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This smoky version of the Moscow mule is a tasty Mexican-style twist on the classic. Taste your new favorite mule!
Sometimes you want a hint of smoke in your cocktail, and this spin on the classic Moscow mule delivers exactly that while keeping the bubbly, tangy flavor you’d expect. Using the tequila-based smoky liquor infuses an irresistible sharpness in every sip!
I love making Moscow mule variations because the gingery, bubbly flavor is so simple to mix up right in the mug. These cocktails are perfect for entertaining, especially if you want to win over some mezcal aficionados or when you need a quick happy hour drink. They look great, too!
What you’ll need
The mezcal mule is a spin on the Moscow mule, a classic cocktail from the 1940s. The original features vodka, lime, and ginger beer, traditionally served in a copper mug.
Bonus fun fact: The Moscow mule is such a classic that it made the list of the International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, meaning that it has an “official” definition.
While most mezcal mule recipes simply switch out the vodka for smoky mezcal, I like mixing mine with tequila for a balanced flavor. Here’s the short list of what you’ll need:
- Mezcal
- Tequila
- Lime juice
- Ginger beer
Why the tequila?
Some mule recipes use only mezcal and skip the tequila. When tasting this one, I found a mule with straight mezcal tastes very strong and overpowers the delicate bubbles of the ginger beer. Even though I love smoky flavors, I was a bit overwhelmed by a straight mezcal drink.
Mix in some tequila and it’s the perfect balance to the flavors. If you prefer a strong smoky flavor to your mezcal mule, feel free to use equal parts mezcal and tequila here, or 1 ounce of each.
Making your mezcal mule
The mezcal mule is one of the easiest cocktails you can make! You don’t even have to use a cocktail shaker. Just mix it all in the glass.
Here’s how to make a mezcal mule (or jump right to the recipe):
- Pour ½ oz mezcal, 1 ½ oz tequila, ½ oz lime juice, and 4 oz ginger beer into a copper mug.
- Add ice cubes and garnish with lime. It’s that easy!
More about mezcal
Mezcal is a type of alcohol made from the agave plant. Only one type of agave plant (blue agave) makes tequila, but mezcal can be made from 11 different varieties of agave. What gives mezcal its signature smoky flavor is cooking the agave in pits in the ground. It brings a depth and smokiness you don’t find in tequila!
Want more drinks with this liquor? Try all of my mezcal cocktails, like the Mezcal Paloma, Mezcal Negroni, Mezcal Sour, and Mezcal Margarita.
Copper mugs are a classic
Moscow mules are traditionally served in copper mugs. It’s partially because of tradition, since this is how the drink has been served since the 1940s. But there’s also a functional reason.
Copper mugs immediately take on the temperature of the drink. The sensation of taking a sip of the drink with a cool copper rim makes it taste even colder and more refreshing!
It’s a fun sensory element that’s worth finding, especially if you’re planning a cocktail party. Don’t let me stop you from mixing one of these up if you don’t already have copper mugs, though. You can use any sort of chilled glass to serve a mezcal mule, or really any mule.
Best ginger beer for mules
For the best flavor for your mule, look for ginger beer made with real ginger, without artificial flavors or sweeteners. Q Ginger Beer has great flavor and is made with real ginger. It comes in small cans so you don’t have to open a large bottle. Fever Tree Ginger Beer also has great flavor. It’s made with real ginger and has no artificial sweeteners.
More Moscow mule variations
There are so many great Moscow mule variations to try! If you love a mezcal mule, then you’ll love these tasty spins on the classic:
- Go for a Kentucky Mule with bourbon.
- Try an Irish Mule with Irish whiskey.
- Make a Gin Gin Mule with gin and mint.
- Mix up a Dark and Stormy with dark rum.
- Try seasonal spins like the Watermelon Mule or Apple Cider Mule.
Frequently asked questions
They’re very similar! The main difference is the base spirit. A Moscow mule uses vodka, while a mezcal mule uses mezcal, a smoky spirit made from agave. This swap adds a complex smokiness to the drink.
Yes, using a good-quality canned ginger beer is perfectly acceptable. The small cans are helpful so you don’t have to open a large bottle!
A sprig of fresh mint, a cucumber slice, or a few slices of jalapeno can all add interesting flavor and visual appeal to your cocktail.
A copper mug is traditional for Moscow mules, but it’s not essential for a mezcal mule. Any chilled glass will work. However, copper mugs can help keep your drink colder for longer.
The smokiness will depend on the type of mezcal you use. Espadin mezcal will offer a subtler smokiness, while other varieties can be quite smoky.
Mezcal Mule
Here’s how to make a mezcal mule! This smoky version of the Moscow mule is a tasty Mexican style twist on the classic.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktail
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) mezcal*
- 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) tequila
- ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice
- 4 ounces (½ cup) ginger beer
- For the garnish: lime slice, mint sprig (optional)
Instructions
- In a copper mug or glass, pour in the mezcal, tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer.
- Add ice and garnish with a lime slice. Serve immediately.
Notes
*If you’re a mezcal lover and would like a strong smoky flavor to the drink, try 1 ounce mezcal and 1 ounce tequila.
Let us know if you have any questions!