Spicy Mexican Mule
A vibrant riff on the Moscow Mule that brilliantly marries the fiery kick of chili heat with the earthy notes of tequila and the sharp, sweet spice of ginger beer.
11%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
copper mug
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Spicy Mexican Mule is a product of the modern craft cocktail movement, representing a natural evolution of the Moscow Mule family. The original Moscow Mule was created in the 1940s in the United States, followed by the Mexican Mule (substituting tequila for vodka) as tequila gained popularity. The spicy element emerged in the 2000s and 2010s, driven by the craft cocktail renaissance's embrace of bold flavors and the increasing popularity of spicy food and drink. The natural pairing of tequila and chili flavors, fundamental to Mexican cuisine, made this evolution intuitive and popular among bartenders and drinkers alike.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle jalapeño slices with fresh lime juice to release oils and capsaicin
Add the tequila to the shaker
Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until well-chilled
Strain into a copper mug filled with fresh ice
Top with ginger beer, allowing it to cascade over the ice
Gently stir once to combine, lifting from the bottom of the mug
Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh jalapeño slice
Glassware
Served in a traditional copper mug over ice
Garnish
Fresh lime wheel
Fresh jalapeño slice
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use 100% agave tequila for the best flavor profile
Choose a high-quality, spicy ginger beer like Q Mixers or Fever-Tree
Pre-chill the copper mug for optimal temperature retention
Avoid over-muddling jalapeños to prevent bitter compounds
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Spicy Mexican Mule.
Extra Spicy
Increase jalapeño slices or use serrano peppers for more intense heat.
Changes
Sweeter Profile
Add ¼ oz agave nectar to balance the heat for those who prefer less spicy drinks.
Changes
Spicy Oaxacan Mule
Replace tequila with mezcal for a smoky flavor profile.
Changes
Spicy Cucumber Mule
Muddle cucumber slices with jalapeño for a cooling counterpoint to the heat.
Changes
Spicy Pineapple Mule
Add fresh pineapple chunks for tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with spice.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Cointreau Mexican Mule
A citrusy tequila buck—blanco tequila and Cointreau with fresh lime, topped with spicy ginger beer.
Spicy Margarita
A modern classic that elevates the beloved Margarita with a piquant kick, perfectly balancing the tartness of lime, the sweetness of orange liqueur, and the fiery warmth of fresh jalapeño.
Blue Margarita
A vibrant margarita riff—blanco tequila, blue curaçao, and fresh lime served tart with an optional salted rim.