Tequila Mule

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.

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