17 Mule Cocktails to Spice Up Your Drinks in 2025

The Moscow Mule has been around since the 1940s and it’s a classic combination that’s opened up the door to loads of exciting variations and twists. We’ve searched far and wide and have done all the donkey work to find the best mule cocktails you can easily make at home.  

If you didn’t know any of these 17 mule cocktails even existed, you’re in for quite a ride. And if you want to know how to spot a mule, it’s quite simple. If it’s got some kind of base spirit and is mixed with ginger beer, chances are it’s a mule cocktail. And while we’re giving you some nifty life lessons, here’s another one: You don’t need fancy copper mugs to make mules! While they look great and will keep drinks cooler for longer, good old highball glasses will work just fine.  Consider yourself schooled! 

1. Moscow Mule

This mule is the original that started the whole craze. Made with a classic combination of vodka, fresh lime, and ginger beer and served in a copper mug, the Moscow Mule is great if you want to cool down. This iconic vodka drink is one of the world’s most popular cocktails – and has been for 8 decades. 

SKYY Vodka (opens in new window) is a great match for a Moscow Mule, offering a smooth, neutral base that lets the zing of ginger beer and the brightness of lime shine. Its clean profile enhances the cocktail’s refreshing simplicity, while the quality ensures a consistent, crisp finish. It’s an easy choice for crafting this classic drink.

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2. Kentucky Mule

Bourbon steals the show in this Kentucky Mule cocktail and is the perfect companion for fresh lime juice and spicy ginger. That being said, bourbon can be on the overpowering side, so get a strong ginger beer mixer to level out the playing field. The result is a refreshing bourbon mule cocktail perfect for sunset sipping in your backyard.  

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3. Mezcal Mule

Smoky, zesty, and full of spice, the Mezcal Mule takes the classic Mule format on a bold new adventure.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Montelobos Espadín Mezcal (opens in new window)

• 0.5 oz Lime juice

• 6 oz Ginger beer

• Cracked ice

• Lime wedge and mint leaves (for garnish)

Method

1. Pour the mezcal, lime juice, and ginger beer into a copper mug or glass tumbler

2. Add ice and stir gently until combined

3. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint

4. Serve

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4. Minted Mule

Fresh, smoky, and minty-cool, the Minted Mule is a vibrant spin on the classic Mule. It’s perfect with spicy food or as a lively party starter.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Montelobos Espadín Mezcal

• 1 oz Espolòn Tequila Blanco

• 0.5 oz Lime juice

• 6 oz Ginger beer

• 6–8 Fresh mint leaves

• Cracked ice

• Lime wedge and mint sprig (for garnish)

Method

1. Lightly muddle fresh mint leaves in a copper mug or glass tumbler

2. Add mezcal, tequila, and lime juice

3. Fill with cracked ice and top with ginger beer

4. Stir gently to combine

5. Garnish with a lime wedge and a mint sprig

6. Serve

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5. Apple Cider Mule

Crisp, cozy, and holiday-ready, the Apple Cider Mule mixes vodka, apple cider, and ginger beer for a seasonal twist that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 oz SKYY Vodka (opens in new window)

• 2 oz Apple cider

• 0.5 oz Lime juice

• 6 oz Ginger beer

• Cracked ice

• Apple slices and a mint sprig (for garnish)

Method

1. Add vodka, apple cider, and lime juice to a copper mug or glass tumbler

2. Fill with cracked ice and top with ginger beer

3. Stir gently to combine

4. Garnish with apple slices and a sprig of mint

5. Serve

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6. Mistletoe Mule

Forget complicated holiday cocktails; the Christmas Mule is pure festive fun. Think the classic Moscow Mule, but dressed up with pops of red from cranberries and pomegranate, plus a sprig of mint for that Christmas-green finish.

Ingredients

• 2 oz SKYY Vodka

• 0.5 oz Lime juice

• 6 oz Ginger beer

• Cracked ice

• Pomegranate seeds (for garnish)

• Cranberries (for garnish)

• Mint sprig (for garnish)

Method

1. Add vodka and lime juice to a copper mug or glass tumbler

2. Fill with cracked ice and top with ginger beer

3. Stir gently to combine

4. Garnish with pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and a sprig of mint

5. Serve

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7. Gin Buck (Gin Gin Mule)

Created to lure vodka fans over to the world of gin, the Gin Gin Mule quickly became a modern classic. With muddled mint, ginger beer, and a hit of gin, it’s crisp, aromatic, and endlessly sippable.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bulldog Gin

• 0.5 oz Lime juice

• 6 oz Ginger beer

• 6–8 Mint leaves

• Cracked ice

• Mint sprig and lime wedge (for garnish)

Method

1. Lightly muddle mint leaves in a copper mug or glass tumbler

2. Add gin and lime juice

3. Fill with cracked ice and top with ginger beer

4. Stir gently to combine

5. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge

6. Serve

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8. Morning Mule

Brunch just got an upgrade. The Morning Mule is a bright mix of vodka, orange juice, and ginger beer; a zesty, fizzy pick-me-up that’s perfect for long, lazy mornings with friends.

