Gin To Watermelon: 6 Moscow Mule Cocktail Variations To Try

Whether you are looking for a casual drink to relax in the evening or planning the menu for any boozy occasion, Moscow mule is always a great option. With its iconic copper mug and refreshing blend of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, this cocktail is loved worldwide. Created in Los Angeles during the 1940s, it has a strong, zesty and bubbly flavour.   

As per a theory, the credit for a classic Moscow Mule's invention goes to a Russian woman named Sophie Berezinski. She used to sell copper mugs that were originally designed by her and were produced in her father’s copper factory in Russia. It is said that one day, she went into a pub called Cock ‘n’ Bull, which was owned by Jack Morgan.

It was his dream to create an authentic, American-made ginger beer and his close friend, John G. Martin, was the head of a vodka distillery. So, as per the legend, these three people came up with the idea to combine vodka and ginger beer in copper mugs, and thus, Moscow Mule came into existence. 

But the world of mule cocktails is not just limited to one option; it extends far beyond this original recipe. Combined with various spirits, liquors and garnishes, it offers a diverse range of flavours. Gin, whiskey or rum can perfectly replace the vodka in mule cocktails, and you can also elevate your drinking experience with fruits like pomegranate, pineapple or strawberry.  

Mexican Mule  

Ingredients  

  • 60 ml of tequila  
  • 15 ml Cointreau   
  • 15 ml of lime juice  
  • 120 ml of ginger beer   
  • Lime wedges and jalapeño slices for garnish  

Method  

  • Fill a copper mug or tumbler with ice.   
  • Pour in tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and cold ginger beer.   
  • Stir and garnish with a lime wedge and jalapeño slices. Serve immediately.  

Irish Mule   

Ingredients  

  • 60 ml of Irish whiskey  
  • 180 ml of ginger beer  
  • juice of half a lime  
  • lime slices, for garnish  
  • mint sprig, for garnish  
  • ice  

Method  

  • Fill a copper mug with ice.   
  • Pour in whiskey and lime juice, and, top with ginger beer.  
  • Stir well. Garnish with lime slices and a mint sprig. Enjoy.  

Gin-Gin Mule  

Ingredients  

  • 1 mint sprig  
  • 30 ml simple syrup  
  • 20 ml of lime juice  
  • 45 ml gin  
  • 30 ml of ginger beer  
  • Garnish: mint sprig  

 Method  

  • In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the mint sprig, simple syrup and lime juice.  
  • Add the gin, ginger beer and ice, and shake until well-chilled.  
  • Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and serve.  

Watermelon Mule  


Ingredients  

  • 1/3 cup of watermelon juice   
  • 1/4 cup of vodka  
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice  
  • 1/3 cup ginger beer  

Method  

  • In a copper mug or glass, muddle watermelon juice, vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.  
  • Add ice and garnish with a lime slice. Serve immediately.  

Kentucky Mule  

Ingredients  

  • 60 ml Bourbon  
  • 15 ml of lime juice, freshly squeezed  
  • Ginger beer, to top  
  • Garnish: mint sprig  

Method  

  • Add the bourbon and lime juice to a copper mug.  
  • Fill the mug with ice and top with ginger beer.  
  • Garnish with a mint sprig. Serve. 

Glasgow Mule 

Ingredients 

  • 45 ml whiskey, blended 
  • 45 ml of lemon juice 
  • 1 dash of Angostura bitters 
  • 120 ml of ginger beer 
  • Garnish: lemon wheel and candied ginger 

Method 

  • Build all the ingredients in a mule mug or a Collins glass. 
  • Add crushed ice and stir. 
  • Garnish with a lemon wheel and candied ginger. Serve.