When it comes to classic cocktails almost all are variations of a gin version. However, with the mule, the vodka version came first and then the gin mule came off of that. However, the gin mule isn’t an exact replica of a Moscow Mule. Instead, it is more of a hybrid cocktail between a Moscow Mule and a mojito. It lends itself to be a refreshing cocktail option with a unique flavor palette. It’s also incredibly easy to make.
Much like the Moscow Mule, the ginger beer of the cocktail takes center stage, so ideally you’ll go with a gin that provides the alcoholic punch without fully dominating the flavor. Due to this, you’ll likely want a mild gin that is a bit tamer with the juniper (although always go with the gin that works best with your own taste buds).
Gin Mule - The Perfect Classic Recipe
Prep time
3 Minutes
Serves
1
DESCRIPTION
Much like the Moscow Mule, the ginger beer of the cocktail takes center stage, so ideally you’ll go with a gin that provides the alcoholic punch without fully dominating the flavor. Due to this, you’ll likely want a mild gin that is a bit tamer with the juniper (although always go with the gin that works best with your own taste buds).
INGREDIENTS
1.5oz Gin
1 Bottle of ginger beer
1oz Simple syrup
3/4oz Fresh squeezed lime juice
8 mint leaves plus more for garnishing
INSTRUCTIONS
To make the gin mule you want to add the eight mint leaves and muddle it in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the lime juice and the simple syrup to the muddled mint. Now, add the gin and shake.
Strain the combination into a highball glass filled with ice. Top off the remaining space in the glass with ginger beer, then add a garnish of a wedge of lime and a sprig of mint.
If you like additional mint in your glass, don’t muddle in a cocktail shaker but instead muddle the mint in the highball glass, then after all the ingredients have been added to the cocktail slice a shaker over top and shake. This way you’ll still have the mint leaves (if you don’t like the bruising of the gin you may decide to stir the combination with a cocktail stirrer inside the highball glass).
The quality of both the gin and the ginger beer is important here. You may need to do a bit of experimentation and sampling. Some ginger beers are relatively flat without much flavor. There are a number of great ginger beers out there, including some imports.
NUTRITION FACTS
calories - 1320
carbohydrate - 15g
fat - 0g
sugar - 13g
Best Gin For a Gin Mule
Ideally, you’ll want a gin that doesn’t stand in the way of the ginger and mint taste of this cocktail. The ginger and mint are what helps separate this cocktail from other warm weather beverages.
Gin stands out from other spirits though with the overall taste. Some gins are mild with subtle botanical flavors, others are strong with heavy juniper tastes. Then there are others that will have an earthy, citrus taste to it. The best way to pick out the gin that’s right for you is to know what gin you already like (or what kind you don’t like). If you have access to it attend a gin sampling offered by a local restaurant or grocery store (large liquor stores will often provide tasting classes for a variety of liqueurs, including gin). This way, you won’t need to go out and purchase a dozen gins to find out the flavor consistency you like.
With that said, you have enough carbonation and ginger going on with this cocktail you don’t need the heavy juniper flavor. Vine Pair has a number of gin recommendations for this kind of a cocktail. The reviewers refer to these gins as “gins for gin haters, “but in reality, they mean gin without the strong juniper, which is perfect for this cocktail. Some of the recommended gins are Barr Hill (which is post sweetened), BombaySapphireEast, Portobello Road, and Monkey 47.
Gin Mule Variations
The gin mule is already a variation of the Moscow Mule. However, there is plenty you can do with the gin mule while keeping gin in the cocktail. So whether you mix up the gin you use or keep the alcohol consistent while you check out these different variations, there are plenty of alternative options to try whenever sampling a new cocktail creation.
Sparkling Grapefruit Gin Mule
This is a great alternative if you’re not a big ginger fan or if you’d like to liven the cocktail up with a burst of freshness. To bring carbonation into the cocktail the sparkling grapefruit gin mule uses not only grapefruit juice but sweet sparkling wine. That helps make the sparkling grapefruit gin mule not just a fresh alternative, but it converts it into an almost mimosa variation. So if you’re a fan of mimosas or grapefruit, this is a cocktail to check out.
The apple gin mule brings a nice fresh take on the mule. There is a tartness to the apples that will really enhance your enjoyment. You also have a few ingredient options to choose from. First, you can use an apple juice or even a hard apple cider for the carbonation. You can also use traditional apple cider, which will give you an additional tartness that isn’t found in apple juice. If you choose to go with an apple cider that helps make the apple gin mule a perfect fall drink (especially if out tailgating for a sporting event during the fall). If you plan on garnishing the cocktail just make sure to cut the apples and then serve immediately. If you don’t the apples will brown.
Sometimes there’s nothing like the taste of peach. The peach and gin mule gives you an excellent taste combination for this cocktail. The standard version of this drink does use lime juice and then ginger beer. However, you can use a sparkling peach soda instead if you’d like to go more peach specific. Naturally, it’s up to you and your own experimenting to find out what you like.
Sloe gin is an interesting offshoot of traditional gin. It is made using the sloe berries, which are primarily found in parts of the United Kingdom. You probably haven’t heard of anyone consuming sloe berries because on its own the sloe berries are not appealing (even though the berry itself looks especially inviting). So while still technically a gin, the alcohol content is lower and it has a significantly different taste. If you haven’t had sloe gin before you should sample it as-is before diving into any kind of sloe gin cocktail. This particular gin mule is the same as any other gin mule, only instead of using a more traditional gin, you’ll be using the sloe gin. Should you discover you like sloe gin you’ll be able to create all kinds of new cocktail alternatives with sloe gin over regular gin, including the sloe gin mule.
When it comes to refreshing, few ingredients are able to compete with cucumber. Combine it with celery and you have a clean cocktail that will make you want to kick back and enjoy life. With this cocktail, you’ll be using a celery syrup, which gives a hint of both clean celery and of sweetness. Add on top the cucumber and you have a great beginning to an excellent cocktail. If you enjoy cucumber cocktails this is a must. If you haven’t had a cucumber cocktail before you owe it to yourself to try the celery and cucumber gin mule out.
If you’re looking for even more cocktail inspiration, be sure to check out our cocktail section on the website for even more delicious drink ideas. Happy sipping!
3 Minutes
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