Whenever I’m looking for a fun drink to serve at a party, I almost always reach for the Mummy Mule cocktail. This spooky twist on the classic Moscow Mule just feels right for Halloween or any themed night with friends.
The Mummy Mule combines vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, which makes for a zesty flavor—and the presentation is honestly pretty cool.
I really appreciate how simple this cocktail is to whip up at home. Just a handful of basic ingredients and a quick garnish, and you’ve got something festive in minutes.
If you’re after a drink that’s both tasty and a little bit memorable, the Mummy Mule is a solid pick.
Mummy Mule Cocktail Recipe
I like making cocktails that don’t require a ton of fancy stuff or complicated steps. Mixing up a Mummy Mule is quick, and I’ll sometimes switch up the flavors with a little mint, berries, or pineapple if I’m feeling adventurous.
Equipment
- Copper mug (keeps the drink cold and looks awesome)
- Jigger (for measuring)
- Bar spoon (for mixing)
- Citrus squeezer (fresh lime juice is a must)
- Knife and cutting board (to slice up limes or fruit)
- Straw (totally optional, but I like it)
- Muddler (if you’re adding fruit or mint)
Having the right tools makes a difference, at least for me. Sure, a copper mug is traditional, but any sturdy glass will do the trick.
If I want to add fruit like blackberries or strawberries, a muddler helps get all the juice out.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka (plain or flavored, whatever you like)
- ½ oz fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
- 4 oz ginger beer (make sure it’s cold)
- Lime wedge or wheel (for garnish)
- Mint leaves (optional, for garnish or muddling)
- Ice (enough to fill the mug)
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Optional flavor add-ins:
- ½ oz simple syrup (if you want it sweeter)
- Sliced strawberries, pineapples, cherries, cranberries, or blackberries for fruit mules
If I’m in the mood for something different, I’ll throw in some crushed fruit or a splash of syrup. Fresh lime juice really makes a difference, trust me.
That spicy, fizzy ginger beer is what gives the mule its kick.
Instructions
- Fill your copper mug or glass with ice.
- Pour in the vodka.
- Squeeze in the fresh lime juice.
- Add simple syrup if you like things a bit sweeter.
- Top off with ginger beer.
- Stir gently with your bar spoon.
- For a mint or fruit version, muddle the mint or fruit in the bottom before adding ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a couple of mint leaves.
- Pop in a straw if you want, and enjoy right away.
If I’m making a Mint Strawberry Moscow Mule, I muddle the strawberries and mint first, then just follow the rest of the steps.
Other times, I’ll mix it up with pineapple, cherries, cranberries, or blackberries—whatever’s handy.
Notes
Copper mugs really do keep things icy cold, which is honestly half the fun. Fresh lime juice is worth the extra effort—bottled stuff just doesn’t hit the same.
If I want a sweeter drink, I add a splash of simple syrup. I’ll also use whatever fruit I have on hand; berries and pineapple are my go-tos.
A little mint adds a nice fresh note, but I try not to overdo it. Chilled ginger beer is key for that frosty, bubbly finish.
Equipment
- Copper mug (or sturdy glass)
- Citrus squeezer
- Knife and cutting board
- Straw (optional)
- Muddler (optional for fruit or mint)
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka plain or flavored
- ½ oz fresh lime juice about half a lime
- 4 oz chilled ginger beer
- ½ oz simple syrup optional, if you prefer it sweeter
- Lime wedge or wheel for garnish
- 3 –4 mint leaves optional, for garnish or muddling
- Ice enough to fill the mug
- Optional flavor add-ins:
- 2 –3 sliced strawberries pineapples, cherries, cranberries, or blackberries
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.
- Pour in 2 oz vodka.
- Add ½ oz fresh lime juice.
- If desired, add ½ oz simple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Top with 4 oz chilled ginger beer.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and mint leaves.
- Add a straw if desired, and serve immediately.
Tasting Notes
The first thing I notice when I sip a Mummy Mule is how crisp and refreshing it feels. That ginger beer gives it a zing that really wakes up my taste buds.
It’s bubbly and cold, which is especially nice when it’s warm out.
The lime juice adds a bright, citrus punch that cuts through the sweetness of the ginger beer. It plays well with the vodka, which is smooth and pretty subtle.
What really stands out for me is that spicy kick from the ginger. If you’re into classic Moscow Mules, you’ll probably like this spooky version.
Sometimes I get a hint of mint if I’ve used it for garnish, and that cool, herbal aroma just rounds things out. It’s easy to drink, not too heavy, and definitely not overly sweet.
Honestly, this cocktail is perfect for laid-back get-togethers or when I want a classic drink that still feels a little bit new.
Substitute
Sometimes I just run out of an ingredient, or maybe I’m in the mood to experiment. The Mummy Mule’s pretty forgiving, so I’ll swap spirits or mix-ins based on what’s in my kitchen—or just what I feel like.
Alternative Spirits:
- Bourbon: Swapping in bourbon gives the mule a richer, kind of sweet vibe.
- Irish Whiskey: This one’s smooth, a bit malty—almost cozy.
- Mezcal: If you’re into a smoky kick, mezcal’s the way to go.
- Gin: Gin turns the drink herbal and fresh, which is honestly a nice change.
Non-Alcoholic Substitutes:
- Ginger beer alone: Just skip the booze for a simple mocktail.
- Non-alcoholic spirits: There are actually some decent brands out there if you want to keep it zero-proof.
Muddle-Ins:
- Berries: Toss in some strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Fresh herbs: Mint or basil can add a pop of freshness.
- Citrus: Lime, lemon, or orange—pick your favorite for extra tartness.
Ingredients:
- Whatever spirit you’re feeling (bourbon, Irish whiskey, mezcal, etc.)
- Ginger beer or a substitute
- Lime or lemon juice
- Optional: Fresh fruit, herbs
Instructions:
- Fill your glass with ice.
- Add your spirit and citrus.
- Pour in the ginger beer.
- Give it a quick stir, then garnish however you want.
