Ginger Beer Moscow Mule Twist Cocktail Recipe

I’ve always been a fan of mixing drinks that keep things simple but don’t skimp on flavor. The Moscow Mule? It’s honestly one of my favorite cocktails to tinker with.

That classic combo of ginger beer, lime, and a good spirit leaves so much space for fun twists. This Ginger Beer Moscow Mule Twist Cocktail Recipe is my go-to for something refreshing, with easy steps and plenty of ways to swap things in or out.

What I love most is how this drink fits whatever mood I’m in. Sometimes bourbon gives it that smooth Kentucky Mule feel, while tequila turns it into a punchy Mexican Mule.

Dark rum? That’s for when I want a deeper, richer edge. Even ginger ale can work if I’m after something lighter, and it’s super easy to make a mocktail that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

You won’t need any fancy equipment. Just a highball glass or a copper mug and a couple basics.

Stick with vodka or swap in bourbon, rum, or tequila—it’s all good. This recipe keeps things easy and makes it hard to mess up a crisp, balanced cocktail.

Ginger Beer Moscow Mule Twist Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I keep coming back to this drink because it’s so easy and always hits the spot. Vodka, fresh lime juice, and spicy ginger beer just work, and serving it in a copper mug? That’s the trick for keeping it extra cold.

Equipment

You really don’t need much, but I’ll admit the right tools make life easier. Copper mugs are classic, and they keep your drink icy way longer than glass.

• Copper mug (or just grab a sturdy glass if that’s what you’ve got)
• Jigger for measuring out the vodka and lime juice
• Bar spoon for a gentle stir
• Citrus juicer or reamer to get all the juice from your lime
• Knife and cutting board for slicing up limes
• Ice scoop or spoon to fill up your mug

Big ice cubes are my preference—they melt slower, so the drink doesn’t get watered down. If you’ve only got smaller cubes or crushed ice, that’s fine too, but the drink might dilute a bit faster.

Ingredients

I like to keep it straightforward, focusing on fresh ingredients. Spicy ginger beer really wakes up the drink, but if you want a softer flavor, just go with a milder one.

• 2 oz vodka
• 4–6 oz ginger beer (spicy or mild, totally up to you)
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge for garnish

Squeezing the lime juice fresh makes a world of difference. Bottled stuff just isn’t the same—kind of dull, honestly. A lime wedge on the rim looks sharp and adds a little burst of citrus aroma.

Instructions

I usually build this drink right in the mug. Less mess, less cleanup.

Always start with ice so everything stays nice and cold.

• Fill a copper mug with ice cubes.
• Measure and pour 2 oz vodka over the ice.
• Add 1/2 oz fresh lime juice.
• Top off with 4–6 oz ginger beer, depending on how strong or light you want it.
• Give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon—just enough to mix, not enough to kill the fizz.
• Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim.

Shaking this drink? I wouldn’t. It flattens the ginger beer, which kinda ruins the point. A light stir is all you need to blend things and keep it bubbly.

Notes

In my experience, the ginger beer you choose really makes or breaks this cocktail. Spicy ginger beer gives it a serious kick, while a sweeter one mellows things out.

Copper mugs aren’t just for aesthetics—they keep the drink frosty, which is half the fun. If you don’t have one, a tall glass with a lot of ice does the job.

Sometimes I’ll squeeze in an extra lime wedge for more citrus bite. If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I just add more ginger beer to stretch it out without adding more booze.

Tasting Notes

So, taking that first sip, the sharp ginger flavor really jumps out at me. There’s a little heat that comes with it, which somehow manages to play nicely with the chill of the lime.

It’s bright, sure, but not in an obnoxious way—just enough to wake up your taste buds.

Then there’s the carbonation from the ginger beer. Those tiny bubbles? They lift everything, making each sip feel crisp and alive.

Honestly, the fizz just makes the whole thing feel more refreshing.

There’s this back-and-forth between sweet and tart that I keep noticing. The ginger beer brings the sweetness, and then the lime juice cuts through with a clean, citrusy bite.

The combo is simple, but man, it works.

The drink never gets heavy or cloying. I really enjoy how the ginger spice hangs around for a second, then just sort of disappears, leaving things clean.

It’s one of those refreshing cocktails that’s satisfying but won’t weigh you down.