Tequila Mule (Mexican Mule)

The Tequila Mule is a simple and delicious cocktail, perfect for so many occasions! A spin on the Moscow Mule, using tequila in place of vodka gives this drink a little more flavor and dimension. It's beyond easy to make, and it's even nicer when served in a traditional copper mug.

Also known as a Mexican Mule (or a Jalisco Mule, named after the area of Mexico where all tequila is made), this cocktail is perfect for summertime! The ginger beer and lime are a really refreshing combo, and tequila really brings out the brightness of the other flavors.

For another delicious mule recipe, check out the Gin Gin Mule or the floral Lavender Mule. Or, a summery option is the tasty Peach Mango Mule!

For non-alcoholic mule mocktail, try out a Pineapple Mule Mocktail, or this refreshing Ginger Beer Bitters Mocktail.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this cocktail:

• Tequila - Reposado tequila, which means it has been aged between two months and a year, is wonderful in this drink. Pictured below is the Espolón Reposado Tequila that I used. You can also use blanco tequila for a brighter style of drink.
• Ginger beer - choose a ginger beer with lots of ginger flavor if possible. I've used Bundaberg ginger beer. Another tasty brand is Q Mixers ginger beer.
• Lime juice - preferably freshly squeezed.
• Fresh lime for garnish

Variations

Here are a few ways you can change up this recipe.

• Lower Sugar Tequila Mule - look for a lower in sugar ginger beer to substitute in, like this Remedy Sugar Free ginger beer. Or, you can buy or make sugar free ginger syrup, and use that along with carbonated water to flavor the drink.
• Tequila Mule Margarita - add in ½ ounce of triple sec liqueur and a little less ginger beer for more of a ginger margarita flavor. You can also salt the rim before adding the ice and the drink ingredients for a nice flourish.
• Alcohol Free (Virgin) Tequila Mule - use a non-alcoholic tequila, like this Lyre's tequila style non-alcoholic spirit, instead of the tequila. This will give you the best flavor. Or, just mix ginger beer and lime, which will be more like a Virgin Moscow Mule.

Equipment

This drink is built in the serving glass, so you don't need a cocktail shaker or mixing glass. What you do need is a jigger, a citrus juicer, a knife and cutting board for the lime, and a way to crush your ice (although the ice crushing is optional).

I love using an ice mallet and Lewis bag to crush the ice -- it's fun and relieves some stress! You can also try out this ice crusher crank gadget, or just make small ice cubes using nugget ice trays.

You'll also need a serving mug. Although a copper mug (like this copper mug set) is a great way to serve this drink, you can use a regular glass if you don't have one. The biggest benefit of the metal mug, besides aesthetics, is that it takes on the coldness of the drink and gives a frosty sensation that a regular glass doesn't have.

Instructions

Start out by preparing your garnish. For the lime wheel, cut a lime in half and then cut a slice about ⅛ inch thick. Make a small slit in one side where you'll place it onto the rim of the mug. Set it aside while you prepare the drink.

If you will be using a Lewis bag to crush your ice, fill the bag with ice and close up the flap.

Smash up the ice using a wooden mallet (my favorite part!). Then, scoop out some of the crushed ice with an ice scoop and add it to your serving mug.

Pour the lime juice, followed by the tequila, directly into the serving mug.

Fill the mug with ginger beer. Give the drink a quick stir if you have a spoon or straw handy.

Then, add your prepared lime slice to the rim of the glass as a garnish, and serve.

Hint: if you have any fresh mint available, you can add a large sprig to the top of the drink as a nice additional garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top tip

If you're using crushed ice, make sure to serve the drink right away. The smaller pieces of ice will melt faster than larger pieces, so the drink will get watered down too much if it sits out too long with crushed ice.