Tequila Mule Cocktail Recipe: How to Make a Classic Mexican Mule

The Tequila Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with tequila, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. Swapping vodka for tequila brings bright, fruity notes and more depth to the cocktail—personally I think it’s far superior.

Two Tequila Mule cocktails served in copper mugs garnished with mint leaves, a lime wheel, and candied ginger.

Brief History

Despite its name, the Moscow Mule actually originated in the United States in 1940. The drink was created in Manhattan by a collaboration between John G. Martin, Jack Morgan, and Rudolph Kunett of Smirnoff. At the time vodka was unfamiliar to many Americans, so Martin, who needed to move inventory, teamed up with Morgan, who had plenty of ginger beer, to create a cocktail that helped both of their businesses.

Replacing vodka with tequila adds a fruitier, more distinctive character that complements the zing of ginger beer and the acidity of lime. If you enjoy fresh mint in your cocktails, try other mint-forward recipes next—Mai Tai, Whiskey Smash, or a Classic Mojito are great options.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Tequila Mule cocktail ingredients laid out on a wooden cutting board.

Ginger beer: Ginger beer delivers a pronounced, slightly spicy ginger flavor. You’ll find two varieties—non-alcoholic ginger beer (common in grocery stores) and hard ginger beer with alcohol. Either works; choose a spiked version like Crabbie’s for a stronger drink or non-alcoholic for wider availability.
Fresh lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice tastes best and brightens the drink. If necessary, bottled 100% lime juice can be used as a backup.
Tequila: Blanco or reposado tequilas work well. Popular, reliable options include Milagro, Espolòn, Altos, Hornitos, Corralejo, Don Julio, and Teremana.
Garnish: Mint leaves, a lime wheel, or candied ginger add aroma and a finishing touch. Mint is my favorite, but it’s optional.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full instructions.

A Tequila Mule served in a copper mug garnished with mint leaves, a lime wheel, and candied ginger.

Expert Tips

Smack the mint before garnishing: Giving a mint sprig a light slap on the back of your hand releases aromatic oils and enhances the scent with every sip.
Serve in a copper mug if you can. Copper helps keep the cocktail ice-cold and reduces dilution while you drink.

More Tequila Cocktails

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Classic Margarita

Paloma

Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below and share a review in the comments!

5 from 1 vote

Tequila Mule

By: Shawn Williams

Servings: 1 cocktail

Prep: 5

Total: 5

A Tequila Mule is simply a Moscow Mule made with tequila instead of vodka. Tequila brings a lively, fruity character that pairs beautifully with ginger beer and lime.

Ingredients

4 ounces ginger beer, alcoholic or non-alcoholic
2 ounces tequila, vodka for classic variation
3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
Mint leaves, lime wedge, or candied ginger garnish

Instructions

Pour the fresh lime juice and tequila into a copper mug or a chilled glass, then fill with ice.
Top with ginger beer, give it a gentle stir, and garnish with a lime wedge and mint leaves or candied ginger if desired.

Notes

Ginger beer is available in non-alcoholic and alcoholic varieties. Non-alcoholic ginger beer is the most common and easy to find; choose a spiked option if you want a stronger cocktail.

Smack a mint sprig on the back of your hand before garnishing: Doing so helps release the mint’s essential oils and enhances aroma with each sip.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 173 kcalCarbohydrates: 11.1 gProtein: 0.1 gSodium: 9 mgFiber: 0.1 gSugar: 10.1 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Cocktail

Cuisine: American

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