Mezcal Mule
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If you've tried and enjoyed the classic Moscow mule, then this Mexican variation will quickly become one of your favorite cocktails. With just two steps, this mezcal mule recipe has a slightly smoky flavor, spiced with ginger beer and freshly squeezed lime juice ā you'll be sippin' on a mezcal mule with a smile on your face in no time!
If you're into mules, try this Irish mule and rum mule!
What is Mezcal?
Mezcal is a type of alcohol made from roasted agave. It has deep roots in Mexico and is considered artisanal since most of it is made in small batches, by hand.
What does mezcal taste like?
Because it's made from roasted agave it has a natural smoky quality that, depending on the brand, can be upfront or soft.
How is mezcal different from tequila?
Since mezcal is a category of alcohol, tequila falls into this category. Think of it like how bourbon is a type of whiskey. Tequila is a type of mezcal.
Both mezcal and tequila are made from the agave plant, however, tequila can only be made from a specific type, called the Blue Weber Agave. So if you're drinking a spirit made from agave it's a mezcal, and only if it's made with Blue Weber Agave is it considered tequila.
Mezcal mule ingredients
All mule recipes have the same basic ingredients: alcohol, ginger beer or ginger ale, and citrus juice like fresh lime juice. A Mezcal mule is no different! It's so simple to make with just a handful of key ingredients. You can also jazz it up with garnishes, which we'll talk about here:
- Mezcal: You'll need 2 ounces for this recipe.
- Ginger beer: this adds that distinct spicy, ginger taste to a mule. You can find ginger beer at most grocery stores. If you can't find any, ginger ale will work. Just know that ginger ale has a much more muted ginger flavor than ginger beer.
- Lime juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for this recipe. Bottled lime juice or older limes just won't give that refreshing zing like the fresh stuff!
- Garnishes: There are lots of options to customize your mezcal mule with fun garnishes. Try lime wedges or a lime wheel, mint leaves, ginger slices, cucumber slices, or a slice of blood orange!
What tools do you need to make a Mezcal mule?
Fortunately, for this Mezcal mule recipe, you don't need to have any bartender tools on hand.
If you want to keep it a no-frills kind of cocktail you can serve it in a glass with some ice cubes, stir it with a spoon, and call it delicious!
Alternatively, if you like some flourishes, you can serve this mezcal mule in a traditional copper mug or cup or a stainless steel option. Both will keep the drink super cold and refreshing.
How to make a Mezcal mule
This is one of the easiest mezcal cocktails to make! It's just two simple steps:
- Fill the glass with the ingredients: First, add your ice, and then add the mezcal and lime juice. Top it with some ginger beer and give your mule a quick stir.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the top of the cocktail to your liking. Try adding a few lime wedges and some mint. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different alcohol?
You can use another alcohol to make a mule drink, you just won't be making a mezcal mule. If, for instance, you use tequila instead, then you'll be making a Mexican mule. If you're going to use vodka instead of mezcal, you'll be making a traditional Moscow mule.
Can I use ginger ale in a mezcal mule?
You can use ginger ale instead of ginger beer. The only difference is that ginger ale doesn't have the same spicy ginger bite that ginger beer does.
Can I turn this mezcal mule recipe into a pitcher?
Yes! If you're going to be serving multiple people, all you need to do it convert ounces to cups. This recipe will require 2 cups of mezcal, 1 cup of fresh lime juice, and 4 cups of ginger beer to make a pitcher. Add the ice to individual glasses instead of adding ice to the pitcher, this way, as the ice melts it won't water down the entire pitcher.
More mezcal recipes
Mezcal Mule Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces mezcal
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- Lime slices and mint (to serve)
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice and then add the mezcal and lime juice. Top with some ginger beer and then give your mule a quick stir.2 ounces mezcal, 1 ounce lime juice, 4 ounces ginger beer
- Garnish with a few lime slices and some mint and serve right away.
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our cocktail recipes!
