Build a Better: Moscow Mule

First popularized in the 1940s, the Moscow Mule is typically served in a distinctive copper mug. The mug is still the standard, but the refreshing mix of vodka, ginger beer and a squeeze of lime juice is getting a makeover by creative mixologists.

• At the Violet Hour in Chicago, where cocktails are $13, a summer seasonal highlight is the Sterile Animal. This curry-esque variation on the mule features Letherbee Vernal Gin with notes of hickory-smoked rhubarb root, ginger, echinacea and chamomile.

• The Beach at Dream Downtown in New York City serves a Moscow Mule made with ginger slush, copper-distilled Absolut Elyx and lime juice.

• The Watermelon Mule is a new seasonal cocktail at Spyglass Rooftop Bar in New York made with Bootlegger 21 New York Vodka, fresh watermelon, ginger beer and lime.

If you’re looking for more ways to put your own spin on this classic cocktail, check out these five variations.

Blueberry Rosemary Moscow Mule

Kate LeSueur, U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

The Blueberry Rosemary Moscow Mule combines muddled blueberries, fresh lime juice, vodka and ginger beer. It’s garnished with fresh rosemary.

Nemo's Mule

Big Bar

Big Bar in Chicago is offering a lineup of cocktails inspired by movies playing during this summer’s Millennium Park Summer Film Series. Among the cocktails is Nemo’s Mule ($14), made with Absolut Elyx, lime, ginger beer and champagne.

La Pina Picante

Sirena Cocina Latina

The La Pina Picante, chef Jaime Chavez’s Chilean-inspired Mule at Sirena Cocina Latina in San Diego, offers a Latin take on the classic. The cocktail combines sweet pineapple, spicy jalapeno, vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, jalapeno and bitters.

Mexican Mule

El Tiempo Cantina Houston

El Tiempo Cantina’s locations in Houston serve a Mexican Mule that combines a jalapeno, fresh lime juice, Titanium Tequila Blanco, ginger beer and ice.

Matcha Mule

Roku

At Roku in West Hollywood, CA, the Matcha Mule incorporates green tea-infused vodka, ginger root, fresh lemon and honey.