Orange Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe

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Orange Moscow Mule Nutrition Facts

Calories:182

Fat:0.1g

Protein:0.4g

Carbohydrates:22.7g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 16, 2024

History

The Moscow Mule is a cocktail that was created in the 1940s in the United States. It's traditionally made with vodka, spicy ginger beer, and lime juice, garnished with a slice or wedge of lime. The Orange Moscow Mule is a delightful twist on the classic, incorporating fresh orange juice to add a fruity and slightly sweet dimension.

  • Who Would Like It?
    • Fans of the classic Moscow Mule who are looking for a fruity variation.
    • Those who enjoy citrus-flavored cocktails.
    • People who prefer a refreshing and slightly spicy drink.

How Orange Moscow Mule Tastes?

The Orange Moscow Mule offers a zesty and refreshing taste with a balance of sweet and tart from the orange and lime juices. The ginger beer provides a spicy kick that complements the citrus flavors, while the vodka adds a smooth and subtle alcoholic warmth.

Interesting facts about Orange Moscow Mule

  • The Moscow Mule is often served in a copper mug, which is said to enhance the flavor and keep the drink colder.
  • Adding orange juice to the classic recipe makes it a great brunch cocktail option.
  • The ginger beer in this cocktail is non-alcoholic, making it a spicy yet sweet mixer that's essential for the signature taste.

Ingredients

A few good options for Orange Moscow Mule are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

A few good options for Orange Moscow Mule are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Vodka

At 2 oz, the vodka provides just the right kick, ensuring that the cocktail remains balanced and not too boozy. More vodka might overpower the flavors, while less can make it too mild. No vodka? No party! Just kidding—but seriously, if you skip it, you're left with a fancy ginger orange soda.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Juice

2 oz of fresh orange juice adds a sweet and tangy twist, giving our mule a sunny disposition. Swap it for grapefruit juice for a slightly more bitter edge, or leave it out and you'll miss the wonderful citrus harmony.

Alex Green

Ginger Beer

Ah, ginger beer! At 4 oz, it's the soul of any Moscow Mule. It brings a spicy yet sweet fizz that ignites the cocktail with character. Less might not give enough ginger presence, more could hijack the taste. If it's unavailable, try a strong ginger ale, but expect a milder ride.

Emma Rose

Lime Juice

Squirt in 0.5 oz for a zingy twist that cuts through the sweetness and freshens up every sip. Less lime juice might leave it flat, more might turn the drink into a sour-puss. No lime juice? The balance skews, and so might your face from the imbalance.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Slices

This is not just garnish; it's a visual and flavorful hint of what's to come—a single slice adds an aromatic allure and hints at the citrus notes within. Skip it, and you deny your senses the full experience.

Alex Green

Basil

1 sprig, if you’re feeling fancy. Basil introduces a sophisticated, peppery note that can complement the ginger and orange elegantly. No basil? No problem—it's optional but missing out on a cool touch of green sophistication.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Orange Moscow Mule Drink

  1. Fill a copper mug or a highball glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour 2 oz of vodka over the ice.
  3. Add 2 oz of fresh orange juice.
  4. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime.
  5. Top off with 4 oz of ginger beer.
  6. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
  7. Garnish with a slice of orange and a sprig of basil (optional).
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • Chill the Mug: If you have time, chill the copper mug in the freezer before making the drink to keep it extra cold.
  • Ginger Beer: Choose a ginger beer with a strong ginger flavor to balance the sweetness of the orange juice.
  • Garnish: When garnishing with basil, give it a gentle slap between your hands to release the oils and aroma before adding it to the drink.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Grilled Shrimp: The citrus notes in the Orange Moscow Mule complement the sweetness of the shrimp, while the ginger beer's spiciness adds an intriguing contrast.
  • Chicken Satay: The refreshing lime and orange flavors can cut through the richness of the peanut sauce, making each bite a delightful experience.

Main Courses

  • Salmon: Opt for a ginger-glazed salmon to echo the ginger beer's zesty flavor profile in the cocktail.
  • Pork Tacos: The acidity and sweetness from the drink help balance the savory and sometimes spicy flavors of the tacos.

Desserts

  • Lemon Tart: The tartness of the lemon pairs well with the zesty orange and ginger flavors in the cocktail, creating a harmonious dessert pairing.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

  • Ginger Tea: Non-drinkers can enjoy a ginger tea that complements the ginger beer's warmth and spice in the Orange Moscow Mule.

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What you could change in Orange Moscow Mule

  • Vodka: You can use any good quality vodka, but for a more interesting twist, try using a citrus-flavored vodka.
  • Ginger Beer: If you prefer a less spicy ginger beer, look for brands that offer a milder flavor.
  • Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is best, but in a pinch, a high-quality store-bought orange juice can work as well.

Explore all drinks starting with O here

And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Orange Moscow Mule

  • Add: A few slices of jalapeño
  • Change: Swap basil for cilantro

Ingredients remain the same, but introduce a spicy kick with the jalapeño that plays well with the ginger's heat. The cilantro gives a fresh, herbal twist. It'll be like a fiesta in a cup—spicy, fresh, and vibrant!

Caramelized Orange Moscow Mule

  • Add: A dash of vanilla extract
  • Change: Caramelize the orange slice before garnishing

Slightly sweetness the deal with vanilla, while the caramelized orange intensifies the citrus aspect and adds a toasty depth. It's an elegant twist on a classic that makes the drink feel like dessert in a glass.

Citrus Grove Moscow Mule

  • Add: A splash of grapefruit juice and a lemon twist
  • Change: Use lemon-lime soda instead of ginger beer

This version is a citrus celebration with a more complex, tangy profile and a gentler ginger presence. With the bubbly sweet soda, it's a softer mule that still kicks with flavor but has a youthful zing.

In case you forgot basics how to make Orange Moscow Mule

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Orange Moscow Mule

What is the origin of the Moscow Mule cocktail?

The Moscow Mule was invented in the 1940s in the United States. It gained popularity as a way to sell more vodka, which was relatively new to the American market at the time.

Why is a copper mug traditionally used for serving a Moscow Mule?

A copper mug is used for a Moscow Mule because it helps to keep the drink colder, enhances the flavor, and increases the carbonation of the ginger beer, making the beverage more effervescent.

Can I make an Orange Moscow Mule without alcohol?

Yes, for a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the vodka with additional ginger beer, club soda, or a non-alcoholic spirit alternative to mimic the cocktail's qualities.

Is the Orange Moscow Mule a good summer drink?

Absolutely, the Orange Moscow Mule with its citrus flavors, refreshing ginger beer, and cold serving temperature is an excellent choice for a summer refreshment.

How can I make my Orange Moscow Mule spicier?

To add more spice to your Orange Moscow Mule, you can muddle some fresh ginger with the lime juice before adding the other ingredients or use a spicier ginger beer.

Can I use limeade instead of fresh lime juice for an Orange Moscow Mule?

While fresh lime juice is preferable for its fresh taste, you can use limeade in a pinch. Keep in mind it may be sweeter, so you may need to adjust the quantities.

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