The Moscow Mule is one of the great cocktail success stories, a drink invented in the 1940s to sell vodka and ginger beer, served in a copper mug that became as iconic as the drink itself. But somewhere along the way, bartenders started asking a simple question: what if you swapped the vodka for tequila?

The answer was the Mexican Mule, and it turns out, tequila does something with ginger beer that vodka simply cannot.

What Makes It Different

Vodka is, by design, neutral. It carries the ginger beer and lime without getting in the way. Tequila, on the other hand, has something to say. The earthy, vegetal character of blue agave, that distinctive herbal warmth, meets the sharp heat of ginger and the brightness of fresh lime in a way that feels genuinely complementary rather than merely combined.

The result is a drink with more depth, more personality,

Blanco vs reposado?

This is where personal preference comes in and where the Mexican Mule gets interesting. A blanco tequila keeps things bright and citrus-forward, letting the ginger beer's spice take centre stage. A reposado, rested in oak, brings subtle vanilla and caramel notes that soften the drink and add a layer of complexity that rewards a slower sip..

The Copper Mug: Function, Not Just Form

The copper mug serves a purpose. Copper conducts cold exceptionally well, keeping the drink icy from first sip to last. It also subtly enhances the ginger beer's carbonation and the lime's brightness. If you have one, use it. If you don't, a tall Collins glass over plenty of ice works beautifully.

Variation

Spicy Mexican Mule — muddle a few slices of fresh jalapeño in the base, or add a chilli salt rim for heat that builds with every sip.