Ginger Mule

ABV 0% / 0 alcoholic units

Primary ingredient: Ginger

A Brief History of a Ginger Mule

The Moscow Mule's history is as intriguing as its name suggests. This iconic cocktail was created in the mid-20th century, and its origins are intertwined with chance and marketing savvy:

• Chance Meeting: The Moscow Mule's creation is often attributed to a chance meeting between three individuals in the 1940s: John Martin, an executive of the Heublein spirits company, Rudolph Kunett, the owner of Smirnoff vodka, and Jack Morgan, the proprietor of the Cock 'n Bull pub in Los Angeles.

• Marketing Marvel: The cocktail's invention was driven by a desire to promote Smirnoff vodka, which was struggling to find a foothold in the American market. The Moscow Mule became the perfect vehicle for both Smirnoff and a new copper mug, which was underutilized in Morgan's establishment.

• Iconic Copper Mug: The use of the distinctive copper mug, emblazoned with the pub's logo, became a hallmark of the Moscow Mule and contributed to its enduring popularity.

Today, as with many classics there are non-alcoholic options designed to mimic cocktails which are at the forefront of the sober-curious movement.

Taste and Flavour Profile

The Ginger Mule offers a taste that's vibrant and refreshing, with a delightful zing:

• Ginger Beer Zest: The ginger beer infuses the cocktail with a lively, spicy kick, creating a refreshing effervescence and adding layers of ginger's unique earthy and citrusy notes.

• Lime Freshness: A generous squeeze of lime juice brightens the cocktail with a burst of citrusy freshness, perfectly complementing the vodka and ginger.

• Cucumber: Cucumber boasts a crisp and refreshingly mild taste, offering a subtle, clean, and slightly earthy flavour.

• Mint: Mint features a bright and invigorating taste, characterised by its cool, refreshing, and slightly peppery flavour with a subtle touch of herbal and citrus notes. 

The Ginger Mule stands as testament to the power of the inventive sober-curious movement, with a refreshing and invigorating taste that will withstand the test of time.

Food Pairings

The Ginger Mule's lively and zesty flavours make it a versatile match for various dishes:

• Spicy Cuisine: Pair with spicy foods like Thai, Indian, or Mexican dishes to complement the ginger beer's spice.

• Seafood: Oysters, shrimp, or ceviche accentuate the cocktail's refreshing qualities.

• Savoury Appetisers: Savoury snacks like sliders, nachos, or bruschetta are excellent choices for a pre-dinner cocktail hour.

• Light Fare: Salads, grilled chicken, or vegetable dishes enhance the cocktail's bright and crisp character.

Bar Equipment

• Muddler
• Jigger
• Cocktail shaker
• Mixing glass
• Copper Mug
• Fine grater
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine sieve

Ingredients

• 3cm piece of cucumber
• 1cm piece of ginger
• 6 mint leaves
• 15ml freshly squeezed lime juice
• 10ml Simple syrup*
• 160ml Ginger beer
• Mint sprig and cucumber slice to garnish

Method

• Dice the cucumber piece into 9 pieces and add to the mixing glass along with the mint leaves, lime juice and simple syrup
• Finely grate the ginger into the mixing glass
• Muddle until mashed and all the goodness has been expressed
• Fill the copper mug with ice and double strain the liquor into the copper mug
• Top with ginger beer and lightly stir
• Garnish with mint sprig and cucumber slice

*Simple syrup - 1 part sugar to one part water. Gently heat in a pan until sugar has dissolved and allow to cool

What's the Best Ginger Beer for a Ginger Mule?

The best ginger beer for a Moscow Mule cocktail should provide a balance of spicy and sweet flavors to complement the vodka and lime juice. Some popular ginger beer brands known for their quality and flavor that work well in Moscow Mules include:

• Fever-Tree Ginger Beer: This brand is often lauded for its natural ingredients and well-balanced sweetness and spiciness.

• Fentimans Ginger Beer: Complex, spicy and bold with aromatic herbal infusions, balanced by the sweetness of a hint of pear..

Ultimately, the best ginger beer for your Moscow Mule depends on your personal preference for the level of sweetness and spiciness you desire in your cocktail. You can try a few different brands to find the one that suits your taste. Keep in mind that using high-quality, natural ginger beer can elevate the overall Moscow Mule experience.