Moscow Mule cocktail recipes normally call for vodka but we jazzed this one up with a smoky Mezcal. This Mezcal Mule recipe is easy to make with your favorite ginger beer and freshly squeezed lime juice.

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But don't stop there we have included fun and fruity variations to make this mezcal mule your own. We hope you enjoy this Mezcal cocktail as much as our Mezcal Paloma, which has become the most popular cocktail recipe on our entire site!
Grab some tortilla chips and a bowl of our quick and easy tomato salsa (or keep it spicy with our mango habanero salsa) and have yourself a homemade happy hour!
📖Why This Recipe Works
Smoky Quality- The smoky flavor of mezcal pairs perfectly with spicy ginger beer. Think about the foods you love that are smokey and just have a hint of spice. That is what makes this one of my favorite cocktails.
Simple Drink- I like to add a little simple syrup to the recipe. But other than making that optional item from scratch this cocktail recipe could not be easier.
🧾 Ingredient Notes
Sometimes called an Oaxacan Mule, Mezcal Mules are one of the easiest cocktail recipes to master.
Mezcal- I used Mezcal Vargo for this Mule recipe. You can substitute tequila to make a Mexican Mule (or Tijuana Mule depending on who you ask). Mezcal can be found at any liquor store.
Ginger Beer- I have two favorite brands, Q Mixers and Fever Tree. Some ginger beer contains alcohol so double-check your label so you don't over-imbibe.
Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice- Fresh lime juice will give you the zip needed for your Mule. If I am making a big batch (think pitcher size) I substitute bottled key lime juice.
Honey Simple Syrup- (optional) Not part of the recipe but I wanted to point out that if your ginger beer is a little sharp for your tastes you can add a little simple syrup to sweeten it up.
One part honey and one part water warmed together until the honey dissolved.
You can also use regular simple syrup or demerara simple syrup.
Garnishes- I like to garnish with a lime wedge and a little mint.
What is Mezcal?
Mezcal is a type of tequila. Think of it in the same way as Merlot is a type of wine.
Mezcal is made from the agave plant. The plant's core is cooked or roasted for several days giving it that unique smoky flavor. The core is then turned into a mash and distilled.
Equipment
No cocktail shaker is necessary for this cocktail. You can use a rocks glass or a copper mug. And while copper mugs are not required for this recipe, they are fun. You can go classic with a handle or a modern tumbler.
🍺Can You Make a Mule with Ginger Ale?
Ginger ale isn't recommended for a classic Mule cocktail. Ginger Ale will be significantly sweeter and more bubbly. But in a pinch, it will do.
🍺Does Ginger Beer have alcohol?
There are versions of ginger beer that contain alcohol, but traditional ginger beer is non-alcoholic. This recipe uses the non-alcoholic kind.
🍸How To Make a Mezcal Mule
Mezcal Mules are an ideal drink to make at home because no special equipment is required. You can make the mule directly in the mug, glass, or tumbler of your choice.
Fill a glass with ice. Crushed ice feels more professional but is certainly not required.
Add mezcal and then lime juice. Give it a stir. If you are using a copper mug the outside will frost up when it is chilled thoroughly.
Fill to the top with your preferred ginger beer. Give your Mezcal Mule a pretty garnish and serve!
🍹Mezcal Mule Variations
One of the great things about any Mule cocktail is the ability to change it up and a Mezcal Mule is really no different. Here are a few of our favorites:
Kickin' Mule- Mix together a bit of chili powder and cayenne pepper. Add a shake of the mix and garnish with cucumber.
Tropical Mule- Passionfruit pairs well with ginger and lime juice. Cut the ginger beer by ⅓ and add in the tropical juice of your choice
Autumn Mule- Substitute fresh apple cider for the ginger beer and garnish with a little shake of pumpkin pie spice.
Holiday Mule- Cut the ginger beer in half and substitute with pomegranate juice and substitute orange juice for the lime.
Need more options? Check out more of our favorite cocktail recipes.
🥂More Cocktail Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Mezcal Mule
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Lime wheels and fresh mint, to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a copper Mule mug with ice. Add the mezcal and lime juice. Stir together until frost forms on the outside of the mug.2 oz mezcal, 1 oz lime juice
- Pour over ginger beer and garnish with lime and mint.4 oz ginger beer, Lime wheels and fresh mint, to garnish
Video
Notes
- Ginger beer is typically less sweet and more effervescent than ginger ale. To sweeten the cocktail add up to 1 oz of simple syrup.
Nutrition
Check out our Mezcal Mule Cocktail web story!
Krissy Allori says
Such a creative mouthwatering refreshing cocktail! YUM!!!
Jen says
Glad you enjoyed!
Kacie Morgan says
I do like a traditional Moscow Mule so I'll have to give your Mezcal version a go; I must say, I'm intrigued by this!
Jen says
Let us know what you think.
Helen says
I love anything with ginger beer. This looks like a fabulous way to change up a mule - thanks!
Jen says
You bet!
Beth says
This looks so delicious and tasty! I can't wait to give this a try! My hubby is going to love this drink!
Jen says
Let us know how he likes it!
Julia says
This drink is so refreshing! Can't wait to make it again once we will be able to get together with friends!
Jen says
Also appropriate for a zoom happy hour!