A Moscow Mule is a popular cocktail made with vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer served in a copper mug. It’s known for its refreshing, ginger flavor. While ginger beer is traditionally used, some people substitute ginger ale instead. So can you use ginger ale instead of ginger beer in a Moscow Mule?
What’s the Difference Between Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale?
While ginger ale and ginger beer sound similar, they are quite different:
- Ginger beer is brewed and fermented, giving it carbonation, alcohol content (usually 0.5-2%), and a strong ginger flavor.
- Ginger ale is carbonated water flavored with ginger and sweeteners. It has a milder ginger taste and no alcohol.
So ginger beer has a much more pronounced ginger bite and flavor. Ginger ale is sweeter and more subtle.
Does Ginger Ale Work in a Moscow Mule?
Ginger ale can be used in place of ginger beer in a Moscow Mule. The drink will still have the key components – vodka, lime, and ginger flavor. However, there are some drawbacks to using ginger ale:
- You’ll miss out on the strong, spicy ginger kick that ginger beer provides.
- The drink will be much sweeter due to the ginger ale.
- The ginger ale may lack the depth of flavor that ginger beer gives.
While doable, ginger ale doesn’t quite replicate that authentic Moscow Mule experience. The ginger beer gives the drink its signature bold, biting flavor that balances so nicely with vodka and lime. Ginger ale makes a more approachable, sugary drink.
Tips for Using Ginger Ale
If you want to use ginger ale, here are some tips:
- Use a high quality, premium ginger ale like Fever Tree, Q, or Fentimans. They use more real ginger for a stronger flavor.
- Add extra lime juice to help compensate for the increased sweetness.
- Use a vodka with more flavor like Tito’s or Deep Eddy to stand up to the ginger ale.
- Top with a few dashes of Angostura bitters to add complexity.
- Garnish with extra lime wedge and candied ginger to accentuate ginger flavors.
While not a true Moscow Mule, this ginger ale version can still taste decent. The key is finding a ginger ale with some real ginger taste and adding extra lime and garnish.
Can You Add Ginger Beer to Ginger Ale?
For a closer flavor to real ginger beer, some ginger ale fans will add in a splash of real ginger beer. This gives you some of the spicy, fermented ginger notes while cutting it with the sweetness of ginger ale.
Simply add 1-2 ounces ginger beer to 4-6 ounces ginger ale when making your Moscow Mule. Adjust the proportions to your taste preferences. The ginger beer boosts the ginger flavor and bite.
Should You Use Ginger Beer or Ginger Ale?
For an authentic Moscow Mule flavor, ginger beer is strongly recommended over ginger ale. The spicy, pungent ginger beer is really the star of the drink. It’s hard to replicate its flavor with just ginger ale.
However, if you cannot find or consume ginger beer, ginger ale can work in a pinch. Opt for a premium brand with real ginger, enhance tartness with extra lime, and garnish with ginger to come closer to ginger beer flavors. Add a splash of ginger beer if you have it.
While not exactly the same, ginger ale can still make a tasty vodka ginger drink. But ginger beer is ideal for the full Moscow Mule experience.
Comparison of Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale
| Ginger Beer | Ginger Ale |
|---|---|
| Strong, pronounced ginger flavor | Milder ginger taste |
| Fermented, may have alcohol | No alcohol |
| More savory | Much sweeter, uses sweeteners |
| Can be homemade | Only commercially produced sodas |
| Natural carbonation from brewing process | Added carbonation |
| Higher ginger content | Lower ginger content, more sugar |
This table summarizes the main differences between ginger beer and ginger ale. Ginger beer has a stronger ginger flavor, natural carbonation, and may contain alcohol, while ginger ale is sweeter with less ginger taste.
Ginger Beer Brands to Try
Here are some top ginger beer brands to try in Moscow Mules and other cocktails:
- Fever-Tree – Very popular premium ginger beer with lots of ginger flavor
- Cock ‘n Bull – The original ginger beer used in Moscow Mules
- Reed’s – Brewed with fresh ginger root, extra spicy
- Fentimans – Botanical brewed ginger beer with floral, gingery taste
- Barritt’s – Sweetened with cane sugar, strong ginger bite
- Maine Root – Organic ginger beer with citrusy notes
- Crabbie’s – Made with orange, lemon, and lime for a zesty taste
- Gosling’s – The original Bermuda ginger beer, strong ginger flavor
For an authentic Moscow Mule, look for dry ginger beers that really let the ginger shine through. The spicier and more pungent, the better it will complement vodka and lime. Avoid ginger beers with lots of sugars and sodas with minimal real ginger taste.
Making Your Own Ginger Beer
You can easily make ginger beer at home with just a few ingredients:
- Ginger root
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Water
- Yeast
Grate fresh ginger root, combine with water, sugar, and lemon juice, and add yeast to ferment for 2-3 days. Strain and transfer to bottles, adding a little more sugar for carbonation. Let sit 1-2 more days to carbonate. Enjoy your homemade ginger beer in Moscow Mules!
Making ginger beer at home lets you control the ginger flavor. Add more ginger for extra bite. The fermentation gives it an authentic flavor you just can’t replicate with store-bought ginger ale.
Cocktails Similar to a Moscow Mule
If you like Moscow Mules, try these other ginger-flavored cocktails:
- Dark ‘n Stormy – Gosling’s rum with ginger beer
- Kentucky Mule – Bourbon whiskey and ginger
- London Mule – Gin and ginger beer
- Mexican Mule – Tequila, ginger beer, lime, jalapeño
- Moscow Mule Variations – Ginger vodka, blackberry ginger beer, ginger syrup, etc.
Just replace the vodka with any favorite spirit and top with ginger beer. For a non-alcoholic option, use ginger beer with lime and mint or cucumber for a refreshing drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you use copper mugs for Moscow Mules?
Moscow Mules are traditionally served in copper mugs for several reasons:
- Copper helps keep the drink colder compared to glass.
- Copper reacts with the ginger beer, enhancing its flavors.
- The copper mug is eye-catching and matches the Moscow Mule’s signature look.
What vodka works best in a Moscow Mule?
A good Russian vodka like Smirnoff or Stolichnaya works very well. For more flavor, try citrus-forward vodkas like Ketel One Citroen or Absolut Citron. Tito’s vodka and New Amsterdam vodka also make great Moscow Mules.
How long does a Moscow Mule last?
Like most cocktails with citrus juice, a Moscow Mule is best consumed fresh. The lime juice will start to break down and lose flavor after 4-6 hours. For best taste and carbonation, drink your Moscow Mule soon after making it.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is best, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch. Go for a bottled brand without any added sweeteners. Add it gradually to taste as bottled lime juice tends to be more concentrated.
What can I use instead of lime?
For a flavor twist, you can substitute other citrus like lemon, grapefruit, blood orange, or Meyer lemon. You’ll get some fun variations while still having the ginger beer paired with citrus.
Conclusion
While ginger ale doesn’t provide the true Moscow Mule experience, it can be used in ginger vodka cocktails. For the best flavor though, ginger beer is highly recommended. Seek out premium dry ginger beers that really let the pungent ginger shine through. Or make your own ginger beer for maximum ginger taste. Use fresh lime juice and garnish with ginger. With real ginger beer, you’ll get that quintessential Moscow Mule flavor combo of spicy ginger, tangy lime, and vodka that can’t be beat.
