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!
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:
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.
Top off with 4oz or more of ginger beer. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and a sprig of mint (optional).
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!)
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.
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Tequila Mule
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Diet: Vegan
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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
Katie H says
So simple and delicious!! I’ve been stuck on this recipe for months now. I use the 6.8oz bottles of Fevertree ginger beer and it’s the perfect mix for me.
Aníbal Caballero says
Very special combination
Very nice flavor
Allison Mackey says
It's a unique and fun take on a classic! Glad you enjoyed.
Trent says
Great recipe
Lindsey says
Super easy and delicious! Mocktail version is fun too, added a squeeze of fresh orange to sub for Cointreau— really refreshing.
Lexi says
Thanks, Lindsey! Great idea on the mocktail version!
Ally says
Made these mules for my friends the other night and everyone LOVED them. Such a refreshing and easy recipe!!
Lexi says
Thanks so much, Ally! So glad you enjoyed!