Name: Cinnamon Spiced Moscow Mule
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1 cup brown sugar; 3 cinnamon sticks; 1 oz vodka; 3/4 oz cinnamon syrup; 1/2 oz St. Germain Elderflower liquor (optional but encouraged); 1/2 oz lime juice; 1/3 cup ginger beer (to taste); slice of lime and cinnamon stick to garnish (optional)

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The classic Moscow Mule gets a holiday makeover in this simple, easy to mix cocktail. The homemade cinnamon syrup takes this cocktail to the next level!

The Moscow Mule is a spectacular cocktail that is also incredibly simple to make. It may seem fancy with its copper mug and stirring rod, but it’s about as easy as it can get with only three ingredients – vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.

This Moscow Mule though is a step above the classic with an easy homemade cinnamon syrup added in. Your holidays have never tasted so good.

Ingredients

For a traditional Moscow Mule, you only need the three simple ingredients of Vodka, Ginger Beer, and lime juice.

Our recipe adds in the extra flavor of brown sugar and cinnamon to create a homemade simple syrup, along with the addition of St. Germain Elderflower liquor, which enhances the earthiness of the ginger and cinnamon.

How to Make a Cinnamon Spiced Moscow Mule

Make the Cinnamon Syrup:

In a small saucepan over high heat, combine the water, brown sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar has fully dissolved— about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to steep for 30 minutes. Remove the cinnamon sticks and transfer the syrup to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Make the Moscow Mule:

In the bottom of a copper mule mug, stir together the vodka, cinnamon syrup, St. Germain, and lime juice. Fill the glass with ice and then top with ginger beer. Garnish with a slice of lime and cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

Why is it Called Moscow Mule?

The cocktail’s origin has nothing to do with Moscow or mules, but after a few sips, no one will care. It’s rumored that the drink originated when a bar manager and a Smirnoff exec teamed up to promote vodka and ginger beer to Americans, then added in another business man who need to get rid of some copper mugs. The name itself seems to just be a random pick.

Do I Have to Have a Copper Mug?

Absolutely not. While the copper mug has become iconic to the drink, you are welcome to serve this in any cocktail glass you have.

Tips

Light or dark brown sugar will work in this recipe.
St. Germain is available in most liquor stores but if you can’t find it, don’t worry. It helps enhance the earthiness of the ginger and cinnamon but it isn’t necessary.
I always recommended using fresh squeezed lime juice. 1/2 ounce is approximately the juice of 1/2 of one small lime.
Ginger beer is not the same thing as ginger ale— make sure you’re using ginger beer.