – Lemon wedges, cucumber slices, rosemary sprig, blood oranges
Step-by-Step Instructions for Moscow Mule Cocktail
Step 1: Take a beautiful copper mug or a highball glass and fill it with ice cubes.
Step 2: Pour the vodka and fresh lime juice over the ice in the copper cup – then add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
Step 3: Top the glass with a splash of ginger beer. The amount you use will depend on your personal taste.
Step 4: Stir gently to mix everything. As a final touch, garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.
Expert Tips
- Try to use high-quality vodka. This will make a difference in the overall taste of your drink.
- Don’t have a copper mug? A highball glass works just fine.
- Don’t overpower your drink with too much lime juice, bitters or ginger beer as you want to taste each flavor.
- Use fresh lime juice since bottled juice won’t give you the same freshness and flavor.
What to Serve a Cocktail with?
- Light Bites – Cured meats, cheeses, olives, nuts, vegetable or shrimp spring rolls.
- Snacks – pretzels, chips, stuffed mushrooms.
- Grilled Chicken or Fish
- Fruit Tarts or Sorbet
- Chocolate Truffles
- Lemon Bars
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some frequently asked questions about the Moscow Mule.
Can you substitute Ginger Ale for Ginger Beer?
Yes! Ginger ale can be used instead of spicy ginger beer. But this will make the taste a bit sweeter and less spicy.
What type of Bitters should I use in a Moscow Mule with Bitters?
Angostura bitters are the most popular choice, but there are many types of bitter, such as orange, citrus, ginger, and even chocolate. You can experiment with different ones to find what flavor you like best.
Why is a Moscow Mule served in a copper mug?
Serving a Moscow Mule in a copper mug helps keeping the cold temperature of the drink and enhance the flavor of its ingredients, but it’s not necessary if you don’t have one.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Moscow Mule with Bitters?
Yes, it’s usually called “Mock Mule” or “Virgin Moscow Mule”. The process is almost the same as the original recipe, just skip the vodka and add more ginger beer instead (ginger beer has no alcohol).
What are some variations of the Moscow Mule?
Popular variations include:
- Aperol mule that includes the aperol liquor
- Bourbon mule with bourbon whiskey
- Mexican mule with tequila
- Irish mule with dark rum
Best Moscow Mule Recipe With Bitters | Easy Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka like Smirnoff vodka, Russian Standard, or similar
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 4-6 oz Ginger Beer
- Dash of bitters 2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters are good
- Ice
- Garnish: Lime wedges and mint sprig
- Optional: Simple syrup or honey
Alternative Ingredients
- Vodka – Gin white rum, tequila, Jack Morgan rum
- Ginger Beer – Ginger ale homemade ginger syrup with club soda
- Lime Juice – Lemon juice lime and orange juice mix
- Angostura Bitters – Orange bitters ginger bitters, homemade bitters
- Garnishes – Lemon wedges cucumber slices, rosemary sprig, blood oranges
Instructions
- Step 1: Take a beautiful copper mug or a highball glass and fill it with ice cubes.
- Step 2: Pour the vodka and fresh lime juice over the ice in the copper cup – then add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 3: Top the glass with a splash of ginger beer. The amount you use will depend on your personal taste.
- Step 4: Stir gently to mix everything. As a final touch, garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.