Mexican Mule

This Mexican mule recipe swaps the vodka for tequila, but it still packs the same gingery kick as the original. You only need 3 ingredients and a few minutes to make it!

You’ve probably heard of Moscow mules before, but if you’re new to the Mexican mule, you’re in for a treat. Basically, it’s a Moscow mule made with tequila instead of vodka. Like the classic recipe, you combine the alcohol with lime juice and ginger beer for a cocktail that’s fizzy, citrusy, and full of that warm, spicy ginger flavor. (And unlike a lot of cocktail recipes, it’s not a total sugar bomb!)

Also known as tequila mules, Mexican mules are perfect for parties, but they’re the kind of cocktail you can totally whip up on a weeknight when you’re about to enjoy some vegan tacos or a burrito bowl for dinner. You don’t need to break out a shaker or strainer, there’s nothing to muddle, and you don’t need a dozen different bottles of liquor and mixers either. 

(Looking for more healthy cocktail ideas? I’ve got you covered! Try my Healthy Grapefruit Margaritas, Mango Peach Frosé, or Fresh Peach Mojitos next.)

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

• White tequila – Also known as blanco.
• Ginger beer – Not ginger ale! You want ginger beer, which has a spicy kick.
• Fresh lime

What kind of ginger beer is best for a mule cocktail?

The key here is spicy. When you drink it, it should have some nice warmth to it. Most expert (and amateur) mixologists like Fever-Tree, Bundaberg, Old Jamaica, and Q Ginger Beer. 

How to Make a Mexican Mule (AKA Tequila Mule)

You don’t need any elaborate bar equipment to make this Mexican mule recipe! Here’s what you’ll need to do.

Prepare. Fill two copper mugs with ice.

Add the first two ingredients. Divide the tequila and ginger beer into the mugs and stir to combine.

Finish with lime. Squeeze a quarter of a lime into each mug, then drop in the wedge. 

Why Is a Mule Served in a Copper Mug?

Copper is conductive, which means it takes on the mule's temperature when it's poured into the mug, keeping your drink icy cold. Some people also claim that the copper mug enhances the flavor of the drink, bringing out the ginger and lime.

Tips for Success

There’s not much involved in making Mexican mules, but these simple tips will help you make yours perfect.

• Don’t use ginger ale. Its milder flavor will get lost in this cocktail. You really do need ginger beer, which is like ginger ale with ten times the flavor.
• Use chilled ginger beer. This ensures that your tequila mules will be super cold and extra refreshing.
• Make it your own. Add a little more heat with slices of jalapeño, or garnish with fresh mint leaves for a cooling effect. Both of these add-ins can be dropped in the cocktails or muddled first for more flavor.

Serving Suggestions

I love enjoying an icy cold Mexican mule with my favorite Tex-Mex dinner recipes:

• Pan-Seared Crispy Fish Tacos
• Vegan Red Pepper & Spinach Quesadillas
• Sweet Potato Quinoa Nachos
• Cilantro Lime Black Bean Tacos with Quinoa
• Vegan Sofritas

But they’re just as good for sipping on the patio to unwind after a long day of work!

How to Store

Mexican mules are not great for making ahead; as they sit, the fizziness will fade and that’s half the fun when you’re enjoying a mule! If you happen to have some leftovers, you can transfer them to a covered jar and refrigerate for a day or two; you can perk them up with a splash of Topo Chico or ginger beer if you’d like.