Moscow Mules

Most people won't know, I don't think. My Dad (an alcohol snob) and my FH (a mule lover) would probably notice, but I guarantee a large percentage will have no idea (and probably no idea what ginger beer even is).

ETA: I don't drink, so feel free to disregard my opinion. @Bailey's suggestion is a good one.

Yes, yes I could.

Yum! Love Moscow mules! Honestly I would be able to tell the difference, however I totally understand the budgetary considerations when it's that much of a price difference.

If you do go the ginger ale route maybe you could have some gingery simple syrup to make up some of the lost gingery-ness?

I 100% could tell the difference, but I 85% wouldn't care.

Yes, I would be able to tell. I would pick a different signature drink if ginger beer isn't in your budget.

As a guest, I would be irritated if I ordered a drink that really wasn't that drink. With that being said, you need to do what is best for you and FH. It's a huge difference in cash.

I feel your pain. As others have stated, looks like a fun weekend for you!

@Bailey, if I get them at a bar, I do half ginger beer, half soda, because calories & sugar hangover. So I guess I'm used to them being weaker. (I buy Goslings Diet for at home, or did until it hit $9 a six pack). But it's a great idea for a HH with FH and some friends to poll.

Posters who feel strongly about the ginger beer- what brand? If I pay the premium for it, I want it to please the mule officiandos.

I would be able to tell, yes. Ginger beer is stronger than ginger ale. Would I care? Probably not, it's still alcohol.

@Staci, it's not a signature drink, just a mixer within a full bar. I thought guests might like to order Mules or Dark & Stormy's, but then had some sticker shock when I went to buy it.

Yes. Ginger beer has a spice/kick and does not taste anything like ginger ale.

Oh, if it's just for a mixer, then definitely don't worry about it! The chances that lots of people at your wedding are going to want a Moscow Mule instead of any other drink option is slim, and slimmer still that they'll care.

Yes I would be able to tell for sure. Ale has less bite and more sugar. Don't know your location but saranac ginger beer is usually a ton cheaper than Gosling's

If they're serving them in actual copper mugs then make the real thing. If they have those stainless-steel lined mugs it's not a real Mule anyway. My mom is a Mule aficionado and just from tasting it she can immediately tell if the mug is real copper (and always calls the restaurant out on it, lol).

I think I would be able to tell the difference but I honestly would be so thrilled receiving my drink in a copper mug at a wedding, I wouldn't care.

Oh I wish I had copper mugs, but we are providing everything for the bar and the rental company didn't have them, so any mules will be in the same glass as the other cocktails. I didn't think about being a disappointment if someone orders one...

...I'd take them off the list

I can tell the difference for sure.

The only ginger ale I have ever had that has the same bite and ginger beer, is extra spicy ginger ale that I got at Total Wine, in the fancy soda section. I wish I could remember the brand. You could maybe get away w/ ginger ale if you muddled crystallized ginger in it. Maybe.

I really like cock n bull and fever tree for ginger beer.

So based on the general consensus so far, I'll splurge on real ginger beer. (Keep the brand favorites coming please!) I am making a sign that shows the beers, wines, booze, and mixers available, and just planned to put ginger beer & diet ginger beer. Under those circumstances, is it a deal breaker to not get a mule in cooper cup if you order one? It's an outdoor bar at a ranch, if that makes a difference.

Glad you're going with ginger beer, it would definitely be noticeable. I wouldn't mind it not coming in the mug, it's a nice perk but a lot of places only have limited supplies of them or won't let you walk around with it anyways so it's not unusual.

Would I notice? Yes

Would I care? No