Last Updated on September 1, 2022 by laurenpacek
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The Mexican (Tequila) Mule is a fun variation on the traditional cocktail. Simply swap out tequila for the usual vodka and you're in business!
Sounds easy, right? Luckily for you and me, it is! It's also delicious and extremely drinkable.
Table of contents
What is a Mexican Mule?
Maybe we should first talk about what a classic Moscow Mule is. A Moscow Mule is a cocktail made up of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. Despite its name, it's actually thought that the drink originated in the U.S.
A Mexican Mule, on the other hand, is made with lime juice, ginger beer, and tequila. This is why the drink is also sometimes called a Tequila Mule.
Ingredients
This is one of those great cocktails that only requires a handful of ingredients to make. Sometimes simpler is better, you know?
- Tequila: In order to make a Tequila Mule, you need to use tequila. Use whatever you like, but I prefer tequila añejo or reposado.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed, please!
- Ginger beer: The spicier the better, imho. I tend to prefer Fever Tree ginger beer. Keep in mind that some brands of ginger beer actually contain alcohol (Fever Tree does not). So, if you're using an alcoholic version, you're going to end up with a stronger drink than you may have originally intended.
- Garnish: This isn't mandatory, but I love to garnish my Tequila Mule with a fresh lime wedge. Just plop it on top of the prepared drink. You can also squeeze the wedge into the cocktail before garnishing, if you want an extra hit of lime juice.
How to make a Mexican Mule
Mexican Mules--much like pretty much all Moscow Mule varieties--get built directly in the glass that you'll drink them out of. I'm a big fan of this, because it means fewer dishes to wash!
To start, I recommend getting some copper mugs. It's the classic way to drink a Moscow Mule. The look is iconic, and using the copper mugs actually helps to keep your drink extra frosty cold for a longer period of time. Now, they're not mandatory, but if you're like me and frequently make Mule cocktails, I'd definitely recommend picking some up.
You'll start by taking your copper mug and filling it most of the way with ice. I often like to use crushed ice, but you'll see in the photos that I just went with whole ice cubes. Use whatever shape/kind of ice that you prefer.
Next, you'll pour your tequila and freshly squeezed lime juice over the ice. Top everything off with some bubbly, spicy ginger beer, give it a gentle stir, and garnish with a lime wedge.
There you have it!
Recommended tools
- Copper Moscow Mule mugs! Like I said above, these may seem niche, but they keep your drinks super cold. Plus they're pretty!
- Cocktail jigger to measure the tequila
- Citrus squeezer - I've had this one for years and get a ridiculous amount of use out of it
- Paper straws (not mandatory, but very cute and environmentally friendly)
Other Moscow Mule recipes
Looking for other Moscow Mule recipes? I have a TON on this blog (check out all the Moscow Mule recipes here), but I've also linked to couple of mine and a few from other bloggers below.
- Strawberry Moscow Mules from Mitten Girl
- Caramel Apple Moscow Mules from A Nerd Cooks
- Spiced Pear Mule from Garnish
- Irish Mules from A Nerd Cooks
- Apple Cider Mule from Sweet Tea and Thyme
What about more tequila drinks?
Looking for other tequila-based drinks? Because I can show you more of those, too!
- Apple Cider Margaritas from A Nerd Cooks
- Passion Fruit Margaritas from The Gourmet Bon Vivant
- Pineapple Margaritas from A Nerd Cooks
- Tequila Lemonade from Burrata and Bubbles
- Grilled Mezcal Margaritas (okay so not exactly tequila, but in the same family!)
FAQs/Tips and tricks
No, you don't have to. Copper mugs are the classic/traditional serving presentation for any Mule cocktail. A copper mug will keep your Mule super cold... plus it looks really pretty! But, in short, you can serve these drinks in whatever vessel you desire. They'll still be delicious.
Basically, whatever tequila you prefer to drink! I like to use something that's at least decent, quality-wise. So stay away from well tequila.
It depends on your tastes. Ginger beers can vary in sweetness and spiciness, depending on the brand. Try a few and see what you prefer! I'm a fan of Fever Tree, Goslings, and Bundaberg.
Yes, but then the drink won't be a Mule. It will still be delicious, though.
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The Recipe
Mexican Mule
In order to make a Mexican Moscow Mule, all you have to do is swap in tequila for the usual vodka and you're in business!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- ½ lime, juiced
- ginger beer, to fill glass
- lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the tequila into a copper mug filled with ice
- Squeeze the half lime into the mug
- Top with ginger beer
- Garnish with a lime wedge
Notes
Note: I like reposado or añejo tequilas, but use whatever you like!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 244Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 19mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 2gSugar: 33gProtein: 1g
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cakespy
Simply wonderful!! A perfect after work treat.
laurenpacek
Thank you! I think so, too =)
Sasha @ Eat Love Eat
I love your moscow mule mugs! Your photos look great!
laurenpacek
I think that I picked the mugs up at Costco a while back, if you can believe that. Thank you!! =)
Be Cox
I recently had a Helecho mule, they said it has tequila with infused jalapeno, lime juice , ginger beer and crushed ice at a restaurant. They refused to give me the name of brand of tequila. I've been searching for it but to no avail. All your drinks sound delicious and happy to know about your varieties, vodka vs tequila. Any suggestions, it has a nice bite to it and no over kill.
laurenpacek
I usually use Jose Cuervo brand tequila or Smirnoff brand vodka, depending on which variety of Mule I'm looking to make. Bottom line, you don't need to spring for anything super top shelf, BUT I would also stay away from well liquors.
Milly
It's simply called Tequila Mule and it is a cocktail already which is definitely not called Mexican Moscow Mule 🙂
laurenpacek
Sure, you can definitely call it a Tequila Mule, if you prefer!
Jeff Gleason
Pour the bourbon into a copper mug filled with ice ?? Bourbon ??
laurenpacek
Well that was quite a typo, wasn't it? It should be tequila. I just fixed it. Thanks for catching that!
Gin Online
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
Boobin
Fantastic way to get fucked up with your buds and feel like shit the next day
Angelica
What ginger brand do you recommend using? I’ve realized not all brands are created equally. Some are not bueno.
laurenpacek
Hey Angelica! I'm a big fan of Fever Tree ginger beer, but am ready to acknowledge that it's pretty spicy. If you like v spicy ginger beers, I'd recommend that. If you want something a little less spicy, and maybe a little sweeter, you could give Gosling's a try.
Lisa
Barritts is a great ginger beer. I like it better than goslings
Alyssa
Lauren, thank you very much! I really liked the recipe, I took it to my recipe book)
laurenpacek
Thank you, Alyssa! I hope that you love it as much as I do.
Olga
Lauren, what a gorgeous idea! Definitely need to try these!