3 Ingredient Tequila Moscow Mule Recipe

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Today, we’re shaking up tradition with a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow mule cocktail. Our tequila Moscow mule recipe combines the zing of fresh lime juice, the kick of spicy ginger beer and the bold spirit of tequila in a mule drink that’s not just a great way to elevate your cocktail game but a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients. 

Related: virgin Moscow mule, facts about tequila

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Experience a refreshing cocktail that goes beyond the traditional Moscow mule. This mule drink welcomes you to enjoy the lively and diverse essence of what makes a delicious tequila cocktail special.

What is a Tequila Moscow Mule?

A tequila Moscow mule – also commonly referred to as a Mexican Moscow mule – is a variation of the Moscow mule, which is a classic cocktail traditionally featuring vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. In a tequila mule recipe, tequila is used in place of vodka, adding a different flavor profile to the drink.

The key ingredients typically include tequila, lime juice, and a splash of ginger beer served over ice in a copper mug. This twist on the original cocktail offers a unique and refreshing combination of tequila’s agave notes, the spicy ginger flavor from the ginger beer, and the citrusy kick from lime juice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Our favorite thing about this recipe is that it only requires 3 ingredients:

• Tequila
• Lime juice
• Ginger beer

See recipe card for quantities. These Mexican mule ingredients can be found in grocery stores or at your local liquor store (even the limes!)

Step By Step Instructions

Below, you will find simple, step-by-step instructions for making this Mexican mule recipe in the comfort of your own home: 

1. Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker.

2. Pour in 1.5 ounces of tequila.

3. Pour in 1 ounce of fresh lime juice. Place lid onto cocktail shaker and give it a good shake for a few seconds. 

4. Place ice in a copper mug and pour liquids from the cocktail shaker over the top of the ice. Top off with ginger beer.

5. Garnish with a lime slice or any favorite garnishes you have on hand. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here, you will find a few tips that will take your ginger beer cocktail to the next level:

• Fresh Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice rather than using bottled lime juice for the best flavor. It adds brightness and acidity to balance the sweetness of the ginger beer and the potency of the tequila.
• Quality Ingredients: Choose a high-end tequila, preferably a blanco or silver tequila, as it will allow the flavors to shine through. We used a grapefruit and hibiscus infused blanco tequila in ours. For the ginger beer, opt for craft or artisanal brands of ginger beer with a strong ginger flavor.
• Proper Glassware: Serve your mule cocktails in a traditional copper mug. The copper helps keep the drink cold, enhancing the overall experience. Plus, it adds a touch of authenticity to the presentation. 
• Garnish Creatively: Garnish your tequila drink with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint for added aroma and visual appeal. You can also experiment with other garnishes like slices of jalapeño or cucumber for a unique twist.
• Soda Water with Ginger Syrup: If you can’t find ginger beer or ginger ale, you can create your own ginger-flavored soda by adding ginger syrup to soda water and giving it a gentle stir. Adjust the amount of syrup to your taste preference.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the best Moscow mule that’s sure to impress your guests!

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Mexican Mule – Add a spicy twist to this delicious cocktail by using a jalapeño-infused tequila, a spicy simple syrup, or muddling in a few jalapeño slices. 
• Sweet Cocktail – To add a touch of sweetness to this original recipe, consider adding in an orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier or triple sec. If you don’t have either of those options available, add in 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. 
• Citrus Burst – If you prefer cocktails with a tart tangy kick, consider adding an extra squeeze of lime juice.
• Kentucky Mule – To make a Kentucky mule, simply use bourbon in place of tequila. 
• Irish Mule – To make an Irish mule, simply swap out the tequila for whiskey. 
• Gin Gin Mule – To make a gin gin mule, use gin as the base spirit instead of tequila.

Recipe Substitutions

• Ginger Beer – You can swap out ginger beer for ginger ale if preferred. Keep in mind that ginger ale has a light flavor and is typically sweeter and less spicy than ginger beer.
• Lime Juice – If you’re out of limes or prefer the flavor of lemon, you can use lemon juice instead of lime juice. It will give the drink a slightly different citrusy profile. For a sweeter and fruitier substitution, you can use orange juice instead of lime juice. This will add a hint of citrus sweetness to the cocktail.
• Type of Tequila – Although we recommend using a silver or blanco tequila for this tequila Moscow mule recipe, you can use tequila reposado if you prefer a slightly richer and more complex flavor. Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for a few months to a year, which imparts some additional depth and smoothness. Another substitute to consider is añejo tequila. Añejo tequila is aged for a longer period (typically 1-3 years) in oak barrels, resulting in a smooth and complex flavor profile with prominent oak and vanilla notes. While this tequila may not be traditional for Moscow mule recipes, it can add an interesting depth and complexity to the cocktail, especially if you’re looking to experiment with different flavor profiles.
• Copper Mug – You may use a highball glass if you do not have any copper mugs on hand. 

This tequila Moscow mule recipe offers a refreshing and flavorful twist on a classic cocktail. With its vibrant blend of tequila, ginger beer, and lime juice, it stands out among cocktail recipes as a great option for those seeking a lively and spirited drink.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply unwinding after a long day, mixing up a tequila Moscow mule is undoubtedly the best way to elevate your cocktail game. Cheers to enjoying this delicious and versatile drink!

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring cup
• Copper mug

Storage Tips

• Store unopened ginger beer in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or refrigerator. Once opened, it’s best to refrigerate ginger beer to maintain its carbonation and flavor. Check the expiration date on the bottle and consume it before it goes bad.
• If you’re making a large batch of this tequila Moscow mule recipe ahead of time, you can store the pre-mixed cocktail in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. However, it’s best to add ice to each individual serving to prevent dilution.

Common Questions About a Tequila Moscow Mule Recipe

What Kind of Tequila Can I Use?

The best tequila for this popular drink would be either a blanco or silver tequila. 

What’s the Difference Between a Tequila Mule and a Traditional Moscow Mule?

As the name suggests, a tequila mule substitutes tequila as the base spirit instead of vodka. This variation adds a distinct agave flavor to the cocktail, along with the earthy and peppery notes characteristic of tequila. It pairs well with the spiciness of ginger beer and the acidity of lime juice, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful drink with a unique Mexican twist.

Is it Necessary to Use Fresh Lime Juice, or Can I Use Bottled Lime Juice Instead?

While using fresh lime juice is generally recommended for the best flavor and quality in cocktails, you can use bottled lime juice as a substitute if fresh limes are not available. Fresh lime juice provides a bright, vibrant flavor that may be lacking in bottled lime juice, which can sometimes taste slightly artificial or muted. 

Tequila Moscow Mule Recipe

Discover the perfect blend of tequila, ginger beer and lime juice in our tequila Moscow mule recipe. It's a refreshing twist on a classic favorite!

Print Recipe PIN RECIPE

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Cook Time:0 minutes mins

Total Time:5 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Author: Melissa Bravo-Almazan

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz tequila silver or blanco
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz ginger beer

Instructions

• Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Pour in tequila and lime juice. Place lid onto cocktail shaker and give it a good shake for a few seconds. 
• Place ice in a copper mug and pour liquids from the cocktail shaker over the top of the ice. Top off with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime slice or any favorite garnishes you have on hand.