London Mule

A refreshing and simple London Mule is perfect for any occasion. Made with ginger beer, gin, and fresh lime juice, the botanicals mixed with spicy ginger makes this cocktail stand out from the classic recipe. It is an easy recipe to make and even serve as a big batch cocktail!

about this London mule recipe

If you know me in real life, you know my affinity for gin cocktails. The floral and juniper notes of gin call to me, and I can never resist a cocktail made with it.

Anyone who loves gin or a classic Moscow mule will totally fall for this cocktail. It’s a simple variation of a Moscow mule! The flavors of the gin give a complexity to the combination of ginger beer and lime juice that you can’t beat.

Plus, it’s a super easy cocktail to make in a big batch for a party! All you need are three ingredients and less than 5 minutes of prep time.

what is a London mule made of?

A London mule cocktail differs from the classic Moscow mule in one way – it uses London dry gin instead of vodka. Using gin gives a lovely juniper flavor to the cocktail! The botanicals really enhance the ginger flavor. It’s the ideal balance of alcohol, bubbly ginger soda, and tart lime juice.

ingredients

gin. You will want to use a London dry gin for this recipe to make it a London mule. Use whatever brand you prefer! I recommend Tanqueray or Beefeater, if you need a couple of recommendations.

lime juice. Freshly squeezed lime juice is best!

ginger beer. Ginger beer isn’t actually beer. It is non-alcoholic, bubbly, and has a big kick of ginger flavor. You can opt for a ginger beer that is spicier, which is my personal preference. I feel that fever-tree ginger beer is the best out there. If you don’t like a spicy hit of ginger, try a brand like bundaberg ginger beer. Do not use ginger ale in this recipe.

garnish. I like to garnish with a simple lime wheel, but you could also add a fresh mint sprig!

this recipe’s must haves

You will need a jigger and a bar spoon to make this cocktail in the cocktail glass you serve it in. There’s no need for a cocktail shaker!

Copper mugs are a must for this recipe! They keep the drink super cold, so they are the ideal cocktail glass. I even have some copper wine glasses to use for my chilled wines!

here’s how to make a london mule

stir

Fill a copper mug halfway with ice. Pour in London dry gin and lime juice. Stir to combine.

top off with ginger beer

Fill the glass the rest of the way with ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve.

tips and tricks

chill the ginger beer. Make sure the ginger beer is chilled before using it! It will keep the drink nice and cold.

make sure your limes are room temp. When your limes are at room temperature, they are much easier to squeeze and will yield the most juice. I recommend rolling them on the countertop under your palm before cutting them in half. This will help the juices release more too.

More refreshing moscow mule recipes to try: Old Fashioned Moscow Mule | Kentucky (Bourbon) Mule | Irish Mule | Jalapeño Mexican Mule

what kind of gin should I use?

There are many different brands of London dry gin out there. Personally, I like to opt for Tanqueray. Beefeater is another tasty option if you are looking for something mid-range.

why is it called a London mule?

This cocktail is also known as a gin-gin mule, British mule, or a Foghorn cocktail. The London mule got its name because it uses a London dry gin as the spirit, instead of vodka (the standard spirit used in a Moscow mule).

This type of gin is infused with botanicals and juniper is the primary flavor, which is perfect for complimenting the ginger kick in the ginger beer.

do I have to use copper cups?

Using copper cups or mugs is best for any carbonated, chilled beverage since it keeps the drink cold and the ice doesn’t melt as quickly. Copper conducts the temperature of the liquid and the ice, if you are wondering about the science behind it. I always recommend using them, if you can!

If you can’t, just use your favorite cocktail glass!

is ginger beer alcoholic?

No, ginger beer is not alcoholic. It isn’t actually beer – it is a bubbly, ginger-infused drink that offers a lovely kick. I like to choose a spicier option, as mentioned in the ingredients section above. However, you can use whatever brand you prefer!

how can I make this a big batch cocktail?

This drink is super easy to turn into a big batch cocktail. Note that this is not a cocktail to make ahead of time. You can squeeze the fresh lime juice ahead of time, but you don’t want to assemble it because it is a carbonated beverage.

To make this cocktail for a group of 8, here’s the measurements you’ll need: 2 cups London dry gin, 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 4 cups chilled ginger beer, and ice. Stir together the gin, lime juice, and ginger beer together in a pitcher. Make sure to chill all of the ingredients first!

Add ice, stir to combine and serve in copper mugs filled with ice.

Need more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

what to serve with a gin mule

I find that Moscow mule cocktails go with most foods out there. It’s a refreshing cocktail that doesn’t have a bunch of flavors, so the simplicity in the cocktail makes it easy to pair with your favorite recipes. However, as I am sitting here to write this post, my thoughts go to some of my favorite meals that I consider pub food:

Beer battered fish and chips are crispy and served with a homemade tartar sauce.

A spicy big ‘n smoky spicy burger brings the heat and the smoke!

Who doesn’t love a big plate of carne asada nachos? They are ready in just 20 minutes!

more gin cocktail recipes to try

Cool off with a refreshing strawberry gin smash when strawberries are in season! The blend of strawberries and gin is vibrant and floral.

If you like Campari, you have to try this pomegranate negroni for your next happy hour.

The classic gin sling pairs up floral gin with a touch of bitters.

Finally, if you make this London mule recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!