These Moscow Mule variations are served in copper mugs! Change up the traditional cocktail with one of these 25 recipes you’ll have to try.
The Moscow Mule cocktail is such a popular cocktail! Why? It’s delicious. But also it’s snappy with a bit of spice, and doesn’t require any special tools or shaking. Just mix it and drink!
Since a mule is usually served in a chilled copper mug, it’s refreshingly cold and makes a great party or summer drink. Having said that, you will see people drinking them in fall as well.
As you will see from the first recipe on this list, the traditional Moscow Mule is made with vodka, ginger beer and lime juice.
Some recipes also list simple syrup in the drink for people who may like it a bit sweeter. Due to its popularity, bartenders have come up with numerous variations on the classic drink.
Common Ways to Change Up a Mule
Most variations of the Moscow Mule will do one of the following:
- Add to the recipe. Since the base recipe has three ingredients, there are many things you can add to it for additional flavor.
- Swap out the vodka. Whatever your favorite spirit, you can bet there’s a recipe that replaces the vodka in the classic mule recipe with your fave.
- Swap out the lime juice. There are variations that stay close to the original recipe by using another citrus fruit. However, you can really replace it with any fruit juice.
What can I use instead of ginger beer in a Moscow Mule?
A less common way to vary the recipe is to swap out the ginger beer. For it to still be a mule you would need to replace both the bubbly and the strong kick of ginger. Ginger ale is going to be your desired substitution.
This can be a tough replacement because the beer really gives the mule cocktail its signature bubbly spice! I’d try the ginger ale, but otherwise I’d just select another cocktail.
Now that you know about how to vary the classic recipe, you can have fun making up your own versions. Get some inspiration by checking out the 25 popular mule drink variations I’ve collected for you below.
Classic Moscow Mule
This classic Moscow Mule recipe has three ingredients: vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. Get a taste of this recipe before trying the other variations on the list.
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Blood Orange Thyme Moscow Mule
Switch the citrus in your Moscow Mule drink to blood orange and add a bit of thyme for a tangy twist. Peach & orange blossom vodka takes this drink to a whole new level!
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Citrus Moscow Mule
Lean hard on the citrus aspect of the Moscow mule with this cocktail variation. Fresh squeezed grapefruit and lime go nicely with the addition of orange liqueur.
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Irish Mule Cocktail
The Irish mule keeps the lime and ginger beer of the classic Moscow mule but swaps out the vodka for Irish whiskey.
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Strawberry Moscow Mule
Looking for a sweet summer drink with a bit of spice? This is your cocktail! It combines muddled fresh strawberries, strawberry preserves and the classic Moscow mule ingredients.
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Kentucky Mule
What makes this a Kentucky mule instead of a traditional moscow mule? Bourbon is used instead of the vodka. With that little sprig of mint, this drink definitely has southern charm!
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Campfire Mule
Kids toasting marshmallows? Why not make some drinks for the grownups! The campfire mule has the addition of brulee liqueur and is topped off with toasted marshmallows.
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Watermelon Moscow Mule
Strain pureed chunks of watermelon to get the watermelon juice for this drink. Lisa also used citrus vodka in her recipe; perfect for a summer drink!
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Cucumber Moscow Mule
Add fresh cucumber juice to the classic Moscow mule recipe. How do you get cucumber juice? Just peel, puree and strain it!
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Peach Moscow Mule
Fresh peaches and a bottle of peach & ginger cocktail mixer were the inspiration for this drink. I am crushing on those copper glasses Derrick used for this cocktail!
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Hibiscus Moscow Mule
The hibiscus (or sorrel) Moscow mule is made using homemade hibiscus syrup and lemon juice instead of lime.
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Pina Colada Mule
Replace the vodka with coconut rum and the lime with pineapple juice for this cocktail. You get the spice of a Moscow mule with the sweet fruity flavors of a Pina Colada!
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Blackberry Moscow Mule
This recipe keeps the standard Moscow mule ingredients and then adds muddled blackberries and mint. Yum!
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Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule
Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule gets an extra kick from jalapeno slices and pepper vodka. Fresh basil gives the cocktail a bit of sweet and a delicious aroma.
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Moscow Mule Slushies
Perfect for a summer party or just relaxing around the pool! These frozen slushies are made with vodka, then top with ginger beer and limeade concentrate.
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Raspberry Moscow Mule
Similar to the Irish Mule, this cocktail replaces the vodka with whiskey. Add some crushed raspberries on top for flavor and garnish.
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Cranberry Moscow Mule
This mule variation is great for the holiday season since it has cranberry juice! Give yourself a little holiday cheer with this cocktail.
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Caramel Apple Moscow Mule
Be reminded of the candy apples from your youth with this mule variation! Get the recipe for a delicious caramel apple mule, a perfect cocktail for an autumn gathering or just sitting around a fire pit.
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Champagne Moscow Mule
This cocktail version is different from the rest of the recipes on the list. The ginger beer is swapped out. It is replaced with champagne and finely grated ginger.
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Mexican Mule
It isn't hard to guess what this variation will be in a Mexican mule! Just swap out the vodka for tequila and get your fiesta started.
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Watermelon Mexican Mule
With this recipe, we have a variation of a variation! This is the Mexican mule (using tequila) and has the addition of agua de sandia (watermelon water).
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Pumpkin Spice Mules
Pumpkin spice syrup and a bit of pureed pumpkin are used for this variation. Marley made some star anise ice cubes that are a perfect addition.
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Peanut Butter Whiskey Moscow Mule
This cocktail variation uses 4 ingredients: peanut butter whiskey, vodka, orange juice and ginger beer. Hmm, sounds like PB&J in a cup. Yum!
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Star-Spangled Mule
Don't forget that Moscow mules make great holiday drinks as well! This mixed berry mule with its fun garnish is great for any of the patriotic holidays!
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Zero-Sugar Moscow Mule
This last recipe will taste just like a regular Moscow mule, but is perfect for diabetics, keto dieters or anyone looking to have less calories. The ginger beer used is Zevia ginger beer mixer!
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Did you like these Moscow Mule recipe variations? Then you will definitely enjoy these other popular cocktail recipes:
