🐴 Mumbai Mule

Vodka or Old Monk rum, spiced ginger syrup, lime & ginger beer

Vodka / Old Monk Rum
8 min
Built
Copper Mug
~11%
Ingredients
  • 60ml (2 oz) vodka — or Old Monk dark rum for the Indian version
  • 30ml (1 oz) spiced ginger syrup (see tips)
  • 15ml (½ oz) fresh lime juice
  • 120–150ml (4–5 oz) ginger beer, chilled
  • Ice cubes
  • Mint sprig, lime wheel & sliver of fresh ginger to garnish
Method
  1. 1
    Make syrupSpiced ginger syrup: simmer 1 cup water + 1 cup sugar + 50g sliced ginger + 2 cardamom pods + 1 cinnamon stick + 3 cloves for 15 min. Cool, strain. Makes enough for 8 cocktails.
  2. 2
    BuildFill a copper mug with ice. Add vodka (or Old Monk rum), spiced ginger syrup, and lime juice.
  3. 3
    StirStir briefly.
  4. 4
    TopTop with cold ginger beer — pour slowly to preserve the fizz.
  5. 5
    GarnishAdd mint sprig, lime wheel, and a fresh ginger sliver.

About This Cocktail

The Moscow Mule was invented in New York in 1941 to sell Smirnoff vodka and Cock 'n Bull ginger beer simultaneously. The Mumbai Mule substitutes Indian spiced ginger syrup (simmered with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves) to add the depth of Indian chai spice. The Old Monk version is particularly beloved — Old Monk is India's most iconic dark rum, produced since 1954 by Mohan Meakin in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and is to India what Jack Daniel's is to America.

Variations

Old Monk MuleSubstitute Old Monk dark rum — the vanilla-oak character from the rum elevates the spiced syrup into something extraordinary
Masala MuleAdd pinch of chaat masala to the rim salt — transforms every sip
Fiery MuleMuddle 2 slices fresh green chilli before building — serious heat
Bartender Tips

The copper mug is more than aesthetic — copper keeps the drink colder and contributes a subtle metallic brightness that enhances the lime. Fever-Tree or Bundaberg ginger beer (premium brands with real ginger) make a significant difference over standard ginger beer. Old Monk rum gives the drink vanilla-caramel depth; vodka keeps it crisp. For a Masala Mule, add a pinch of chaat masala to the rim.

The Specs
Spirit Base
Vodka / Old Monk Rum
Method
Built
Glass
Copper Mug
ABV
~11%
Where to Find It
Restaurants
Standard across Indian bars and restaurants; featured at Balle Balle (NYC), Baar Baar (NYC), Indian street food restaurants across the US and UK
More from Indian Cocktails
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