This tequila mule, also known as a Mexican mule, is a great twist on the classic mule cocktail. Tequila replaces the usual vodka and there’s the option to add in jalapeño chilli to ramp up the Mexican vibes and spice level.
This post is sponsored by (paid link) Mixologist’s Garden. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
A tequila mule, also known as a tequila buck or a Mexican mule, is a drink made from tequila, ginger beer and lime juice. In its simplest form, this cocktail contains just 3 ingredients and, as it is made in the glass it is served in, it is quick and easy to prepare.
I’ve played around with the basic tequila mule recipe by tossing in a secret ingredient: a few rounds of jalapeño chilli (optional) inject a little extra punch to this popular cocktail.
Why you’ll love this spicy tequila mule
- Surprise – it’s a great variation on a classic cocktail.
- Easy to make – it’s made directly in the glass it is served in.
- Spicy – the addition of a few rings of jalapeño chilli fires up the heat in this drink nicely.
- Adaptable – the chilli can be left out if hot & spice is not your cocktail groove.
- Stylish – using freeze-dried lime slices adds another unexpected element, delivers a vibrant tangy aroma and it’s a hassle-free garnish.
If you enjoy challenging convention when it comes to mule drinks try out my London mule too. This one features gin and, of course, you can use (paid link) freeze-dried lime slices in this one too.
Ingredients notes
Tequila: I used tequila blanco, which has a relatively light flavour, but the choice of tequila is down to you. Tequila reposado or tequila añejo are fine to use too.
Ginger beer: Pick the best quality ginger beer that your budget allows. Go for one with a fiery ginger heat as it’s a signature element of this tequila mule cocktail. I enjoy Fentimens, Fever Tree and Bundeberg.
Lime juice: use freshly squeezed lime juice.
Jalapeño chilli: this is an optional extra. Anybody who enjoys spicy drinks may like to include a few slices directly in the mug or glass.
Garnish: I’ve used (paid link) Mixologist’s Garden freeze-dried lime slices to dress up my tequila mule because they are mess-free and deliver an intensely zesty aroma, which is perfect alongside the fiery ginger notes of this drink.
See these lime slices in use in my Southern cider, English Garden, Strawberry mojito and Charlie Chaplin cocktails too.
How to make a Mexican mule
Full instructions and measurements are given in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Step 1. Fill your copper mug or glass with ice, adding several lime slices and a couple of rings of jalapeño (optional) as you do so.
Step 2. Pour in the lime juice and tequila.
Step 3. Pour in the ginger beer.
Step 4. Stir briefly and garnish with more lime slices and chilli rings.
Top Tip: The chilli heat of the jalapeño will continue to infuse into this drink the longer it remains in it. Some drinkers may prefer to remove the pieces of chilli after a moment or two so that the heat does not become too intense for them.
Expert Tips
- You’ll need plenty of ice for this tequila mule recipe as the glass/ mug should be filled to the top with ice.
- It’s a good idea to chill all ingredients to ensure that the drink is ice cold at the point of serving. This also stops the drink from getting diluted too much if the ice cubes need to do all the chilling.
- Stir the drink gently as the ginger beer is fizzy. A cinnamon stick is a stylish stirrer to add to it.
- If you do not stir, expect the drink to be slightly stronger towards the bottom.
- Add 15ml of triple sec for an extra boozy kick and a new dimension to the citrusy notes.
Frequently asked questions
There’s no right or wrong answer here and you should feel free to go with your preference or whatever is in your drinks cabinet. However, as a general rule expect the following from your tequila:
Unaged tequila (tequila blanco) can taste citrusy, vegetal, grassy and even herbal. It can taste relatively harsh but works well in long drinks such as this Mexican mule.
Aged tequila (tequila reposado) can taste a little spicy and also smoother & richer than tequila blanco.
The original mule drink, the Moscow mule, is made with vodka. Vodka oxidises when it comes into contact with copper and enhances the flavour of the drink.
This is not the case for the tequila-based Mexican mule, but copper mugs are certainly beneficial because copper also conducts the temperature of the liquid and ice. This helps to keep the drink deliciously ice cold.
Sometimes mule cocktail recipes call for ginger ale in place of ginger beer. Ginger ale is often sweeter and less bold in flavour than ginger beer, so my preference is to stick with ginger beer.
Yes, the jalapeño chilli can be omitted from this cocktail.
It’s very easy to make a non-alcoholic Mexican mule. Simply replace the tequila with your favourite alcohol-free spirit alternative.
What to serve with a Mexican mule:
Whilst down Mexico way…
- Seafood – deep-fried calamari sprinkled with lime juice and sea salt would work a treat.
- Chicken Tinga Tostadas.
- Spicy tomato confit & cream cheese toasts.
- Lamb tacos
More spicy drinks to try
Have you made this tequila mule recipe? Please give the recipe a rating or leave a comment – I love to hear how you get along with my creations.
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📖 Recipe
Tequila Mule
Ingredients
- 40 ml Tequila
- 10 ml Triple Sec Orange Liqueur
- 15 ml Lime juice
- 90 ml Ginger beer
- 3 Slices Jalapeño chilli (optional)
- 3 Slices Freeze-dried lime slices I used Mixologists Garden
Garnish
- Cinnamon stick
- Freeze-dried lime slices
- Jalapeño chilli
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug with ice, layering in 3 slices of jalapeño chilli (if using) and 3 of our freeze-dried lime slices as you do so.
- Pour the tequila, Triple sec and lime juice into the mug.
- Add the ginger beer.
- Use a cinnamon stick to stir the drink briefly, then leave it wedged into the drink.
- Garnish the drink with more of our lime slices and rounds of the jalapeño (if using).
Notes
- You’ll need plenty of ice for this tequila mule recipe as the glass/ mug should be filled to the top with ice.
- It’s a good idea to chill all ingredients to ensure that the drink is ice cold at the point of serving. This also stops the drink from getting diluted too much if the ice cubes need to do all the chilling.
- Stir the drink gently as the ginger beer is fizzy. A cinnamon stick is a stylish stirrer to add to it.
- If you do not stir, expect the drink to be slightly stronger towards the bottom.
Jane Coupland
I hope you enjoy this cocktail. I had fun experimenting with the inclusion of chilli – play about and find your ideal sweet (hot) spot with it.