This Tequila Mule (also called a Mexican Mule) pairs the bright, peppery character of tequila with the effervescent bite of ginger beer for a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Served over ice, garnished with lime and mint, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing cocktail for warm afternoons and evening gatherings.
Mexican Mule Recipe (Tequila Mule)
If you love tequila, this cocktail is a natural next step from a margarita. Swapping tequila for vodka in a traditional Moscow Mule brings a bolder agave note while keeping the bright lime and spicy ginger beer that make mules so refreshing. Serve it in a copper mug for a classic presentation.
Cocktail photography aside, this version is simple to make and easy to customize—add fruit syrups, swap the orange liqueur, or make a mocktail variation if you prefer.
Recipe Ingredients
- Tequila – Silver (blanco) tequila is recommended for a crisp, clean profile.
- Cointreau – Or any orange liqueur (Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, or similar).
- Fresh Lime Juice – One lime yields about 1 oz. Reserve a wheel for garnish.
- Simple Syrup or Honey – Optional, to taste.
- Ginger Beer – Use a balanced ginger beer (Fever-Tree is a good choice) rather than mild ginger ale.
- Mint Stalk – Fresh mint brightens the drink and makes a pretty garnish.
See the recipe card below for exact measurements and nutrition details.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add flavored simple syrup (strawberry, peach) or a splash of fruit juice (pineapple or orange) for a fruity twist.
- Use ginger ale for a milder, sweeter version, though ginger beer provides a spicier ginger flavor.
- Swap Cointreau for Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, or Aperol for a different citrus profile.
How to Make This Recipe
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1.5–2 oz tequila, 1/2 oz Cointreau (or orange liqueur), about 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup (or to taste). Add a mint stalk to the shaker.
2. Shake vigorously for 30–60 seconds. Add fresh ice to your glass, strain the cocktail over the ice, and top with 3–4 oz ginger beer. Gently stir, garnish with a lime wedge and mint, and serve.
PRO TIPS
Try aerating the tequila for a smoother mouthfeel—some bartenders froth spirits briefly with a milk frother before mixing. Always avoid shaking carbonated ginger beer; add it after shaking the spirits and juices.
Choose ginger beer over ginger ale for a stronger spicy ginger flavor that stands up to the tequila.
What is the difference between an Irish Mule, a Kentucky Mule and a Mexican Mule?
The main difference is the base spirit: an Irish Mule uses Irish whiskey, a Kentucky Mule uses bourbon, and a Mexican Mule (or Tequila Mule) uses tequila.
Fun Idea
For a frozen variation, freeze ginger beer into ice cubes and blend with the cocktail ingredients and extra ice until slushy.
Recipe FAQs
You can prepare the non-carbonated portion ahead and refrigerate up to 24–72 hours. Add ginger beer just before serving to keep the fizz. If you don’t mind a flat drink, mix everything and refrigerate for up to three days.
Yes. Replace the tequila with club soda, use a splash of orange juice instead of Cointreau, and make sure the ginger beer is non-alcoholic.
Silver (blanco) tequila is best for its crisp, clean flavor that resembles vodka and lets the ginger and lime shine. Reposado has oak-aged notes that change the cocktail’s character.
Serving suggestions
The bright acidity and spicy ginger in a Tequila Mule pair well with light, citrus-forward, or slightly spicy dishes—think grilled seafood, fresh salads, or fish bowls.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating and a comment in the recipe card below. Thanks for visiting!
Tequila Mule
5
5
2
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Hand juicer
- Copper mug or serving glass
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 1 cup ice
- 1 stalk mint
- lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions
-
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and a mint stalk.
-
Shake vigorously for 30–60 seconds.
-
Add ice to your glass and strain the cocktail over the ice. Top with ginger beer, gently stir, and garnish with lime and mint. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
Make ahead: combine all ingredients except ginger beer and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add ginger beer and serve chilled.
Avoid ginger ale if you want the bold ginger bite—ginger beer has more spice and flavor.
more of our favorite Easy Cocktail Recipes…
- White Tea Shots (made with Vodka)
- Super Easy Green Tea Shots
- Pitcher of Pickle Bloody Mary
- Carrot Margarita Recipe
- Pickle Martini Recipe
- Crown Apple Slush (3 ingredients)
Looking for this in MyFitnessPal?
Search “A Paige Of Positivity” and look for Tequila Mule to find calories and nutrition. For the most accurate totals, input each ingredient into your food diary.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below—tell me what you loved or say hi!