Take the classic Moscow mule up a notch with some fresh mint. This refreshing summer cocktail is tart, sweet, and bubbly. Perfect in a frosted mug with some gluten-free eats.
A Moscow mule has always been one of my favourite cocktails to order when out at a restaurant. It's bright, refreshing, and a bit tart. Not to mention the classic copper cups are so fun. I've been enjoying making them at home this summer now that I've got some copper cups of my own.
I have wanted to play around with the photography and styling of this drink, so I did some internet research on how others have photographed Moscow mules. And I realized something... nearly all of the recipes showed mint in the drink as a garnish, but it was nowhere to be seen in the recipe! I was shocked. I've always felt that mint was an integral flavour in a Moscow mule.
Whether traditional or not, this Moscow Mule with Mint recipe is sure to hit the spot on a hot summer evening. It's gluten-free*, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian. Perfect to share with your friends and family. I know you want one now. Keep reading to learn how to make it!
*always be sure to check that your vodka brand is gluten-free. I use Titos, as it is distilled from corn and states it is gluten-free on the bottle. Read this great article about Titos here. Maybe that doesn't technically make this drink a Moscow mule, but we'll roll with it.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's light. Light bubbles from the ginger beer compliment the tart lime and cool mint.
- It's refreshing. Using a chilled mug keeps this drink extra cool.
- You only need 4 ingredients. And you probably already have vodka in your cupboard. So really it's 3 ingredients.
- You can be sipping in 3 minutes. Yup, that's right. From the time you decide you want this Moscow Mule with Mint to the time you're sipping in the sun is just minutes. It's that easy to make.
Ingredients Needed
Here is everything you'll need to make this classic Moscow mule with mint:
The great thing about this drink recipe is that it comes together with just a few simple ingredients in only 3 minutes! A few notes on the ingredients...
- Copper mugs: While not technically an ingredient, you could argue that a frosty copper mug is integral in the creation of a Moscow mule. Store them in the freezer so you are ready to make a drink when the craving comes. If you don't have copper mugs, any insulated cup will work - or just pile in the ice.
- Mint: Fresh muddled mint adds so much flavour to this drink. It complements the lime well and adds an extra layer of flavour. It's also lovely to garnish with.
- Vodka: Make sure the vodka you have is gluten-free! Most vodka is distilled from wheat, and while they say the distillation process basically removes the gluten, I prefer to use a brand I know is gluten-free. Like Titos, which is distilled from corn and contains no wheat to begin with.
- Ginger beer: It may sound scary, but there is actually no beer in ginger beer! (Always check your label). Ginger beer is also not the same as ginger ale. Ginger beer is much stronger in ginger flavour, which complements this drink very well. Different brands of ginger beer will also have a different spiciness. So be sure to watch out for that when shopping. Some can really pack a punch!
- Lime: Fresh lime juice makes all the difference here. The bottled stuff is just not the same. I like to grab an extra lime to use as a garnish on the cup.
Step by Step Instructions
Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and instructions.
(Prep) Store your copper mug or insulated cup in the freezer. Remove just when ready to serve.
(1) Add the mint leaves and lime juice to the cup. Smash and muddle the leaves with a muddler.
(2) Add a handful of crushed ice. Pour the vodka overtop.
(3) Top with ginger beer and add more ice if you like. Stir everything together and garnish with a slice of lime and a stem of fresh mint. Best served immediately. Enjoy!
Serving
Moscow Mules with Mint are best served in a chilled copper mug. This keeps the drinks nice and cool while you sip. If you don't like the extra ice watering down your drink, feel free to omit and let the cup keep your drink cool. I like my drinks as ice cold as possible.
Drinks are best served immediately. Garnish with lime and mint and you will have restaurant-worthy presentation to wow your guests!
Expert Tips
- Store your copper cups in the freezer. That way you're ready to whip up a drink when the craving comes.
- Use the freshest ingredients possible. Fresh mint leaves and limes will really make a difference in the quality of the drink. Also use the best quality vodka you can get.
- Muddle, smash, or rip the mint leaves. You may think it's just for show, but breaking down the mint leaves releases their flavour into the drink.
- Enjoy responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Any glass with ice will allow you to create this refreshing Moscow mule with mint.
To be a Moscow mule, yes, Vodka is used. However, this would still be a delicious drink if made with gin, light rum, or if you're brave, tequila.
While the main flavour here is a Moscow Mule with Mint, you could certainly omit the mint and just flavour the drink with vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.
And there you have it, a refreshing summertime beverage that will have you ready for the patio. Not to mention it's gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian. Grab a couple friends and treat them to a Moscow Mule with Mint!
Have you made this Moscow Mule with Mint? I'd very much appreciate it if you leave a comment below and tag me on instagram @livglutenfree!
Drink Pairings
Need an accompani-mint for your refreshing drink? Try one of these fan-favourite summer dishes:
- Gluten-Free Burger Bowls
- Vegan "Pulled Pork" Sandwiches with Jackfruit
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
- Dairy-Free Spinach & Artichoke Dip
- Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Recipe
Moscow Mule with Mint
Equipment
- Chilled copper mug or insulated cup
Ingredients
- 5 mint leaves
- ½ oz. lime juice, about ½ a fresh lime
- 2 oz. vodka, ensure it's gluten-free. I use Tito's.
- 200 ml ginger beer, just under 1 cup
- ice to top
- lime slice and fresh mint to garnish
Instructions
- Store your copper mug or insulated cup in the freezer. Remove just when ready to serve.
- Add the mint leaves and lime juice to the cup. Smash and muddle the leaves with a muddler.
- Add a handful of crushed ice. Pour the vodka overtop.
- Top with ginger beer and add more ice if you like. Stir everything together and garnish with a slice of lime and a stem of fresh mint. Best served immediately. Enjoy!
Let us know what you think!