Ingredients

• 2 oz SKYY Vodka

• 2 oz Fresh orange juice

• 2 oz Ginger beer

• Cracked ice

• Orange slice (for garnish)

Method

1. Add vodka and orange juice to a copper mug or glass tumbler

2. Fill with cracked ice and top with ginger beer

3. Stir gently to combine

4. Garnish with an orange slice

5. Serve

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9. Dark ‘n Stormy

Do you know what happened more than 100 years ago? The Dark ‘n Stormy cocktail, that’s what! And yes, the recipe might be ancient but don’t be too quick to judge. If you’re a rum fan, you’ll love the refreshing combination of Jamaican rum, ginger beer, bitters, and fresh lime. This classic thirst quencher is the perfect summer holiday mule cocktail, best enjoyed with good friends.   

10. Irish Mule

You don’t need the luck of the Irish to pull this one off, just a good bottle of whiskey and a splash of ginger beer magic. Bright, zesty, and bold, it’s a fun alternative for St. Patrick’s Day (or any day you’re craving a whiskey twist).

Ingredients

• 2 oz Whiskey

• 0.5 oz Lime juice

• 6 oz Ginger beer

• Cracked ice

• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Method

1. Add whiskey and lime juice to a copper mug or glass tumbler

2. Fill with cracked ice and top with ginger beer

3. Stir gently to combine

4. Garnish with a lime wedge

5. Serve

11. Glasgow Mule

A little Scottish spirit meets cocktail hour with the Glasgow Mule. Smoky Scotch whisky, sweet elderflower, and spicy ginger beer come together for a bold yet balanced twist on the classic Mule.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Scotch whisky

• 0.5 oz Elderflower liqueur

• 0.5 oz Lime juice

• 6 oz Ginger beer

• Cracked ice

• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Method

1. Add Scotch whisky, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice to a copper mug or glass tumbler

2. Fill with cracked ice and top with ginger beer

3. Stir gently to combine

4. Garnish with a lime wedge

5. Serve

12. Bohemian Mule

Tall, fizzy, and just a little dangerous — the Bohemian Mule stars absinthe, lime, and ginger beer for a cocktail that’s as bold as its name suggests. Sip slowly; this one means business.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Absinthe

• 0.5 oz Lime juice

• 0.5 oz Simple syrup

• 4 oz Ginger beer

• Cracked ice

• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Method

1. Add absinthe, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice

2. Shake until well chilled

3. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass

4. Top with ginger beer

5. Garnish with a lime wedge

6. Serve

13. Watermelon Mule

Poolside vibes in a glass, the Watermelon Mule is juicy, zesty, and perfect for sharing with friends on long summer days.

Ingredients

• 2 oz SKYY Vodka

• 3 oz Fresh watermelon juice

• 0.5 oz Lime juice

• 6 oz Ginger beer

• Cracked ice

• Watermelon wedge (for garnish)

Method

1. Add vodka, watermelon juice, and lime juice to a copper mug or glass tumbler

2. Fill with cracked ice and top with ginger beer

3. Stir gently to combine

4. Garnish with a watermelon wedge

5. Serve

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14. Pineapple Moscow Mule

Bring a tropical twist to your Mule lineup with juicy pineapple, zesty lime, and that signature ginger beer fizz.

Ingredients

• 2 oz SKYY Vodka

• 1 oz Lime juice

• 2 oz Pineapple juice

• 4 oz Ginger beer

• Cracked ice

• Pineapple slice (for garnish)

• Lime slice (for garnish)

• Mint sprig (optional, for garnish)

Method

1. Add vodka, lime juice, and pineapple juice to a copper mug or glass tumbler

2. Stir to combine

3. Fill with cracked ice and top with ginger beer

4. Garnish with pineapple, lime, and a mint sprig if using

5. Serve

More pineapple magic: Totally Tropical Pineapple Juice Cocktails

15. Strawberry Moscow Mule

This pretty spin on the classic makes for a gorgeous strawberry-laced summertime sipper.

Ingredients

• 4–5 Fresh strawberries

• 2 oz SKYY Vodka

• 0.5 oz Lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• 0.5 oz Simple syrup

• 4–6 oz Ginger beer

• Cracked ice

• Strawberry and lime wedge (for garnish)

Method

1. Muddle strawberries in a cocktail shaker until crushed and juicy

2. Add vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup

3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds

4. Fill a copper mug or glass with ice

5. Strain the mixture into the prepared mug

6. Top with ginger beer

7. Garnish with a strawberry and lime wedge

8. Serve

16. Cranberry Moscow Mule

Cranberry cocktails are a big favorite around the holidays. This bold twist on the classic is perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you’re craving something crisp and colorful.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Appleton Estate Rum (opens in new window)

• 4 oz Cranberry juice

• 4 oz Ginger beer

• Juice of half a lime

• Crushed ice

• Cranberries (for garnish)

• Lime wheel (for garnish)

Method

1. Fill a copper mug with crushed ice

2. Add rum, cranberry juice, ginger beer, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice

3. Stir or very gently shake to combine

4. Strain into the prepared mug

5. Garnish with cranberries and a lime wheel

6. Serve

Go sparkly! How to Make Sugared Cranberries for Cocktails the Quick & Easy Way

17. Mexican Mule

If you love summertime tequila cocktails as much as we do, the Mexican Mule cocktail has your name written all over it. Made with Espolòn Tequila Blanco (opens in new window), zesty lime juice, and bubbly ginger beer, there’s a lot to love about this epic drink.

Are you excited to venture into the wonderful world of the Mule cocktails yet? If you loved this article and would like to learn more about making tasty drinks at home, sign up for our newsletter! We’d love to deliver all the tasty news straight to your awesome inbox.