Refresh Your Summer with a Moscow Mule Cocktail 
There’s no better way to chill out on a hot summer day than with a refreshing Moscow Mule drink served in a frosty pure copper mug. This iconic vodka mule cocktail—a mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime—is crisp, zesty, and endlessly customizable.
At Moscow Mix, we believe summer entertaining should be easy, stylish, and flavorful. That’s why we love putting seasonal spins on the Moscow Mule cocktail—perfect for everything from casual pool parties to elegant backyard dinners.
Ready to shake up your drink menu? Here are five fruity and refreshing Moscow Mule beverage variations that are guaranteed to be a hit this summer. And yes—they’re best served in your favorite pure copper mugs.
From tropical twists to herbaceous infusions, these flavor-packed spins on the classic cocktail are designed to wow your guests and keep things cool, fun, and Instagram-worthy. Whether you’re a traditionalist or love experimenting with your bar cart, there’s a summery Mule here for every taste—and every occasion.
Why Serve a Moscow Mule in a Copper Mug?
Every great Moscow Mule cocktail starts with the right mug. Here’s why copper is a must:
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Keeps your drink colder longer: Copper conducts temperature efficiently, making it ideal for summer sipping.
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Enhances flavor and aroma: Especially with citrus and ginger—the core of any good Moscow Mule drink.
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Looks stylish: Gleaming copper mugs are a visual upgrade to any cocktail party or poolside setup.
The Classic Moscow Mule (Your Base for All Variations)
Before diving into fun twists, you’ll want to perfect the original.
Classic Moscow Mule Ingredients:
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2 oz vodka
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½ oz fresh lime juice
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4–6 oz ginger beer
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Ice
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Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
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Fill your copper mug with ice.
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Add vodka and lime juice.
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Top with ginger beer and stir.
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Garnish with a lime wedge.
This traditional vodka mule cocktail is your base. Now let’s mix things up!
Here are 5 moscow mule variations that you need to try this summer:
1. Watermelon Mint Mule
Fresh, juicy watermelon and mint make this version of the Moscow Mule beverage a summer essential.
Ingredients:
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2 oz vodka
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3 oz fresh watermelon juice (strained)
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½ oz fresh lime juice
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4 oz ginger beer
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Fresh mint leaves
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Ice
Instructions:
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Muddle mint in your copper mug.
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Add watermelon juice, vodka, lime juice, and ice.
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Top with ginger beer.
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Garnish with watermelon and mint.
2. Pineapple Coconut Mule 
This twist is like a tropical vacation in a mug—perfect for poolside lounging.
Ingredients:
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2 oz vodka
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1 oz pineapple juice
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1 oz coconut water
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½ oz fresh lime juice
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4 oz ginger beer
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Pineapple slice (garnish)
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Ice
Instructions:
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Fill your mug with ice.
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Add vodka, juices, and coconut water.
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Stir gently and top with ginger beer.
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Garnish with a pineapple slice.
3. Blueberry Basil Mule
Sweet, tart, and herbaceous, this one is a favorite at summer gatherings.
Ingredients:
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2 oz vodka
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¼ cup fresh blueberries
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½ oz fresh lime juice
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4 oz ginger beer
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2–3 basil leaves
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Ice
Instructions:
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Muddle blueberries and basil in your mug.
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Add vodka, lime juice, and ice.
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Top with ginger beer and stir.
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Garnish with more blueberries and a basil sprig.
4. Mango Chili Mule
Sweet meets spicy in this bold, fiery take on the Moscow Mule cocktail.
Ingredients:
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2 oz vodka
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2 oz mango purée or nectar
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½ oz lime juice
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Small pinch of chili powder or chili slice (optional)
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4 oz ginger beer
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Tajín for rimming (optional)
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Mango slice (garnish)
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Ice
Instructions:
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Rim your mug with lime and Tajín.
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Add mango purée, vodka, lime juice, and ice.
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Add chili if you like it spicy.
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Top with ginger beer and garnish with mango.
5. Strawberry Lemonade Mule
This light and fruity Mule is great for sipping in the sun.
Ingredients:
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2 oz vodka
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2 oz strawberry purée or muddled strawberries
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1 oz lemonade
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½ oz lime juice
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4 oz ginger beer
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Ice
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Garnishes: Strawberry and lemon slice
Instructions:
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Muddle strawberries or add purée to your mug.
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Add vodka, lemonade, lime juice, and ice.
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Top with ginger beer and stir.
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Garnish with fruit slices.
Bonus Ideas: Try a Gin Mule or a Mexican Mule
Looking to change up the spirit? Swap out vodka to create other delicious Moscow Mule drink variations:
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Mexican Mule: Use tequila instead of vodka for a south-of-the-border vibe.
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Gin Mule: Sub in gin for a botanical twist that pairs beautifully with fruit and herbs.
Summer Hosting Tips for Mule Lovers
- Use crushed or nugget ice to fill your mugs to the brim.
- Pre-mix juices and purées ahead of time.
- Offer garnish options like mint, citrus, and berries.
- Stock up on extra copper mugs—your guests will definitely want refills.
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Add signage with recipes and names of each fruity Mule variation to encourage exploration and keep the setup self-serve friendly.
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Create a drink station with levels and lighting—think tiered trays, string lights, or a summer-inspired tablecloth to give your cocktail setup an elevated look.
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Don’t forget non-alcoholic options like a ginger-lime mocktail in a copper mug for guests who aren’t drinking.
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Looking for more summer cocktail ideas to round out your drink menu? These big-batch recipes are perfect for entertaining a crowd without playing bartender all night.
Sip, Chill, and Repeat
Summer is for slowing down and sipping something refreshing—and nothing hits the spot like a Moscow Mule beverage in an ice-cold copper mug. With fruity twists like watermelon, mango, and coconut, you can easily transform the classic vodka mule cocktail into a fun, flavorful highlight of your next pool party.
Looking for the perfect mugs to serve your creations in? Check out our pure copper Moscow Mule mugs — handcrafted to keep every sip as crisp as the first.
Cheers to summer in a mug!