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What is a Mexican Mule aka Tequila Mule?
In short - a Moscow mule with tequila.
As the name unequivocally suggests the alcoholic distilled beverage of choice is tequila and it works beautifully with craft brewed spicy ginger beer. An infusion of lime juice brightens up the flavor profile with its playful mild acidity.
Both fresh lime and jalapeno are used as garnish in line with the Mexican theme - a cinco de mayo favorite. If we may suggest - ice cubes with bits of the two garnishes are very visually impactful and release the aromas of each in a more controlled manner.
Mixing a Mexican Moscow Mule Instructions
The proportions of the classic Moscow mule with vodka carry over to all mule cocktails and this Mexican mule version in particular. Use 2 parts tequila, 1 part lime juice and 4 parts ginger beer.
For best results use only freshly squeezed lime juice with this tequila mule recipe. More on the choice of spicy ginger beer and tequila below.
Make Jalapeño Slices and Lime Ice Cubes
We love infusing beer cocktails with the fragrance of fresh citrus or the spice of jalapenos and making ice cubes with them is a great strategy to perform such subtle infusions. Just like with this IPA Beergarita or this Gose Frozen Strawberry Margarita.
Even though this is an optional step, we highly recommend that you make some. They take hardly any effort, so why not?
How to do it: Thinly slice fresh jalapeño and lime, place bits into an ice cube tray, top with filtered water and freeze.
TIP: You can control the amount of heat the jalapeno slices will contribute to the tequila mule by removing some of the seeds and whitish ribs of the pepper prior to making the ice cubes.
Mix the Mexican Mule
Mixing a tequila mule is best done on an individual basis. It takes less than ten seconds actually, provided that you have the ingredients lined up and ready to go. You do not even need a cocktail shaker.
- Fill a copper mug with (lime and jalapeno) ice cubes
- Pour a shot of reposado tequila
- Add fresh lime juice
- Top with ginger beer and stir to mix
Add a fresh lime wedge if you feel so inclined.
As the ice cubes float to the top and begin to melt into the ginger beer and tequila, the aroma and spice of the jalapenos will get released and add to the cocktail's flavors.
Cheers!
TIP: Before mixing yourself a refill discard the remnants of ice cubes and leftover fruit bits and start over with brand new jalapeno and lime ice cubes. (Yes, jalapeños are a fruit:).
What Type of Ginger Beer?
As dedicated craft brew lovers we encourage you to use small batch crafted, naturally fermented ginger beer, whether non-alcoholic (like the one we used to make this Stormy IPA cocktail) and the Bundaberg we use in this post, or with alcohol (typical ABV is in the 4% to 7% range).
If you go for alcoholic ginger beer your tequila mule will get a notable boost in its alcohol by volume so be careful after the second one:). Or simply pour 1.5 oz tequila and a bit more ginger beer.
We feel that there is no place for corn syrup in this cocktail (or any cocktail for that matter) so we advise you to look for ginger beers brewed with actual pressed fresh ginger and cane sugar.
Avoid ginger soda (aka ginger ale) as there really isn't any ginger in those in addition to the GMO corn syrup business.
What is the Best Tequila to Use?
Since you are not sipping the tequila, you do not need to use the premium, aged varieties such as añejo tequila
Either one of the budget-friendly options below will be great to use in a tequila mule.
Silver tequila - aka tequila blanco, is bottled directly after distilled and has a clear appearance, hence its name. Typically has a floral, citrus bouquet on the nose, pure, strong agave taste and a dry finish.
Tequila reposado - this is the perfect tequila for mixing margarita and Paloma we rather like it in a tequila mule. It is rested in huge 10,000 gallon oak vats for two months (reposado means rested) and in result acquires a pale straw color.
Due to the size of the vats in which it spends time the contact with the oak is minimal (as compared to regular barrels) and the tequila acquires only subtle cinnamon, vanilla and peppery notes. It is smoother yet its finish is a bit more astringent than that of tequila blanco.
Do You Need a Copper Mug for Tequila Mule?
Short answer - no, you do not. A highball cocktail glass is perfectly fine to use.
But. The signature copper mugs in which Moscow mules and by extension tequila mules etc. are served actually play a role in the overall experience of the cocktail. The metal quickly takes on the temperature of the cocktail and creates the feeling of an extra cold drink.
Not to mention that when the Moscow mule was devised in order to promote the consumption of both vodka and ginger beer the copper mugs became the signature vessels for the beverage. Their iconic appearance has become integral to the enjoyment of a mule.
Other Moscow Mule Recipes and Mule Variations
Kentucky Mule - mixed with bourbon
Mezcal Mule - mixed with sweet, earty and smokey mezcal instead of tequila
Gin Mule - mixed with...gin
Mojito Mule - mixed with rum, non-alcoholic ginger beer and a lot of crushed fresh mint leaves
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Recipe
Tequila Mule aka Mexican Mule
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila blanco or reposado
- 1 oz lime juice freshly squeezed
- 4 oz ginger beer
- fresh lime for garnish
- fresh jalapeno for garnish
- filtered water to make lime and jalapeno ice cubes, optional
Instructions
For Lime and Jalapeno Ice Cubes
- Thinly slice the lime and jalapenos, place bits in an ice cube tray, fill with filtered water and freeze until ready to use.
For Tequila Mule
- Fill a copper mule mug about half way with ice cubes. Add the tequila and the lime juice. Top with ginger beer. Stir, garnish with a lime wedge or jalapeno slice (optional) and serve.
Video
Bear
I love the taste of tequila. PERIOD. When Mules made a resurgence a while back, I went tequila instantly. No brainer. My addition to this conversation is my name for the tequila mule. After seeing the iconic “John Deere” green and yellow logo re-done with a donkey rather than a deer (and dubbed “Juan’s Deere”), the name for this grand cocktail has been a Juan’s Deer ever since in our family. Whatever you want to call it . . . Enjoy!
annie@ciaochowbambina
I love how creative this is! I'm a big fan of the Mule, and this will definitely be making an appearance at our house!!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Love everything about this! And those cubes? Brilliant idea! Perfect for thirsty Thursday, which it just happens to be. I can see why you guys love those mugs so much...they're so preeeeetty 😉 Pinned! Cheers!
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
I love the idea of jalapeño in ice cubes. I might do that just for water this summer! But of course I'll save a few for a Mexican Mule; I love tequila and I have to try this!