The Moscow Mule

With vodka, lime and ginger beer, The Moscow Mule is simply one of the most refreshing cocktails around!

The Moscow Mule

I visited Highland Tap & Burger (@HighlandTapDen) in the Highlands neighborhood that is situated just southeast of downtown Denver and met some of the owners and to a person they were warm, gracious and generous.

They’ve worked hard to put together a place that while still a casual atmosphere where people can catch a game, will also hold promise of something other than fried foods and processed meats.

They also offer a wide selection of craft brews for their clients and I’m sure if I really liked beer that would mean a lot to me! As long as they keep this cocktail on the menu, I’m good. 🙂 Thanks Juan, Katie, Kevin, Kris and Brad…your generosity and welcoming presence did not go unnoticed!

I knew from the original invitation that Highland Tap & Burger would be serving what they call the ‘Denver Donkey’ that evening. It’s a fabulous take on the Moscow Mule but with a bit more sass.

The Moscow Mule became popular during the 1950’s when our country was on a vodka craze. Invented in 1941 by John G. Martin of G.F. Heublein Brothers, Inc., an East Coast spirits and food distributor, and Jack Morgan, President of Cock ‘n’ Bull Products (which produced ginger beer), the men decided one night to join two of their products with a splash of lime and the rest is history.

That Moscow attribution is simply a reflection of the notion that vodka is a Russian product. No more. The vodka used for this cocktail is Spring 44 Honey Vodka from Spring 44 Distilling, Inc (@Spring44spirits) in Loveland, CO.

I had a lovely conversation with one of their owners who agreed to have a bottle of this fabulous vodka on site at the Highland Tap & Brew for me to pickup and that luck was doubled when the folks at Highland Tap & Brew gave me two of the gorgeous copper mugs they had engraved especially for this cocktail.

I tried one onsite and was completely hooked. Line and sinker. I made two for this post and in something out of character, I did not share. Nope…all mine. Now I need a nap.

The Moscow Mule

This cocktail was so good I would certainly advocate that you try and find a source for the Spring 44 Honey Vodka; the scent of honey when opening the bottle let me know this wasn’t just in name only. One sip and I was sold.

This is honey like you’ve never tasted before aside from literally stealing a spoonful of that wildflower honey you bought at the artisan shop. Take a peek at this video on Westword about the trek the owners make to get their spring water…again, not in name only!

Barring that? I would add a couple of drops of honey to the mix if using a ‘regular’ vodka. It won’t be exactly the same but you’ll enjoy the subtle taste of this sweetener with this cocktail…Cheers!

PIN IT! ‘Moscow Mule’

Two Moscow Mule Cocktails Served in a Copper Mug

Moscow Mule Cocktail Garnished with Lime

The Moscow Mule

Moscow Mule

Creative Culinary
A refreshing and bracingly cold beverage with vodka, lime, and ginger beer...suitable from Moscow to Denver.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Vodka
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Cocktail
Calories 215 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • ½ oz fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 4 oz Ginger Beer I find mine at Cost Plus World Market, chilled
  • Lime for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Fill a mug with ice; add the vodka and lime juice and stir.
  • Fill the mug with the cold ginger beer and stir gently; garnish with a lime wedge and serve with a straw. ( I just LOVE these glass straws!)

Notes

There is something about that copper mug but if you don't have them then use a cocktail glass; but either way, chill in the freezer for 5+ minutes before preparing.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Moscow Mule
Serving Size
 
1
Amount per Serving
Calories
215
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
11
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
24
g
8
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
17
g
19
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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19 Comments

  1. Informative post with beautiful images. I have learned many things from this post and understand the value of these products. I will try to use these in my life for better health. Moscow Mule copper mugs are a very nice design with a unique product.

  2. What an awesome variation of the Moscow Mule! Being the original mug the mule was created in, we are always looking for new, fun ways to experience the best cocktail on the planet at The Moscow Copper Co. (http://www.moscowcopper.com) and we will definitely share this with all of our fans who are always asking us for new recipes. Cheers!

  3. Kentucky Mule
    Jim Beam (or Makers Mark) + Ginger beer + Lime juice
    it’s best if you can find a spicier ginger beer.

    Dark and Stormy
    Goslings Dark Rum + Goslings Ginger beer + Lime Juice

    Two of my all time favorite drinks

    1. Mmm…I was just given a huge bottle of Makers Mark from the Jim Beam folks; I’ll have to try that. Ginger beer is so hit or miss; I can find it at Cost Plus and one liquor store…but the one I used was good so I will definitely give one or both of these a shot. Thanks!

    1. This was a huge hit; I’m not sure why I’ve never tried one before but it’s risen like a bullet to the top of the list; easy too. Gotta love that!

  4. Another wonderfully informative post with a great cocktail (served in fabulous copper mugs!!!)
    Love all that the Drink Nation app has to offer especially the ability to locate a cab when one wants to get home safely.

  5. I want to make this drink just so I can offer it to my friends. “Hey want a Denver Donkey?” How soon before someone renames it a Colorado Ass ? 🙂 Great photos.

  6. Great pictures! Love those mugs. I haven’t had a Moscow Mule in years, although I was thinking of making one this summer. Maybe next year. This is a nice twist on that great 50s drink! Good post – thanks.

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