Gin Gin Mule

The refreshing Gin Gin Mule cocktail is a modern classic! It’s essentially a mashup of a bubbly Moscow mule and a minty Mojito.

It’s minty, it’s bubbly, it’s refreshing: meet the Gin Gin Mule! You might think it’s a just liquor swap in a mule, but this cocktail is more than meets the eye! Considered a modern classic cocktail, it’s a mashup of the Moscow mule and minty Mojito. You’ve got the bubbly ginger beer and lime of a mule, balanced by the muddled mint and sweetness of a mojito. The Gin Gin Mule results in a much more balanced drink than it’s classic counterpart. It’s become a big favorite around here! Here we’ll show you how to make this signature drink and a Moscow mule with gin.

What’s a Gin Gin Mule?

The Gin Gin Mule is a cocktail invented in 2000 by bartender Audrey Saunders of the Pegu Club in New York City. Considered a modern classic, it’s more than just using gin in a Moscow mule: though it’s close! This drink is part Mojito (fresh mint and simple syrup) and part Mule (lime and ginger beer). The ingredients in a Gin Gin Mule are:

• Fresh mint (muddled)
• Lime juice
• Simple syrup
• Gin
• Ginger beer

Want to make a Moscow mule with gin instead? We’ll call that the “gin mule.” It’s even easier to make: all you have to do is pour a few ingredients in a glass! The classic Moscow mule was invented in the 1940’s, and its popularity solidified it into a classic cocktail today.

PS Pegu Club is not just a New York bar; it’s also the name of a classic 1920’s drink that’s worth a try!

How to make a Gin Gin Mule (basic steps)

A Gin Gin mule is only slightly more involved than the classic version. You’ll have to muddle mint, and then mix it with lime and simple syrup. Here’s what to do (or jump right to the recipe):

1. Muddle: Muddle the mint by gently mashing it a few times in the bottom of the glass, using a cocktail muddler or a wooden spoon.
2. Mix: Add the gin, lime juice and simple syrup and stir.
3. Serve: Add ice and pour in the ginger beer.

Make a “gin mule”: even easier!

Would you rather make a Moscow mule with gin? Let’s do it! It’s even easier: and you can skip the simple syrup all together! All you have to do is pour the following into a copper mug:

• 2 ounces gin
• ½ ounce lime juice
• 4 ounces ginger beer

There’s much more ratio of ginger beer in a gin mule versus a Gin Gin mule. It’s more like a traditional highball cocktail, which uses a larger portion of non-alcoholic mixer compared to the liquor in the drink.

Want more with ginger beer? Try Top Ginger Beer Cocktails.

The gin to use

A quick note on gin! As we say in all of our cocktail recipes: the better the alcohol, the better the drink! Try to find a mid-priced or above bottle, since this is generally indicative of quality. In terms of brands, the original recipe by bartender Audrey Sanders called for Tanqueray gin. Our preference is Malfy gin. (We also are lucky enough to have locally distilled spirits, and we love 8th Day Distillery here in Indianapolis.)

Is a copper mug required?

Well, a copper mug is never required. But it’s just more fun! The Gin Gin Mule is often served in a glass (highball or lowball). Because it’s the signature drink of a bar in NYC, it’s a little more free-form than the classic. But you can certainly serve it in a copper mug, like we chose to here! The copper mug is also perfect for a Moscow mule with gin. Why is it served in a copper mug? A few reasons:

• The mug turns ice cold, which gives a cool sensation on each sip. This drink tastes colder when you drink it out of the solid copper mug, which becomes cold the minute the drink hits it. It adds another sensory element to the drinking experience.
• Tradition! When you’re drinking a classic cocktail, it’s fun to drink it the classic way. Back in the 1940’s when the drink was invented, the public saw images of Hollywood celebs enjoying the drink in copper mugs. It caught on and became the classic way to drink it to this day.

Looking for copper Moscow mule mugs? The mugs we show here aren’t in stock, but here’s a link to some similar copper mugs on Amazon.

More Moscow mules

There are lots of Moscow mule variations! Here are a few more to try if you love this gingery, bubbly drink:

• Mexican Mule The bite of the tequila with spicy ginger and zingy lime makes it impossible not to immediately take another sip.
• Kentucky Mule  It’s bubbly, bright and bold: with zingy lime and a spicy whiskey finish. 
• Irish Mule Same as Kentucky mule, but with Irish whiskey instead of bourbon.
• Mezcal Mule A smoky spin…quite the party trick!
• Dark and Stormy: Use dark rum in a highball glass, and you’ve got another classic cocktail.
• Watermelon Mule or Apple Cider Mule Seasonal spins that let you drink the mule all year long.

When to serve it!

The Gin Gin mule is herby, balanced and refreshing. It’s perfect for sipping as a:

• Summer drink
• Happy hour drink
• Dinner party drink
• Late night drinks drink
• Guys or girls night drink
• Cocktail hour drink

Print

More gin drinks

Gin is a star in great cocktails! Here are some great gin cocktails to try:

• Gin Fizz Super classic, this drink is sweet, tangy, and has a frothy egg white foam topping.
• Best Gin and Tonic Here are the keys to the very best gin and tonic, the most refreshing 2-ingredient cocktail.
• Tom Collins Light, bubbly, sweet tart, and just plain fun.
• Aviation Cocktail A 1900’s mixed drink with a lovely purple hue!
• Bramble Drizzle a lemony gin sour with candy-sweet blackberry liqueur for a stunning drink.
• Last Word This pale green classic is beautifully balanced between sharp, sour, and sweet.
• Gin Gimlet A classic cocktail made of lime juice, simple syrup and gin. Totally refreshing!
• Martinez A cousin to the Martini and Manhattan, it’s sophisticated and classy: perfect for slow sipping.