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Home » Recipes » Cocktails

Tequila Mule

Published: Apr 1, 2021 · Modified: Apr 1, 2021 by Lexi

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The Tequila Mule (aka Mexican Mule) is a tequila, ginger beer and lime juice cocktail based on the classic and beloved Moscow Mule. It's perfectly balanced – sweet, citrusy, slightly spicy and fizzy – and so easy to make in less than 5 minutes!

Two tequila mule cocktails in copper mugs with lime and mint garnish on antique blue table.

Why we love this recipe

  • Quick and easy to make: you only need a few simple ingredients and less than 5 minutes to whip up one of these delicious Mexican mules!
  • Secret ingredients = more flavor: A classic tequila mule is made with just 3 ingredients: tequila, lime juice and ginger beer. While that's perfectly fine (and still delicious), we add two extra ingredients that really kick this recipe up a notch. A splash of orange liqueur intensifies the bright, citrusy flavor, while agave slightly kicks up the sweetness.
  • Even better than the classic Moscow Mule: controversial opinion? Maybe. But I vastly prefer a tequila mule over a vodka one!

Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients you'll need to make a tequila Mexican mule:

side view of ingredients for tequila mules, including ginger beer, tequila, Grand Marnier and agave.

Ingredient notes

  • Tequila: we used añejo tequila in this recipe, but you can also use reposado or silver tequila interchangeably. They all have different qualities and flavors (resposado and añejo are both aged in oak barrels), but each tastes great in this tequila mule. It's totally up to you and your preference.
  • Lime juice: ALWAYS use freshly squeezed in a cocktail, not the stuff in a bottle, which typically contains preservatives that dull the flavor. Fresh juice makes a huge difference, we promise.
  • Ginger beer: we use a nonalcoholic ginger beer in these Mexican mules. Reed's is our favorite and easy to find in most liquor and grocery stores.
  • Orange liqueur: this is technically optional, but I love the flavor boost! You can use Grand Marnier, Cointreau or Triple Sec.
  • Agave: agave isn't traditional to this recipe, but I think a small amount adds a lot! You can omit if you prefer a less sweet cocktail, or sub with simple syrup if you don't have any agave.

Instructions

This tequila mule recipe couldn't be any easier to make! Here's how to make one cocktail:

Start by filling a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Pour in 1 ½ oz tequila, ½ oz orange liqueur, ½ oz lime juice and ½ oz agave. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds, then pour into a copper mug or cocktail glass filled with crushed ice. 

pouring tequila mule cocktail from cocktail shaker into copper mug filled with ice.

Top off with 4oz or more of ginger beer. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and a sprig of mint (optional).

pouring ginger beer into tequila mule cocktail in copper mug.

That's it! The perfect citrusy, gingery, not-too-sweet Mexican mule. So good. Cheers!

Expert Tips & FAQs

  • For a spicy version of a classic tequila mule, make homemade jalapeño infused vodka! Or, for a quicker option, infused the agave nectar with a few jalapeño slices before adding to this cocktail.
  • Nonalcoholic version: to make a mocktail version of this tequila mule, swap tequila with club soda or sparkling water and leave out the orange liqueur altogether. Be sure to use nonalcoholic ginger beer. You may also want to add a bit more lime juice for more flavor (or even a splash of orange juice).
  • If you decide to leave out the orange liqueur, you may want to add an extra ½ oz of tequila.
Two tequila mule cocktails in copper mugs with lime and mint garnish on antique blue table.
Should you add ice to a tequila mule?

YES! These cocktails definitely taste best ice cold. I always refrigerate my ginger beer before adding so it doesn't melt the ice too quickly.

Can you make tequila mules ahead of time?

If you're serving these Mexican mules at a cocktail party and need to make a large batch in advance, you can make the base (tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice & agave) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours*. Wait to add the ginger beer until just before serving.

*Note: the cocktail will taste better the sooner you serve it!

Why are mule cocktails served in copper mugs?

Copper mugs respond to the temperature of what's inside it, so they're great for keeping a tequila or Moscow mule nice and frosty. Some people also think copper mugs enhance the fizziness and flavor of the cocktail.

Is it necessary to use a copper mug for a tequila mule?

In short, no, it's not 100% essential. You can definitely use a regular cocktail glass, but be sure not to skip the ice! (That being said, if you do already have copper mugs, now's the time to use them!)

What's the best way to clean copper mugs?

Copper tarnishes pretty easily, so be sure to wash your mugs in soapy, warm water right after using. Rinse well, then dry completely. Any leftover water spots may cause oxidation and tarnishing.

One tequila mule cocktail in copper mug with lime and mint garnish on antique blue table.

Related recipes

  • Watermelon Cucumber Moscow Mule
  • The Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar
  • Fig Moscow Mule
  • Blood Orange Kombucha Margaritas

Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook or by subscribing to our newsletter.

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Two tequila mule cocktails in copper mugs with lime and mint garnish on antique blue table.

Tequila Mule


★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Lexi
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

The Tequila Mule (aka Mexican Mule) is a tequila, ginger beer and lime juice cocktail based on the classic and beloved Moscow Mule. It's perfectly balanced – sweet, citrusy, slightly spicy and fizzy – and so easy to make in less than 5 minutes!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 oz tequila (reposado, silver or añejo)
  • ½ oz Cointreau, Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
  • ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ oz agave syrup
  • 4 oz ginger beer
  • Lime wedge & mint for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Pour in tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and agave. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds, then pour into a copper mug or cocktail glass filled with crushed ice. 
  2. Top off with ginger beer. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and a sprig of mint (optional).

Notes

Nonalcoholic version: to make a mocktail version of this recipe, swap tequila with club soda or sparkling water and leave out the orange liqueur altogether. Be sure to use nonalcoholic ginger beer. You may also want to add a bit more lime juice for more flavor (or even a splash of orange juice).

Orange liqueur: If you decide to leave out the orange liqueur, you may want to add an extra ½ oz of tequila. 

Make ahead: you can make the base (tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice & agave) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Wait to add the ginger beer until just before serving. 

Nutrition: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.  This information should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cocktail
  • Calories: 204
  • Sugar: 28.4 g
  • Sodium: 37.9 mg
  • Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35.8 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 0.2 g

Keywords: tequila mule

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lindsey

    October 01, 2021 at 8:35 am

    Super easy and delicious! Mocktail version is fun too, added a squeeze of fresh orange to sub for Cointreau— really refreshing.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lexi

      October 01, 2021 at 9:38 am

      Thanks, Lindsey! Great idea on the mocktail version!

      Reply
  2. Ally

    September 30, 2021 at 10:40 am

    Made these mules for my friends the other night and everyone LOVED them. Such a refreshing and easy recipe!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lexi

      September 30, 2021 at 2:00 pm

      Thanks so much, Ally! So glad you enjoyed!

      Reply

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