A Moscow Mule is usually made by mixing vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. I was doing a little reading about them recently, and apparently they’re not too highly regarded among bartenders. In fact, one cocktail roundup I was reading dubbed the Moscow Mule one of the most overrated drinks around.
I mixed up a batch a few weeks ago and they actually weren’t as awesome as I’d remembered. Two big things were lacking for me – the ice-cold copper mug and a really strong ginger flavor.
I bought six of these copper mugs on Amazon, and then set to address issue #2 – ginger flavor.
To get a more pronounced ginger flavor, I abandoned the ginger beer and made my own ginger simple syrup. I used both fresh and dried ginger and let the syrup sit in the fridge overnight so the spice and flavor of the ginger would really infuse the simple syrup.
We hosted our first dinner party in the new house this weekend and I had so much fun setting up a little Moscow Mule station where we could mix the drinks together for our friends.
I mixed the cocktails up ahead of time in a pitcher and set out ice, lime wedges, sparkling water, and striped straws for stirring or sipping, so it was really quick and easy to make the cocktails at the party.
The drinks were a big hit, and everyone wanted to know where we got our “fancy mugs.”
You can bet these gorgeous copper mugs will be getting lots of use for all kinds of drinks this spring and summer!
The Best Moscow Mule
Ingredients – makes 8-10 drinks
1 1/2 c. ginger simple syrup (recipe below)
1 1/2 c. fresh lime juice
3 c. vodka
club soda
Stir the ginger simple syrup, lime juice, and vodka together in a glass pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to use.
To mix the drinks, fill a copper mug or other glass with with ice, then pour the mixed drink in to about 2/3 full. Top with club soda to taste and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.
Ginger Simple Syrup
Ingredients – makes about 2 cups
2 c. sugar
2 c. water
2 tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
1 tbsp. dried ginger
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until the sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate overnight, at least. Strain fresh ginger before using.
So great Jen! I love the copper mugs so so much and what a fun recipe! xo K
They look so pretty in my glass-front cabinets :) And the drinks are tasty!
I told you already how I’ve been eyeing up those mugs. Love them and the recipe sounds so yummy.
It was so yummy! And I think the mugs are beautiful – so pretty to look at and they really do keep drinks so super cold.
i love those mugs!!! and the recipe sound so good! cheers!
I’m am loving them too. I have a feeling we will be drinking lots of different things from them just so we can use them. Mmmm…a nice frosty drink of water, anyone?
Those are great mugs at a great price. I could definitely see those being on constant rotation during the summer. I have heard a lot of rumblings about Moscow Mules lately. I guess I will need to try one!
I’m a big fan of this version. And the cups are just so pretty and fun. They make whatever you’re drinking seem extra-special :)
What a fun choice, I love your mugs! I’m sure the drinks are EXTRA good coming out of such beautiful cups!
It just FEELS like a special drink when I’m holding such a pretty cup!
LOVE those mugs! So beautiful and timeless :)
I think so too – will use them for so many things over the years!
love the ginger syrup recipe!
Wonderful, thanks! It could be used for so many different things.
you had me at copper mug!!! Love it Jen. I may have to try this recipe…OR you can just come back to Cali and make me one. I like that idea waaaay better:)
You wouldn’t have to twist my arm too hard on that one. Cali sounds like a slice of heaven right now. It is so cold still!
I have never heard of a Moscow Mule but now I need one ASAP! Plus they are served in oh so trendy copper mugs!
Yes, of course – delicious AND trendy ;)
Love the copper mugs (and who doesn’t love a fun cocktail)!
Haha – exactly!
Moscow Mules are actually one of my favorite drinks. You are right, the copper mugs make the difference!!
It just wasn’t the same drinking it out of a glass!
Love those mugs…might have to add them to my wish list.
I’m such a fan – definitely recommend them!
I have been looking at purchasing these mugs. I have not tried the drink yet. Now that imhave a recipe for the ginger syrup I will be trying it.
Awesome! Hope you love it…we sure did!
those are really cute mugs! and the drink sounds delicious!
Thank you! The drink was a big hit and I love the mugs – so pretty!
I had never heard of this drink. Must make it sometime.
My husband and I love them – hope you do too!
Mmmmm Moscow Mules are my favorite! Virgin ones really helped my morning sickness too!!
Interesting. Bet it was the ginger. My mom always eats preserved ginger when her stomach isn’t feeling well after eating.
Yum! I used to drink moscow mules in London. They were an alco-pop there. Came already mixed in a bottle. So excited we can make our own. x
Funny, I’ve never seen it like that. I love a good fresh-squeezed drink anyway :)
loving the copper!
Thanks Bethany – me too!
Never tried the drink, but I’d be willing to drink it if it was in that great mug!
Ha! Well I’m a fan of both – the drink and the mug!
We live for Moscow Mules especially when the temps climb around here! The bartenders always take our IDs as insurance that people don’t steal the copper mugs. #becauseIwould Your ginger concoction sounds amazing.
That is intense, but makes perfect sense. Who WOULDN’T be tempted to slip a copper mug into their purse?? Especially after a few Mules.
Love the copper mugs!! and that you made your own ginger simple syrup!! sounds yummy! :)
I have some of the syrup leftover in the fridge and I am counting down to cocktail hour tomorrow!
I love ginger…. definitely want to give this a try!! Question: does the copper have a certain taste to it when you drink out of the mug??
I didn’t notice one at all. And I think I’m fairly sensitive to that kind of thing – I eat very little canned food because I always taste the can!