Cocktail & Other Recipes By Spirit Gin Cocktails

London Mule

London Mule cocktail in a copper mug with a lime wheel garnish

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog 

The classic Moscow Mule is a simple, refreshing cocktail that combines vodka, ginger beer and fresh lime juice and is traditionally served in an ice-cold copper mug. The drink dates back to Los Angeles during the middle of the 20th century, but found a resurgence in popularity throughout bars in the early 2000s. Now, it’s difficult to find a bar that doesn’t offer the Moscow Mule, either on its menu or as an off-menu call. Of course, like many popular classics, it has spurred endless variations. Barkeeps will switch the base spirit, make their own ginger beer and experiment with fruits, herbs and other ingredients. Case in point: the London Mule.

This variation, sometimes called a Foghorn, is typically made with London dry gin, known for its juniper-forward flavorThe herbaceous notes of the gin balance the spicy sweetness of the ginger beer and the tangy zest of citrus. As the name suggests, the London Mule is named after the gin, which has deep cultural ties to England.

While this drink is easy to make, high-quality ingredients are key. Choose a classic London dry gin if you like the bracing bite of juniper, or try a more contemporary style if you prefer your gins to lead with citrus or other botanicals. Whichever route you go, complement that gin with good ginger beer and fresh lime juice to create the best-tasting drink. Serve your mule in a copper mug to keep with the drink's iconic look.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin

  • 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

  • 3 ounces ginger beer

  • Garnish: lime wheel

Steps

  1. Fill a copper mug (or highball glass) with ice, then add the gin and lime juice.

  2. Top with the ginger beer and stir briefly.

  3. Garnish with a lime wheel.

What Is a Mule?

Mules are a type of cocktail made with spirit, ginger beer, and lime. More broadly, mules fall within a larger category of cocktails known as ‘‘bucks.” Bucks are prepared using a base spirit, ginger beer or ginger ale and citrus juice.

What’s the Difference Between a London Mule and a Moscow Mule?

The difference between a Moscow Mule and a London Mule lies in the base spirit. The classic Moscow Mule is made with vodka, while the London Mule eschews vodka for gin.

London Mule Variations

If you like the London Mule, chances are strong that you will also enjoy the Gin-Gin Mule, which was popularized at the famous New York bar Pegu Club. It’s a slight variation that features fresh mint and a little simple syrup alongside the gin, ginger and lime.