Served in copper mugs, Moscow mules are classic cocktails that have been enjoyed worldwide since the 1940s. While many Moscow mule variations have evolved since then, the Montana mule – featuring the quintessential flavor of Montana thanks to huckleberry vodka and fresh huckleberries – is my favorite vodka cocktail.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
A delicious twist on the classic cocktail, a Montana mule is the perfect cocktail for beginners. Simply pour huckleberry vodka and ginger beer over ice and top it with a squeeze of fresh lime and a handful of huckleberries to cool down on a hot summer day with a refreshing cocktail full of the flavors of Big Sky Country.
In This Article
Why Are Moscow Mules Served in Copper Mugs
If you’ve ever sipped a Moscow mule, you know the copper mug it’s served in is just as important as the drink itself. But why are Moscow mules served in copper mugs?
Drinking from copper mugs feels as sophisticated as sipping from a goblet in an secret society. But beyond that cool factor, there’s a scientific reason for traditionally serving Moscow mules in copper mugs. The metal conducts the cold temperature of the drink, keeping the drink colder for longer. And, when fresh lime juice is poured into a copper mug, the metal enhances the acidic juice creating a unique taste you just can’t replicate with any other type of glassware. So there you have it! A copper mug isn’t just a fancy piece of glassware. It’s a critical component of any Moscow mule experience.
Where to Find Copper Mugs
There are several places to search for the perfect copper mugs for Moscow mules. For unique or retro copper mugs, check out your local thrift store. When you wade through a sea of clothing racks, discarded books, and outdated home decor, you might uncover a treasure in vintage copper mugs.
If thrifting isn’t your thing, the internet is your oyster. Online retailers like Amazon have a plethora of options when it comes to copper mugs, from shiny copper to black matte. There are copper mugs in the classic barrel shape and sleek copper mugs shaped like beer steins. You can even find Moscow mule sets, including jiggers, copper straws, stirring sticks, and other accessories.
And, for those who like to shop locally, check out specialty kitchenware stores or independent boutiques in your area. Not only will you support a small business, but you just might stumble upon a unique copper mug you never knew existed.
Classic Moscow Mule
A traditional mule is a simple mix of vodka, bubbly ginger beer, and a splash of lime juice, all poured over ice in a fancy copper mug. When you combine the punch of vodka, the spiciness of ginger beer, and the tartness of freshly squeezed lime, they become a perfectly balanced and oh-so-refreshing classic Moscow mule.
Moscow Mule Variations
The original recipe used to craft this refreshing cocktail has inspired many Moscow mule variations. These recipes create a fun twist on the traditional Moscow mule cocktail by swapping the vodka for another type of alcohol or incorporating other flavors into the classic Moscow mule recipe.
Once you’ve mastered the classic mule, you may want to try one of these mule variations:
- Cranberry mule – a Moscow mule made with cranberry juice and orange juice
- Dark ‘n stormy – a Moscow mule made with dark rum
- Gin gin mule – a Moscow mule made with gin
- Glasgow mule – a Moscow mule made with scotch and St. Germaine, an elderflower liqueur
- Irish mule – a Moscow mule made with Irish whiskey
- Jamaican mule – a Moscow mule made with spiced rum
- Kentucky mule – a mule that swaps vodka for bourbon
- Lemonade mule – a summery mule that incorporates lemonade and fresh lemon juice
- Mexican mule – a Moscow mule made by swapping vodka for tequila
- Mezcal mule – a Moscow mule made with mezcal and tequila
- Montana mule – a Moscow mule made with huckleberry vodka
- Pineapple mule – the tropical flavor in this mule comes from a shot of pineapple juice added to the basic recipe
Fun Fact: You may hear mule cocktails referred to as “buck” drinks. This name is believed to stem from the Horse’s Neck, a drink traditionally composed of nonalcoholic ginger ale. Adding vodka or another liquor gives the drink an extra kick, hence the term “buck” because it packs a punch.
Montana Mule Ingredients
If you’ve had the chance to visit Big Sky Country, then you know it’s home to majestic mountains, big skies, and everything huckleberry. Although they look a bit like a small, dark-colored blueberry, huckleberries are a different fruit with a distinct taste. And they make the best Moscow mule variation, if you ask me!
Huckleberry Vodka
Huckleberry vodka, infused with the slightly tart, sweet goodness of huckleberries, is the star of the show in a Montana mule and other Big Sky inspired cocktails. When I sip it in a cocktail, huckleberry vodka immediately brings to mind memories of summertime in Montana surrounded by colorful wildflowers and majestic snow-capped mountains.
If you’re an alpha gal who enjoys a good cocktail, it’s important to ensure the vodka you choose is allergy-friendly. Some liquors are clarified using gelatin, which can be problematic. That’s why I recommend Barnivore, a free online tool that can help you identify suitable huckleberry vodkas for your Montana mule. We prefer to stock our home bar with 360 huckleberry vodka, which is locally made here in Kansas City. While I’ve never personally had a reaction to it, 360 vodkas aren’t listed on Barnivore, so I can’t confirm that they’re alpha-gal friendly. If you’re particularly sensitive, you might want to consider using 44º North’s Mountain Huckleberry Vodka to ensure your Montana mule is alpha-gal friendly.
