Build over ice and float the rum without stirring
Dark ’N’ Stormy
Spicy ginger beer capped with a dramatic float of dark rum.
Build over cubed ice and stir briefly
Moscow Mule
A cold, sparkling highball built directly in its copper mug for easy refreshment.
Edited by CocktailSteps Editorial Team
- Time
- 4 minutes
- Level
- Easy
- Glass
- Copper mug
- Approx. ABV
- 11% · Medium-low
- Tradition
- American
- Profile
- Sweet · Spicy · Citrus · Herbal
Ingredient totals
Ingredients
Amounts below make one drink. The method, Quick Check, and guided Make use these one-glass amounts.
1.5 ozVodkaRecommended brandAbsolut Original Vodka
4 ozGinger beerRecommended brandFever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer
3 piecesLime wedgeRecommended brandSunkist Persian Lime
1 sprigMint sprigOptionalRecommended brandNorth Shore Living Mint
Measured method · one drink
How to make Moscow Mule
These steps make one glass. For more drinks, use the ingredient totals above to set up, then repeat this method for each serving.
- 01
Build the lime base
1½ oz vodka · squeeze 2 lime wedges
Pour 1½ oz vodka into the copper mug, then squeeze in 2 lime wedges and drop them into the mug.
Build the lime base visual check - 02
Top with ginger beer
Cubed ice · 4 oz ginger beer
Fill the mug with cubed ice, then slowly pour in 4 oz ginger beer.
Top with ginger beer visual check - 03
Stir briefly
Stir · 5 sec
Stir gently for 5 seconds to combine without knocking out the ginger beer's bubbles.
Stir briefly visual check - 04
Finish with lime and mint
1 lime wedge · 1 mint sprig
Set the remaining 1 lime wedge on the rim and tuck in 1 mint sprig, if using.
Finish with lime and mint visual check
Stir gently for 5 seconds to combine without knocking out the ginger beer's bubbles.
AI-assisted illustration of one step. Follow the measured method above; sound is optional.Key move
Squeeze two lime wedges into the base before adding ginger beer
Technique note
Why this build works
Ginger beer does most of the flavor work: its sweetness, spice, and carbonation lengthen the 1½ ounces of vodka. Squeezing two lime wedges into the base adds acid and some peel aroma before the bubbles go in. A wedge is less consistent than measured juice, so use similarly sized, juicy wedges when making several servings. Stir from the bottom gently enough to distribute the lime without driving out the carbonation.
Common failure points
- The Mule tastes sweet but has very little ginger bite.
- Check the mixer: ginger ale and ginger beer can taste very different. Choose a ginger beer with a clear ginger finish, and check that the two wedges actually release juice.
- The mug is cold but the drink already tastes flat.
- Use freshly opened, cold ginger beer and add it after the ice. Lift the lime and vodka through it gently instead of shaking or churning the finished drink.
Measure or substitute
A rocks or highball glass works with the same amounts; the copper mug is presentation, not a required ingredient. Ginger ale gives a milder variation. Keep the third lime wedge as garnish, then squeeze it only if the finished drink needs more acid.
Recipe references
These references describe the drink or its ingredients. Our measured build and teaching notes are CocktailSteps adaptations; proportions and methods may differ from the reference.
Set the station
Tools
JiggerRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Japanese Style Jigger
Bar spoonRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Teardrop Barspoon
Copper mugRecommended brandSertodo Copper Moscow Mule Mug
Choose your bottle
Bottle buying guide
Best fit is our default. Spend less with Smart buy, or choose Upgrade when you want more character.
Vodka
Know the pour
Medium-low
A long vodka drink lengthened with ginger beer and ice.
Contains alcohol. Serve only to adults of legal drinking age and enjoy responsibly.
