Mexican Mule
The Mexican Mule recipe combines tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer for a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule.…
The Mexican Mule recipe combines tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer for a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Ready in 2 minutes, it’s the perfect easy tequila cocktail for any occasion!
Can’t get enough tequila drinks? Here’s one of the best of them all, in my opinion (outside of the margarita, of course). Enter the Mexican mule! This drink is bold, it’s bubbly, and it’s ready to spice up your next gathering.
To me, this tequila-based spin on the Moscow Mule might be even better than its inspiration. The way the bite of the tequila combines with spicy ginger and zingy lime makes it impossible not to immediately take another sip. Like other mules, it’s also incredibly simple to whip up in the glass: no cocktail shaker required.
What’s in a Mexican mule?
The Mexican mule is a tequila-based spin on the Moscow mule, a classic cocktail from the 1940’s. The mule is actually part of a family of cocktails called bucks, cocktails that are made with ginger ale or ginger beer, citrus juice, and liquor. So a Moscow mule is a vodka buck, and a Mexican mule is a tequila buck!
The Moscow mule is such a classic that it made the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, meaning that it has an “official” definition. Swap in tequila for vodka to get the Mexican version! The ingredients in a Mexican mule are:
- Tequila
- Lime juice
- Ginger beer
How to make a Mexican mule
The Mexican mule is one of the easiest cocktails you can make! Because you want to preserve the carbonation of the ginger beer, you don’t want to use a cocktail shaker. Here’s all you have to do to make a Mexican mule (or jump right to the recipe):
- Pour the tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer into a copper mug or serving glass of your choice.
- Add ice cubes, and garnish with lime. It’s that easy!
Want more with ginger beer? Try our Top Ginger Beer Cocktails.
Why to use copper mugs
When you order a mule at a restaurant or bar, it’s usually served in a copper mug. Of course, copper is not required. You can serve a mule in a low ball glass, Ball jar, or a standard mug and it’s still considered a Mexican mule! But if you want to stay classic, we recommend the copper mugs. There’s actually something to it:
- Copper keeps the drink cool in a different way than glass. The copper immediately takes on the temperature of the drink and becomes ice cold to the touch. There really is something unique about taking a sip out of an ice-cold copper mug!
- It’s also tradition. According to this source, the Moscow mule was invented as a marketing scheme in the 1940’s to sell more vodka, ginger beer, and copper mugs. People in Hollywood fell in love with it, it caught on, and it’s still the traditional way to drink this cocktail.
Where to buy copper mugs for mules? After spending years without real copper mugs, Alex and I splurged and got a set. We’re glad we did! You can use them for any type of drink, and they make great gifts, too. Here’s a link to some copper mugs on Amazon.
More highball cocktails
A mule is a highball cocktail: a family of mixed drinks that combine alcohol with a larger percentage of non-alcoholic mixer. It might not be served in a highball glass, but the bubbly ginger beer mixer takes this to highball status. There are lots of famous highballs like the good old gin and tonic or vodka cranberry. Here are a few more I’d recommend trying:
- The Vodka Tonic is one of the easiest mixed drinks of all time! This two-ingredient cocktail is bubbly, citrusy, and refreshing.
- Ranch Water is a Texas-style tequila highball drink made with lime, tequila and Topo Chico! This bubbly cocktail is all about cooling off on hot days.
- The Whiskey Highball is tall, bubbly, and a great way to enjoy your favorite whiskey.
- For a refreshing Sea Breeze, pour vodka, cranberry, and grapefruit over lots of ice.
When to serve a Mexican mule
The Mexican mule is bold, bubbly and zingy. Here are my favorite ways to serve it:
- Summer Patio Parties: Alex and I like to set up a mule bar with different ginger beers and garnish options.
- Mexican Food Pairings: It pairs well with shrimp tacos, black bean tacos, or any dish with bold, spicy flavors.
- Happy Hour Alternative: When I want other than the classic margarita pitcher, this is my go-to choice.
- Brunch Cocktails: Surprisingly great with Mexican-inspired breakfast dishes like breakfast tacos or migas.
Love mules? Try more mule variations like this Kentucky Mule, Irish Mule, Mezcal Mule, Gin Gin Mule, Cider Mule, or Watermelon Mule.
Frequently asked questions
Both mules share the base of ginger beer and lime juice. However, a Mexican Mule swaps the traditional vodka in a Moscow Mule for tequila, adding a smoky and spicy note.
A silver or blanco tequila is the most common choice for a Mexican Mule. It offers a clean and crisp base that allows the ginger and lime flavors to shine without clashing.
Ginger beer has a strong ginger flavor with a slight peppery kick. Some brands offer spicier varieties, so choose one based on your preference.
A muddled jalapeno slice or a splash of jalapeno-infused tequila can add a delicious spicy kick.
A lime wedge is the classic garnish. You can also add a sprig of mint or a slice of jalapeno for extra visual appeal and a touch of spice.
Easy Mexican Mule
Pin Recipe
Print RecipeThe Mexican mule is a tequila-based spin on the classic Moscow mule: perhaps even better than the original! It’s crisp, bold, and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
- Category: Drink
- Method: Poured
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (¼ cup) tequila
- ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice
- 4 ounces (½ cup) ginger beer
- For the garnish: lime slice
Instructions
- In a copper mug or glass, pour in the tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer.
- Add ice and garnish with a lime slice. Serve immediately.
More tequila drinks
Got a bottle of tequila to use up? Here are a few more tequila cocktails to peruse:
- Paloma Cocktail Combine tequila and grapefruit and you’ve got the classic Mexican paloma cocktail! Head to all our Mexican cocktails.
- 15 Best Margarita Recipes There are so many variations on this classic tequila drink; try Mezcal, Jalapeño and Skinny.
- Tequila Sunrise This vibrant cocktail layers the colors of a summer sunrise using tequila, orange and grenadine.
- Ranch Water A Texas-style tequila highball cocktail made with lime juice and mineral water! Like a bubbly, lighter version of the margarita.
