Mezcal Mule

Here’s how to make a Mezcal mule! This smoky version of the Moscow mule is a tasty Mexican style twist on the classic.

Love mezcal? Then you must try a mezcal mule! This spin on the classic Moscow mule has a hint of smoke is full of bubbly, tangy flavor. Using the tequila-based smoky liquor infuses a sharpness to every sip! It’s balanced with tequila to smooth it out: and man, is it good! Over here we love making variations on the Moscow mule, and this one is quite the party trick. Here’s how to make it!

What’s in a mezcal mule?

The mezcal mule is spin on the Moscow mule, a classic cocktail from the 1940’s. The original features vodka, lime and ginger beer, traditionally served in a copper mug. While most mezcal mule recipes simply switch out the vodka for smoky mezcal, this one uses it in concert with tequila for a balanced flavor.

The Moscow mule is such a classic that it made the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, meaning that it has an “official” definition. Swap in mezcal and tequila for vodka to get this Mexican style spin. The ingredients in a mezcal mule are:

• Mezcal
• Tequila
• Lime juice
• Ginger beer

Mezcal & tequila add depth and balance

Many mule recipes use only mezcal and skip the tequila. Here’s the thing: a mule with straight mezcal tastes very strong and overpowers the ginger beer. As lovers of smoky flavors, even Alex and I were a bit overwhelmed by a straight mezcal drink. Mix in some tequila with a splash of mezcal, and it’s the perfect balance to the flavors. Whereas some mezcal drinks can handle a hefty pour of the stuff, the delicate ginger beer becomes overpowered in this case.

The recipe below uses ½ ounce mezcal and 1 ½ ounces tequila. If you prefer a strong smoky flavor to your mezcal mule, feel free to use equal parts mezcal and tequila: 1 ounce of each.

How to make a mezcal mule

The mezcal mule is one of the easiest cocktails you can make! You don’t even have to use a cocktail shaker: just mix it all in the glass. Here’s how to make a mezcal mule (or jump right to the recipe):

1. Pour the mezcal, tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer into a copper mug.
2. Add ice cubes, and garnish with lime. It’s that easy!

The skinny: what’s mezcal?

So what is mezcal? Mezcal is a type of alcohol made from the agave plant. Here’s a fun fact: tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. Only one type of agave plant (blue agave) makes tequila, but mezcal can be made from 11 different varieties of agave. What gives mezcal its signature smoky flavor is cooking the agave in pits in the ground. It brings a depth and smokiness you don’t find in tequila!

Want more mezcal cocktails? Try the Mezcal Paloma, Mezcal Negroni, Mezcal Sour, and Mezcal Margarita.

Copper mugs for mules

Moscow mules are traditionally served in copper mugs. Why? Well, partially because of tradition: that’s how they’ve been served since the 1940’s. But there’s also a functional reason! Copper mugs immediately turn the temperature of the drink. The cool sensation of the mug makes the drink taste even colder. It’s a fun sensory element that’s totally worth finding the real thing for serving.

Where to buy copper mugs for mules? After spending years without real copper mugs, Alex and I splurged and got a set. You can use them for any type of drink, and they make great gifts, too. Here’s a link to some copper mugs on Amazon.

More Moscow mule variations

There are so many great Moscow mule variations to try! If you love a mezcal mule, then you’ll love these tasty spins on the classic:

• Mexican Mule With tequila! It’s crisp, bold, and full of flavor.
• Kentucky Mule With bourbon! It’s bubbly, bright and bold, with a spicy whiskey finish.
• Gin Gin Mule With gin! This one’s a mashup of a mule and a minty Mojito.
• Irish Mule With Irish whiskey! The spicy finish makes it irresistibly refreshing.
• 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.

01

Classic Moscow Mule

02

Mexican Mule

03

Kentucky Mule

04

Gin Gin Mule

When to serve a mezcal mule

The Mexican mule is bold with a smoky bite on the finish. 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

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