Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Punchalcoholic7.1% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
About this drink
The Moscow Mule is usually tied to 1940s American bar marketing around vodka, ginger beer and the copper mug. Its history is relevant because it shows how a simple highball can become iconic through serve style, branding and a memorable vessel.
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Caviar, Salty Food, Party
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusMixer
- 2 ozVodkaBase
- 2 ozLime JuiceCitrus
- 8 ozGinger AleMixer
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
Scale this punch
Planning for a group? Adjust the serving size and use this as a guide.
- 2 ozVodka
- 2 ozLime Juice
- 8 ozGinger Ale
How to Make It
StirGarnish
- Combine vodka and ginger beer in a highball glass filled with ice.
- Add lime juice.
- Stir gently.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Garnish.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
VeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Scale the batchUse the serving scaler above before shopping or prepping.
Offer a zero-proof optionGive guests a non-alcoholic option with similar fruit, citrus or spice notes.Make it lighterServe over more ice, add bubbles or offer a lower-ABV option beside it.Match it to foodChoose food pairings that suit the punch's sweetness, acidity, fruit and spice.Swap notes
CitrusLemon juice can replace lime but it is sharper and less floral — the drink will taste brighter and slightly more tart. Grapefruit juice works if you want something more bitter. Whichever you use, add a little at a time and taste as you go.BubblesSoda water is neutral and clean — it adds fizz without flavour. Tonic water is bitter and slightly sweet, which changes the balance noticeably. Ginger beer is spiced and punchy; ginger ale is milder and sweeter. These are not interchangeable — pick the one that suits the drink's flavour direction.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Moscow Mule?
- The Moscow Mule is a punch made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Copper Mug. It has an ABV of approximately 7.1%. A standard serving contains approximately 447 calories.
- What does a Moscow Mule taste like?
- Moscow Mule has a flavour profile featuring Sweet, Citrus, Ginger, Lime. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Moscow Mule?
- Moscow Mule pairs well with Caviar, Salty Food, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Moscow Mule?
- The Moscow Mule has an ABV of approximately 7.1%. That's approximately 1.42 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 447 calories, 72.0g sugar, 75.9g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Moscow Mule typically served?
- Moscow Mule is a popular choice for Party, Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Moscow Mule?
- If you enjoy Moscow Mule, explore other punches made with a similar spirit base or fruit profile. Most punch recipes can be adapted easily — swap one juice or spirit to create a close variation.
- How much Moscow Mule should I make?
- Punch recipes scale easily — multiply each ingredient by the number of guests. Allow roughly one 150–200ml serving per person per hour. Mix everything except sparkling elements at least an hour ahead and add ice and soda just before serving to preserve carbonation.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare punchs at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find punchs I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Moscow Mule with other punchs. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.