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This Tequila Mule (aka Moscow mule with tequila) is a ginger beer, tequila, and lime juice cocktail you can make in 5 minutes or less. Pour it over ice and serve it with a lime wedge for a perfectly balanced drink that rivals the classic Moscow mule.
This recipe combines my two favorite cocktails: a Moscow mule and a margarita.
Mexican mules are very similar to a classic Moscow mule, but with tequila. Grab your copper mug and serve up the best Moscow mule with tequila! Besides the copper mug experience, here’s why I know you’ll love this easy drink:
Why You’ll Love this Tequila Mule
- Simple ingredients and fresh flavor.
- Just like the original recipe, but with tequila.
- Quick and easy (5 minutes or less!)
- Perfect year round or for special holidays like cinco de mayo.
Ingredients Needed
Here are the key ingredients for this tequila cocktail. Jump down to the recipe card for exact measurements.
- Tequila: I used silver tequila, which I prefer for cocktails like margaritas and mules. You can use reposado tequila and añejo tequila interchangeably.
- Agave: Agave adds sweetness, without the need to make a simple syrup. You can make one if you have sugar on hand, or omit this altogether to make it less sweet.
- Lime juice: use fresh limes, no exception! It makes such a difference. We love this handheld juicer with a measuring cup.
- Ginger beer: any quality ginger beer will work for this recipe. I used a lite ginger beer for lower sugar and calories.
- Fresh mint leaves: classic Moscow mules always use fresh mint and it pairs really well with tequila too.
How to Make a Tequila Mule
Here the the step-by-step photos to make this easy Tequila Mule. Jump to the recipe card for the printable version.
Fill Cocktail Shaker
Add the tequila and lime juice to a cocktail shakaer with crushed ice. Don’t add the ginger beer (shaking and carbonation doesn’t go well).
Shake and Serve
Shake the cocktail vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Fill copper cups with ice cubes or crushed ice and pour the cocktail on top. .Garnish with a sprig of mint, jalapeno slices, and fresh lime wedges.
Recipe Variations
- Non-alcoholic option (we love mocktails too!): omit the tequila and replace it with equal parts club soda or a lime flavored soda water (like LaCroix). Instead of shaking, stir the ingredients together in a tall glass.
- Pineapple Mexican Mule: add 1/3 cup pineapple juice instead of all of the lime juice.
- Different Liquor: vodka, gin, orange liqueur all go really well in a mule. Use any of these if you have them on hand.
- Skinny version: use less agave and light ginger beer to top.
- Kentucky mule: swap the tequila for bourbon and omit the jalapeno.
- Irish mule: use whiskey instead of tequila and leave out the jalapeno.
- Make a spicy version: Use jalapeño for a slight kick. Shake a few jalapeno slices with the tequila and lime.
FAQs and Tips
Ginger beer really makes a Moscow Mule because of the spicier, deep ginger flavor. You could infuse fresh ginger into simple syrup for the same effect. I like light ginger beer for a low sugar option. In a pinch, ginger ale or a ginger soda water will work, but won’t yield the same results.
Although the name is deceiving, ginger beer doesn’t usually contain alcohol. It’s similar to root beer in that way. However, you can find spiked ginger beer if you want it, but I find this Moscow mule with tequila is plenty alcoholic.
Copper is a great conductor of temperature, so when an ice cold Mexican Mule is poured inside it takes on that temperature and keeps the drink cold longer. It’s not absolutely necessary to have, but it does add to the experience!
If you’re serving a large batch for a party, you can combine the agave, lime juice, and tequila in a mason jar or pitcher one day in advance. Shake or stir it really well then finish with ginger beer right before serving.
The simple ingredients in a Moscow Mule lend themselves well to many spirits. Each variation has it’s own name!
Irish Mule: whiskey
Kentucky Mule: bourbon
Mexican Mule: tequila
Traditional Mule: vodka
Complete your Mexican Spread: I have tons of Mexican recipes, but I love to serve Chipotle corn salsa, creamy jalapeño, and steak nachos with tequila mules.
More Tequila Cocktails
- Mango margaritas (frozen and on the rocks)
- Blood orange margarita
- Skinny spicy margarita
- Pineapple jalapeño margarita
Moscow Mule with Tequila
Save this Recipe!
Ingredients
- 3 oz tequila
- 2 oz lime juice (2-3 limes)
- 1 oz agave or honey
- 1-2 cups crushed ice plus more for shaking
- 6-8 oz ginger beer
- Lime wedge and mint to garnish (jalapeno optional)
Instructions
- Add the tequila and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with crushed ice. Don’t add the ginger beer (shaking and carbonation doesn’t go well). Shake the cocktail vigorously for at least 30 seconds.
- Fill copper cups with ice cubes or crushed ice and pour the cocktail on top. Garnish with a sprig of mint, jalapeno slices, and fresh lime wedges.
Notes
Video
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Hand Juicer
- Copper mugs
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made this amazing drink tonight! Both husband and I loved it! Highly recommend!!