Summer time and Moscow Mules are made for each other!
When Jessica from Moscow Muled (Moscow Mule Mugs) contacted me I thought the timing was perfect. I had been working on a Scandinavian version of the Moscow Mule, spring time was coming and she offered to send me a couple of mugs to try out. That was in April. Between travel for both of us and a broken ankle for me, it’s now July and and I’m finally posting.
Things don’t always worked out as planned, but the days are long and hot and it’s the best time of the year for an ice cold drink, especially one as refreshing as a Mule. So maybe they did work out for the best.
If this drink were an “As Seen on TV” I’d have to say it’s for a limited time only. Oh you can get the mugs anytime (you really should, they are super high quality and have a nickle lining so the copper won’t leach into the drink), but the pine needles…that’s limited. I will wax poetic for a moment on the mugs!
I personally love the hammered look, you can find that in plenty of mugs but they are the “look”, these are Artisan mugs and hand hammered. What I haven’t found before in a mule mug is the perfect size. These are exactly right, they hold a lot of ice and still have room for lots muley goodness. The other very notable thing is the handles, you can actually fit your had in them (I can fit 4 fingers, Lonnie can fit 3 fingers). The shape at the top and bottom are perfect for resting the thumb, and if you can only fit 3 fingers in the handle, the bottom is perfectly shaped to comfortable seat your pinky. Plus they are welded on (no rivets), that equals durability and quality. They are worthy of one of my craft cocktails!
For this drink I did a pine needle syrup (you can get the recipe here) with some local Montana juniper berry that a very sweet reader collected, washed and sent to me. I’m almost out…hint, hint. I also used a local Aquavit from Montgomery Distillery, it has a distinct caraway flavor which is a perfect match to the forest tasting Viking Mule.
While a ‘forest’ tasting cocktail may sound odd to you, it is surprising delicious and subtle. Think rosemary and gin, a couple of other forest-y tasting items. While the pine needle syrup takes a good 24 hours (mostly unattended), the drink comes together rather easily. I love the lime with it, the acid off-sets the pine/juniper/caraway flavors. The drink is mildly sweet with a tangy finish which makes it so refreshing.
Brand new adorable plate!
If you are interested in ordering these mugs (which are a very reasonable $12.50 each) you can get 10% off by entering code: cocktails10.
What is your favorite kind of mule, are you a traditionalist or do you like to explore new tastes like the Vikings?
- 1 1/2 ounces chilled Aquavit
- 1 ounce Pine Needle syrup
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 cup Ginger Beer
- Fresh Mint (optional)
- Fresh lime slices, garnish
- Fresh Rosemary sprigs, garnish
- If using mint, tear or muddle the mint in the mug first. Fill the mug with ice, pour over aquavit, pine needle syrup and lime juice, stir to blend. Top with ginger beer and garnish.
Also a little shout out to my Baby Boy! Happy 24th Birthday! (Not sure if I should announce his age…it dates me 😉
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