Moscow Mule is an iconic vodka cocktail that calls for a basic recipe: ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. But to perfect this easy cocktail, you must pick the right quality ingredients.
Choosing the right vodka could impact the drink’s texture and flavor and make a good-quality classic cocktail. Keep reading to know the best vodka for Moscow Mule.
Top 10 Best Vodka For Moscow Mule
10. Prairie Organic Vodka
Average Price: Around $20.70 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: It’s made with high-quality organic yellow corn that’s not exposed to chemicals or pesticides.
This vodka has a creamy and balanced mouthfeel with lime juice and ginger beer, making it one of the best vodkas for Moscow Mules.
9. Stolichnaya Vodka
Average Price: Around $27.99 for 1.0L
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Stolichnaya or Stoli, is a great vodka made from wheat and rye grain in Russia. It’s a full-bodied spirit with subtle hints of marshmallow and citrus notes.
Its lingering frosting taste and oiliness add texture to the cocktail that complements the ginger beer.
8. Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
Average Price: Around $18.99 for 1.0L
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Smirnoff No. 21 is triple-distilled and is ten times filtered. It is considered the original vodka paired in this cocktail. It’s one of the best vodkas for Moscow Mules that has no lingering aftertaste and has a smooth finish.
7. Chopin Potato Vodka
Average Price: Around $29.99 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: It is creamy and has a subtly fruity palate. Chopin Potato is one of the high-quality potato vodkas that has an earthy taste with a long and clean finish. Its classic baked potato flavor profile pairs well with the lime juices and ginger beers.
6. Luksusowa Original Potato Vodka
Average Price: Around $14.99 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Luksusowa is one of the most affordable potato Polish vodkas. The distilling process gives a creaminess to the body with a hint of fruity aromas good for delicious Moscow Mules.
It is also filtered under charcoal, which gives it a clean and smooth finish.
Read: Popular Vodkas For Jello Shots
5. Absolut Elyx
Average Price: Around $49.49 for 1.0L
Alcohol Content: 42.3% ABV
Why We Like It: Elyx is a luxury vodka brand and is one of the best vodkas for Moscow Mule. It’s not commonly distilled from single estate winter wheat from Southern Sweden.
It’s crafted in a vintage copper column from 1921 and bottled above 40% ABV. Elyx gives a pleasant flavor of macadamia nuts and freshly baked bread notes that complement the Moscow Mule drink.
Read: Popular Vodkas For Screwdriver
4. Ketel One Vodka
Average Price: Around $26.99 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Ketel One is one of the best-flavored vodkas for Moscow Mules. It is made from selected European wheat, herbs, spices, and fruits and has no aftertaste or funky flavor.
Its citrusy, honey and minty flavors pair well with lime and ginger beer.
Read: Ketel One vs Tito’s Vodka
3. Belvedere Ginger Zest Vodka
Average Price: Around $39.99 for 1.0L
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Belvedere Ginger Zest is a ginger flavored-vodka that will enhance the ginger beer flavor in traditional Moscow Mules. It has fruity citrus ingredients, lemon, and grapefruit.
The brightness of its citrus notes makes it one of the best-flavored vodka for Moscow Mules.
2. Grey Goose Vodka
Average Price: Around $40.99 for 1.0L
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Grey Goose is a premium vodka from soft winter wheat combined with French spring water.
It is close to being flavorless and odorless compared with other vodkas. It is a great match to Moscow Mule and will highlight lime’s citrus flavor and ginger beer’s spiciness.
1. Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Average Price: Around $28.34 for 1.0L
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Tito’s is an American vodka that goes well with cocktails. It’s one of the go-to vodka options for cocktail lovers in making a delicious Moscow Mule drink. It could enhance the flavor of ginger beer with its creamy mouthfeel and black pepper spice notes.
*All prices are based on Drizly online. Prices may vary in local liquor shops.
Vodka Types To Use For Moscow Mule
Budget Vodkas
You might want to choose budget vodkas compared to one bottle of a luxurious premium brand, especially if you’re preparing mixed drinks for a big crowd.
Moderately-priced good vodka doesn’t mean it would ruin the quality of your Moscow Mules.
Brands like Smirnoff and Tito’s might come in handy in budget vodkas. These brands, also known as bottom-shelf vodkas, are slightly cheaper but are the best choice if you’re on a budget.
