This Mexican Mule (aka Tequila Mule) is the easiest cocktail containing tequila, ginger beer and fresh lime juice. This tequila drink is based on the class Moscow mule, tasting light, refreshing and citrusy!
A Mexican Mule has three easy ingredients: ginger beer, tequila and lime juice. I never add simple syrups or sweeteners to my mule recipes, making it a lighter, low-sugar tequila drink.
I’m a huge fan of Moscow Mules, and for some reason, tequila with ginger beer drink is even better. Dare I say that?! I love different variations of Moscow mules like my Cherry Moscow Mule, Pineapple Moscow Mule or Grapefruit Mule.
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Why this recipe works
- This mule cocktail takes less than 5 minutes to make!
- This recipe is easy to make into a pitcher to serve a group.
- A Tequila Mule has only three fresh ingredients - tequila, lime and ginger beer.
- No added sugar here, this Mexican mule does not use simple syrup!
What is a Mexican Mule?
A Mexican Mule is another name for a variation of the classic Moscow mule with tequila instead of the traditional vodka! It includes: tequila, ginger beer and lime. The traditional Moscow Mule was invented in the 1940’s by a couple and friend who wanted to promote their businesses: copper, vodka and ginger beer.
It became popular, so much so that it actually has an official definition in the International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. A Moscow mule is therefore called because 1) Americans associated vodka with Russia 2) because the ginger beer added a kick of flavor, almost like how a mule kicks.
Love mules? Try out more mule variations like Pineapple Mule, Grapefruit Mule, or Cherry Mule.
What is a Mexican Mule?
A Mexican Mule is another name for a variation of the classic Moscow Mule but with tequila instead of the traditional vodka! It includes: tequila, ginger beer and lime. The traditional Moscow Mule was invented in the 1940’s by a couple and friend who wanted to promote their businesses: copper, vodka and ginger beer.
It became popular, so much so that it actually has an official definition in the International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. A Moscow mule is therefore called because 1) Americans associated vodka with Russia 2) because the ginger beer added a kick of flavor, almost like how a mule kicks.
Love mules? Try out more mule variations like Pineapple Mule, Grapefruit Mule, or Cherry Mule.
Ingredient notes
Tequila
There are three main kinds of tequila: blanco, reposado, and añejo. Of those, the best tequila for a Mexican mule is reposado or blanco. Because reposado tequila is aged longer than blanco, it adds an extra dynamic flavor. However, blanco tequila is also ideal because it has a light flavor. Either are a great option and depend on your taste preference and what is available.
Añejo tequila is best for sipping neat, and extra añejo is for special occasions (at least at my home!). I would refrain from using this kind of tequila when making any type of cocktail.
Substitute for: vodka for a classic Moscow mule, or any other kind of alcohol.
Ginger Beer
Non-alcoholic ginger beer is an absolute must for this cocktail. I recommend Reed’s or Fever Tree’s ginger beer. It is easily found in most liquor or grocery stores.
I would not substitute for: Ginger Ale - that is way too sweet.
Limes
Fresh limes are absolutely essential for any Moscow mule and add that tartness. I do not recommend using store-bought lime juice since there are so few ingredients.
Substitute for: lemons, but it will be a tad sweeter.
TIP! A great thing about this mixed drink is that the ginger beer is sweet enough for no simple syrup. If you DO need something sweeter, add ½ ounces of agave syrup or simple syrup.
Instructions
Step One: Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
The first step to making the perfect Tequila Mule is to squeeze the limes to create fresh juice. Add this juice to the cocktail shaker - I always add the cheapest ingredients first in case I mess up!
Next, add the tequila. I recommend using blanco or reposado tequila depending on your preferences!
Finally, add ice into the cocktail shaker. This helps instantly cool the ingredients when you shake it!
Step Two: Shake!
While you can make a mule by just adding all ingredients into a glass filled with ice, the proper technique is to use a cocktail shaker when combining alcohol with any type of fruit juice.
So, to combine the ingredients, you’re going to shake the cocktail shaker for about 15-seconds. The shaker should feel frozen to the touch.
Step Three: Strain, top with ginger beer, and enjoy!
Finally, you strain your Mexican mule into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with ginger beer and then garnish with a fresh lime or mint leaf and enjoy immediately!
Variations
Want to make a variation of this Tequila Mule?
- Add mint leaves, basil or even cilantro!
- Use up fruit like mango, peaches, berries or pineapple.
- Add a splash of orange liqueur (like cointreau or triple sec) for a Ginger Beer Margarita!
- Muddle jalapeño in the bottom of your mug before continuing with the rest of the moscow mule recipe!
Expert Tips
A copper mug is highly recommended: A Moscow mule is often served in a tall copper mug. Is it required? Nope. You can use any highball glass, mug, or regular kitchen glass cup.
If you have the option though, a copper mug definitely has its perks. A copper mug keeps the ginger beer cocktail colder and more fun! They’re very much worth the price!
When to shake a cocktail: The rule goes that you use a cocktail shaker for any cocktail that mixes liquor with a fresh fruit juice, egg, dairy, creamy liqueur, sour mix or simple syrup. NOTE: Never add a carbonated beverage to a cocktail shaker.
Make it spicy: If you want a spicy version of this tequila mule, there are two options to do so. One option is to make a jalapeño-infused tequila, and the second option is to muddle jalapeños in the cocktail shaker prior to adding tequila and lime juice.
Quality tequila: Don’t underestimate a quality tequila for making any tequila cocktail. Because this mule recipe has such few ingredients, there’s not much to mask a low-quality tequila. I personally swear by Don Julio Blanco or Casamigos Blanco tequilas when purchasing for myself. This is not the time to use your top-shelf añejo tequila (like a Don Julio 1942), a blanco or reposado tequila in the $30-45 range is a great start.
Make it in a batch: To make a pitcher of this cocktail, simply double, triple, quadruple (etc) the recipe into a large pitcher. No need to shake each cocktail, mix all the ingredients together and serve over ice.
FAQ's
I like to use Fever Tree Ginger Beer, Trader Joe’s Ginger Beer, or honestly any kind you can find in the store is perfectly fine!
Nope, a copper mug is definitely not essential to making a delicious cocktail. You can use any high-ball glass over ice. However, it is highly recommended to use a copper mug. These mugs can enhance the fizzy texture of mule drinks and also keep the drink tasting fresh for longer.
I wouldn’t suggest it as it is much sweeter. If you use ginger ale I recommend adding more lime juice to even out the sweetness.
Technically, you should use a cocktail shaker for any drink combining liquor with fruit juice, sugar, or anything similar. Then you’d top off the drink with that spicy ginger beer. However, most commonly Moscow mules are not often shaken so no need!
The classic Moscow mule uses vodka as the type of alcohol. A Mexican mule substitutes vodka for tequila.
I prefer to use non-alcoholic ginger beer in mule recipes, but you can always swap for alcoholic ginger beer if you’d like a higher alcohol cocktail.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below so I know what you think! Follow Elise Tries to Cook on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and Subscribe via email to receive the latest recipes!
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📖 Recipe
the Best Mexican Mule (aka Tequila Mule)
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 2 OZ Tequila
- 1 OZ Lime Juice (about 1 lime)
- 6 OZ Ginger Beer
Instructions
- Add lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Add tequila and a few cubes of ice.2 OZ Tequila, 1 OZ Lime Juice
- Shake cocktail shaker for 15-seconds, or until shaker feels frozen to the touch.
- Strain tequila-lime mixture into a copper mug (or short glass) filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Top with ginger beer.6 OZ Ginger Beer
- Garnish with a lime slice or wheel and serve immediately.