Sage Advice: Craving more delicious flavored vodka cocktails? Try this vanilla vodka and tonic. For another fruity option, you’re sure to love this peach sangria. Any if you are looking for a creamy, nutty cocktail, you’ll love this Skrewball White Russian recipe.
Ginger Beer
Ginger beer is a non-alcoholic, carbonated drink that’s made from ginger root, sugar, and water. Thanks to the ginger, it’s got a little kick to it, making it perfect for crafting a Moscow mule of any variety. And, in case you didn’t know, ginger beer is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. So, you can sip any type of Moscow mule knowing there’s a hidden health benefit (or at least that’s what I tell myself).
Sage Advice: For more thirst-quenching, fruit-flavored adult beverages featuring ginger beer, check out these strawberry cocktails.
Limes
Adding the little bit of acidic flavor that reacts perfectly with the copper mug, fresh lime juice is an important ingredient in any mule recipe. You can use bottled lime juice in a pinch, but mules taste so much better with a squeeze of fresh lime.
Huckleberries
Huckleberries are a hidden gem of the berry world. They’re small, sweet, packed with vitamin C, and absolutely delicious! Unfortunately, huckleberries can’t be cultivated and grow wild in the northwestern United States and southwestern Canada. When huckleberries are in season, everyone from grizzly bears to Montana mule drinkers want them, but no one wants to share. This makes the delicious purple berries a little pricey.
We keep frozen huckleberries on hand in our freezer so it’s easy to defrost a tablespoon of them for garnish any time we crave Montana mules. If huckleberries are not available (or the price of fresh or frozen huckleberries gives you sticker shock), you can easily substitute a few fresh blueberries (or a few frozen blueberries) in this Moscow mule variation as long as you use huckleberry vodka.
Montana Mule, a Moscow Mule Variation
Ingredients
- 2 oz huckleberry vodka
- 4-6 oz ginger beer depending on how strong you like your mule
- lime wedge
- fresh huckleberries or blueberries for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug with ice.
- Pour huckleberry vodka over ice and top with your favorite ginger beer.
- Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge and fresh huckleberries or blueberries.
Yum! We had copper mugs in the cupboard that we bought a while ago to make mules but never got around to it. So glad I found your recipe! The Huckleberry vodka really made this special. I kept thinking of the movie Tombstone – I’m your huckleberry. haha Thanks!
So glad you enjoyed it! And with half our family living in Montana, we love all things huckleberry — including movie quotes! 🙂
This is a great twist on the Moscow mule. I love the huckleberry vodka, and the ginger beer gives it a nice kick.
I could not find huckleberries so I garnished mine with blueberries. The flavored vodka and ginger beer is a great combination. We enjoyed every sip.
I have to get those copper mugs. They look so stylish. This was so tasty. Never had a Moscow mule before.
I just love how beautiful and savory this Moscow mule is! Served this last night for my cousin’s birthday party and it was a crowd favorite. Impressive!
Yay! And happy birthday to your cousin!
Such a great combination of flavors! I added blueberries, since I couldn’t find huckleberries where I live. Very nice, thank you!
They are a great stand-in for huckleberries!
What a lovely variation on a Moscow Mule. And I love all the info on copper mugs!
This Moscow mule drink is a must-try! I absolutely love how the copper cups keep the drinks cold. These are my favorite cocktails, so you know I’ll be making a Montana mule too. So excited! Thanks, Sage!
They are soooooo good!
I like Moscow mule and this variation was fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
Huckleberry vodka is sooooo delish!
I forget about mules! I have this beautiful set of mugs that I ignore too often, and my cousin (who happens to have a huckleberry bush ripe for the picking) was more than willing to help me polish off a few of these last weekend!
How lucky is your cousin to have a huckleberry bush at his/her disposal?!? I’m so jealous!
So good! I loved using the huckleberry vodka, which I’d never bought before.
We use a lot of copper in our Indian cuisine and I got so excited when I first saw the copper mugs making their appearance here. That’s a beautiful variation to the Moscow mule and I am looking forward to going down the list and trying out few other variations that you have mentioned.
This was my first time trying huckleberry vodka, and I LOVED it!! So unique. This mule really highlights the diversity of this drink (and I just may be biased because I love mules!!!)
Oh, I’m so glad you loved it!
I have never had a moscow mule before, but I LOVED this one! The huckleberries tasted so good in this, and I will totally be making this for my next get-together with friends.
Huckleberries make EVERYTHING better. 🙂
This was delicious!
My family loved this!
My family loved this! Thank you!
Oh man, this Montana Mule was a summer dream! Definitely a new favorite for hot days on the patio!