The floral flavors of gin come alive in this bright and crisp cocktail, craft a Moscow Mule with gin for a refreshing twist on a classic.

Perhaps you don't have vodka on hand, or maybe you just enjoy the complex flavors of gin best. Either way, this easy cocktail is sure to excite your tastebuds. Whether you call it a gin Moscow mule, gin-gin mule, or a London mule, it simply tastes great!

What is it?

A traditional Moscow Mule is a modern classic cocktail comprised of vodka, lime, and ginger beer served ice cold in a copper mug. This vodka drink is occasionally referred to as a vodka buck. The original Moscow Mule was invented at Hollywood's Cock 'N' Bull bar in 1941 when the owner was struggling to sell cases of vodka and ginger beer. The bartender crafted the original recipe simply as an attempt to clear out inventory.

As with any popular cocktails, variations quickly pop up. Any gin lover will enjoy making a Moscow Mule with gin for the different flavors this more complex liquor provides over vodka, which is a pretty neutral spirit. Mint leaves pair beautifully with the floral flavors of most gins, and a dash of simple syrup provides added sweetness.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Fresh mint leaves - To take the flavor in a different direction, try a fresh rosemary sprig instead.
• Lime Juice - You can use lemon juice in a pinch, but I strongly recommend sticking with lime juice.
• Simple Syrup - Simple syrup is easy to make, as it is a mixture of equal parts sugar and water that is simmered together to make a sweet syrup for cocktails.
• Gin - Regular gin or dry gin can be used. Moscow mules are traditionally made with vodka, which would obviously be a good substitute. Add more or less liquor to fit your tastes.
• Ginger Beer - Ginger ale can be substituted, but you can expect it to have a more intense flavor than ginger beer.
• Copper Mug - This cocktail is traditionally served in a copper plated mug. Serving the drink in 100% copper mugs is illegal in some states, such as Iowa, in fear of copper poisoning from the reaction of the copper and the acidic drink.

The famous copper mugs served with the classic Moscow Mule were the result of a Russian immigrant's attempt to sell almost worthless copper mugs she had made in Russia. Luckily the Cock 'N' Bull purchased them from her in an attempt to make their popular new cocktail stand out.

How to make it

To make this gin mule recipe, add your sprig of mint leaves, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker and muddle together. Then pour the mixture into your copper mug filled with ice.

Add the gin and top the remainder of the mug with ginger beer. Serve your gin cocktail immediately garnished with a lime wedge and fresh mint.

Tip: You can muddle everything together in the mug, but you risk small pieces of leaves being left in the drink, which is why the best way to make mule cocktails is using a cocktail shaker.

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This recipe was originally published on November 30, 2018, here on FoxValleyFoodie.com.

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