Moscow Mule in Side: Ginger, Lime and Vodka at Hawaii

Yes, you can order a Moscow Mule at Hawaii Restaurant & Bar in Side old town. It is on our cocktail menu. The classic version is vodka, ginger beer and lime, served long over ice; ask the bartender how ours is built tonight. Happy Hour runs daily from 19:00 to 20:00.

What is a Moscow Mule?

A Moscow Mule is a long, fizzy highball. In its classic form it has three parts: vodka for the backbone, ginger beer for spice and sparkle, and fresh lime to cut through the sweetness. It is served over plenty of ice and drinks lighter than it sounds, which is why it works so well on a warm evening.

Our menu lists the Moscow Mule without a printed recipe. Bars build it slightly differently, with more lime, a sharper ginger beer or a different garnish, so if you have a preference, ask the bartender how ours is made and whether they can adjust it for you.

A short history

Despite the name, the Moscow Mule is an American drink. It is generally dated to the early 1940s in the United States, when vodka was still unfamiliar to many drinkers and ginger beer needed a push. The story usually told is that a vodka seller and a ginger beer maker teamed up to create a drink that would sell both, and the copper mug became its trademark. "Moscow" nods to the vodka; "Mule" to the ginger kick. It has stayed a bar-menu staple ever since.

How to drink a Moscow Mule

• Give it a stir. Built drinks settle, so a quick stir brings the lime and ginger together.
• Drink it cold. It tastes freshest in the first ten or fifteen minutes, while the ice is firm and the bubbles lively.
• Squeeze the lime. If it comes with a wedge, squeeze it in for extra sharpness.
• Pace it. It tastes light, but it still contains a full measure of spirit.

Moscow Mule or Mojito?

Both are long, refreshing and lime-led, and they are the two drinks people most often compare. The difference is in the base and the bite.

Our Mojito is listed with Bacardi, soda, lime, mint and sugar, and there is a Raspberry Mojito too. Read more in our Mojito in Side guide.

Why ginger beer, not ginger ale?

Ginger beer and ginger ale are often confused. Ginger beer is brewed or made to taste stronger and spicier, with a real ginger bite, while ginger ale is lighter and sweeter. The classic Moscow Mule uses ginger beer, and that warming kick is the whole point of the drink. If you prefer a softer version, ask the bartender what they can do with what is behind the bar that night.

Does the glass matter?

The Moscow Mule is famous for its copper mug, which feels cold in the hand and has become part of the drink's identity. In practice, the flavour comes from the ingredients, the ice and the balance of lime and ginger, so a Mule served in a highball glass is still a proper Mule. If the presentation matters to you, ask the bartender how it will be served.

Who will enjoy it

If you like drinks that are refreshing rather than sweet, the Moscow Mule is a safe order. It suits people who find many holiday cocktails too sugary, beer drinkers looking for something different, and anyone who likes ginger. If you prefer creamy or fruity drinks, the Pina Colada or a Strawberry Daiquiri may be a better fit.

What to eat with it

The ginger and lime in a Moscow Mule cut through rich and spiced food. It goes well with dishes from the wood-fire and charcoal grill such as lamb skewers or köfte, with the Mexican plates like fajitas and buffalo chicken wings, and with starters such as calamari or garlic bread. Browse the full live menu for current dishes and prices.

Happy Hour: 19:00 to 20:00

Happy Hour runs every day from 19:00 to 20:00. It is a good time to try a Moscow Mule before dinner, or to order one alongside a cocktail you have not tried yet. Check the menu for what is included.

More from the cocktail menu

If you enjoy a Moscow Mule, you may also like a Cuba Libre (Bacardi, lime and cola), a Margarita, or a Long Island Ice Tea. For a wider look at what we mix, both on and off the menu, see classic cocktails and mixology in Side. For the bar itself, the atmosphere and how to plan your evening, read our cocktail bar in Side page.

Plan your visit

Hawaii Restaurant & Bar is in Side old town and open daily from 10:00 to 02:00. Free round-trip hotel pickup is available from selected hotels. Book on the reservation page or message +90 533 930 12 83.