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The Tequila Mule is a spin on the Moscow Mule made with tequila, ginger beer, and lime juice. In my opinion, it’s way better thanks to tequila’s abundance of character!
Brief History
Despite the name, the Moscow Mule is an American-born cocktail originating in Manhattan, NY in 1940. The cocktail was a collaboration between John G. Martin, Jack Morgan, and Rudolph Kunett, president of the Pierre Smirnoff.
Legend has it that the Moscow Mule was born out of necessity as vodka wasn’t a popular spirit in America. Martin had an abundance of Smirnoff vodka that he was struggling to sell, and Morgan had a surplus of ginger beer from his Cock ‘n’ Bull pub. The two joined forces to create a cocktail that would help both their businesses.
The fruity flavor of tequila is so much more complimentary to the cocktail. Let me know what you think in the comments! If you have an excess of mint growing in your backyard like I do, try the Mai Tai, Whiskey Smash, and Mojito next.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Ginger beer: ginger beer has a very strong and almost spicy ginger flavor. Believe it or not, there are two types of ginger beer: one is a non-alcoholic soda stocked at most grocery stores, and the other is a hard soda with alcohol. Crabbies is popular if you want a more potent cocktail. You can use either one.
- Fresh lime juice: I always squeeze fresh lime juice when possible because it tastes the best. As a backup, I always have ReaLime 100% Lime Juice in the fridge for desperate measures.
- Tequila: I like Milagro, Espolòn, Altos, Hornitos, Corralejo, Don Julio, and Teremana
- Garnish: mint leaves, lime wheel, or candied ginger. These items are optional but add great aroma and subtle flavor. I love mint, but it’s optional with a Tequila Mule.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Expert Tips
- Slap a mint sprig on the back of your hand before garnishing: This method releases the oils and makes the mint more aromatic with every sip.
- Serve in a copper mug for the best experience. Copper will keep your drink exceptionally cold while sipping and prevent dilution.
More Tequila Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Tequila Mule
Ingredients
- 4 ounces ginger beer, alcoholic or non-alcoholic
- 2 ounces tequila, vodka for classic variation
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- Mint leaves, lime wedge, or candied ginger garnish
Instructions
- Pour lime juice and tequila into a copper mug and fill with ice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint leaves if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
