Beer Mule Recipe: The Moscow Mule’s Beer-Forward Cousin

By Dan Smullen
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A Beer Mule takes the Moscow Mule formula, vodka, ginger beer, lime, and swaps the vodka for a light lager, so you get the same spicy-fizzy snap with a rounder, beer-forward finish.

It works because ginger beer and lime are strong enough flavors to hold their own against a beer instead of getting drowned out by it, and a crisp lager doesn’t fight either one.

It’s built the same way as the original: over ice, in a copper mug if you have one, stirred just enough to combine without killing the fizz.

StyleLager, ginger beer and lime
Base beer6oz light lager
ABV (approx)2.5-3%, since it’s cut with ginger beer
Serves1

How to Make It

Beer Mule Recipe: The Moscow Mule's Beer-Forward Cousin
Print Recipe

Beer Mule

A Moscow Mule built with beer instead of vodka: lager, ginger beer and fresh lime over ice in a copper mug.
Prep Time3 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 170kcal
Author: Dan Smullen

Ingredients

  • 6 oz lager a light, crisp lager works best
  • 4 oz ginger beer well chilled, spicy ginger beer rather than mild ginger ale
  • 0.5 oz lime juice fresh-squeezed
  • 1 wedge lime for garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
  • Pour in the lime juice, then the lager.
  • Top with the ginger beer, pouring slowly down the side of the mug to keep the fizz.
  • Give it one gentle stir, garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.

Beer Mule Recipe: The Moscow Mule's Beer-Forward Cousin

Want more beer picks for the summer? Check our best session beers for summer, best summer beers for hot weather guides.

Gear That Helps

Making a batch for a crowd? A beverage dispenser from our shop keeps a pre-mixed pitcher cold and ready to pour.

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A crisp, light lager keeps a Beer Mule refreshing instead of heavy if you want a beer-forward version of this one.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a Beer Mule and a Moscow Mule?

A Moscow Mule is vodka, ginger beer and lime. A Beer Mule swaps the vodka for a light lager, which makes it lower proof and a bit more sessionable.

Do I need a copper mug?

No, any glass works, but a copper mug keeps the drink noticeably colder for longer, which matters with this much ice and fizz involved.

Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer?

You can, but ginger ale is milder and sweeter. Ginger beer has a sharper, spicier bite that stands up better against the beer.

More beer cocktails: see the full Beer Cocktails guide for every recipe in this collection.

About the author
Dan Smullen is a homebrewer of 10+ years who has tasted and toured breweries around the world. He founded Beer Is My Life to share honest, first-hand beer reviews. Read more about Dan or browse his full set of reviews.
Wondering about the ginger beer in this recipe? See whether ginger beer is alcoholic and check out the best ginger beer brands, ranked.
Dan Smullen Beer is my life profile
Dan smullen, beer EXPERT

Hi, I'm Dan, founder of BeerIsMyLife. I've been an avid homebrewer for over ten years, and beer is my true passion. I've traveled all over the world, visiting breweries, tasting beer, as well as making my own batches. I set up this blog to share that experience with you.

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