Read: Popular Sweet Vodka Mixed Drinks
Premium Vodkas
Premium vodka is usually found at most liquor shops. It has a more refined taste compared with budget vodka. Premium ones go through a strict procedure to perfect the finished product.
Brands like Stolichnaya, Fugu Vodka, and Reyka Vodka brands are considered premium. The taste and experience are well worth the extra cost but are still reasonably priced.
Flavored & Organic Vodkas
Vodka is a neutral clear, colorless distilled liquor showcasing added flavors. [1] Using organic or flavored ones doesn’t mean it would destroy the cocktail’s flavor.
You can use flavored vodkas like Belvedere Ginger Zest to emphasize the sharpness of ginger that works perfectly with Moscow Mule.
Or you can choose an organic vodka like Ocean Vodka that’s distilled from organic sugar cane, which can give a silky, neutral finish to the perfect Moscow Mule drink.
Top-Shelf Vodkas
If you’re looking for something luxurious, you can use top-shelf vodkas for your next Moscow Mule cocktail.
Top-shelf vodkas like Grey Goose and Absolut Elyx meet the highest quality through their distilling process, craftsmanship, and appeal of the brand.
Top-shelf vodka is a smooth vodka; they aren’t cheap and have ultimate complex flavors to make a vodka base and quality delicious cocktails.
FAQs
Is vodka the best alcohol for Moscow Mule?
Yes, vodka is the best alcohol for Moscow Mule. It has a neutral flavor that allows the other flavors of Moscow Mule to shine.
However, you can swap vodka with Irish whiskey to make Irish Mule, cognac with angostura bitters for a French mule, or bourbon for a Kentucky Mule.
Can you make a Moscow Mule without a copper mug?
Yes. You can still make a Moscow Mule without a copper mug. In some states like Iowa, copper mugs are banned when serving a cocktail.
The law in Iowa bans copper from having direct contact with food and drink, which includes our beloved Moscow Mule cocktail. [2]
Aside from vodka, what are the ingredients of Moscow Mule?
Aside from vodka, a Moscow Mule recipe consists of freshly squeezed lime juice and just the right amount of spicy ginger beer. You can also garnish it with a lime wheel or fresh mint leaves.
What is the best vodka for Moscow Mule?
The best vodka for a Moscow Mule is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, vodkas with a clean and crisp taste, like Tito’s, Ketel One, or Absolut, are popular choices for this cocktail.
Does the quality of the best vodka for a Moscow Mule matter?
While some people prefer higher-quality vodkas for a smoother taste, any vodka that you enjoy drinking can be used to make a delicious Moscow Mule. It’s more about finding a vodka that complements the other ingredients in the cocktail.
Can flavored vodkas be used in a Moscow Mule?
Yes, flavored vodkas can add an interesting twist to a Moscow Mule. Ginger-flavored vodka, citrus-infused vodka, or even berry-flavored vodka can enhance the cocktail’s flavor profile, but traditional plain vodka is also perfectly suitable.
Are there any budget-friendly vodkas that work well in a Moscow Mule?
Absolutely! Many affordable vodkas, such as Smirnoff, Svedka, or New Amsterdam, can make delicious Moscow Mules without breaking the bank. It’s all about finding a vodka that suits your taste and budget.
Does the type of ginger beer affect the choice of vodka for a Moscow Mule?
The type of ginger beer you use can influence the overall flavor of the Moscow Mule, but it doesn’t necessarily dictate the choice of vodka. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste.
Can I use craft or artisanal vodkas in a Moscow Mule?
Absolutely! Craft or artisanal vodkas can add unique flavors and nuances to a Moscow Mule, making for a more complex and interesting cocktail. Feel free to explore different vodka options to find your favorite combination.
Final Thoughts
Vodka is a versatile distilled liquor that blends with cocktails perfectly. If you’re making cocktails for a big party, you can choose a budget vodka for Moscow Mules.
On the other hand, trying flavored and organic ones could boost your mixed drink experience. But if you want a luxurious Moscow Mule cocktail experience, choose a top-shelf smooth vodka brand.
The best vodkas for making Moscow Mules will always depend on your preferred taste and, of course, your budget.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/vodka
- https://abc7chicago.com/moscow-mule-mugs-mug-ban-mules-iowa/2289812/
