A Seasonal Twist on the Moscow Mule
The traditional Moscow Mule is a type of cocktail known as a buck, identified by the use of ginger beer. This drink is traditionally concocted of vodka, ginger beer, and lime over ice, and served in a cold copper mug. Its name is a nod to its vodka base and not the recipe’s land of origin.
Variations of buck cocktails are said to have originated as early as the 1890s but the Moscow Mule came to be in the early 1940s in the United States. It was simply a campaign to move unsold inventory of both ginger beer and vodka but it gained popularity, helping vodka overtake whiskey and gin as preferred spirits of the time.
You can choose any vodka you’d like for this cocktail. Placing more attention on the ginger beer you select is the key as it will heavily influence the overall taste of your drink. Serving your Mule in a copper mug will keep the contents colder longer but they aren’t required to enjoy this drink. And while the traditional version of this cocktail can be enjoyed year-round, we couldn’t help but add a little holiday spice with some Sweetie Pie Chai Simple Syrup and lemon instead of lime. The Sweetie Pie Chai from Piper & Leaf Co. has hints of cinnamon, candied sweet potato, and clove bringing the smell and taste of the holidays into this Mule recipe.
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- Sweetie Pie Chai Loose Leaf Tea
- Pumpkin Moonshine Loose Leaf Tea
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- Dessert Tea Gift Set
- Tea Ball Infuser
RECIPE
- Chai simple syrup
- 3-4 bags Sweetie Pie Chai tea (or your preferred Chai tea)
- 1 c. water
- 1 c. granulated white, brown sugar, or honey
- Sweetie Pie Chai Mule Cocktail
- Chai simple syrup
- Ginger beer of your choice
- Vodka of your choice
- Fresh lemon juice
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg, or a Cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS
To make the Sweetie Pie Chai Simple Syrup:
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a pot, remove from heat, and steep tea bags in the water for 7-9 minutes.
Remove tea bags and add 1 cup of sugar into the pot. Bring mixture to a low simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Store and serve in an easy-to-pour bottle.
Syrups will keep in the fridge for 1 month. You can extend their shelf-life by adding a splash of high-proof vodka or pure grain alcohol.
To make the Sweetie Pie Chai Spiced Mule:
Combine 2 oz vodka, 1.5oz Sweetie Pie Chai Simple Syrup, and 0.5 oz lemon juice, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake, then strain into a copper mug filled with ice. Alternatively, you can add all liquids directly into your copper mugs and stir to combine.
Top off with ginger beer, then garnish with your choice of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or a cinnamon stick.
LOVE THIS RECIPE?
If cocktails are your thing, check out these recipes:
- Herbal Simple Syrup
- Autumn Vodka Tonic with Tea-Infused Vodka
- Winter Hot Toddy
- Tulum Sunrise Cocktail
- That’s Fashion Smash Cocktail Recipe
Corinne is a creative and content creator who likes to stay curious about life. Her favorite season is Summer, when she can take up more outdoor adventures from hiking to motorcycle rides.
