Paul Kushner
The Mezcal Mule is a bold and smoky rendition of the classic Moscow Mule. This Mexican cousin elevates the cocktail experience by introducing mezcal, a spirit distilled from the agave plant, known for its distinctive and robust smokiness.
Mezcal’s signature smoky essence becomes the focal point of this cocktail. The smokiness of mezcal intertwines seamlessly with the spiciness of ginger beer, creating a dance of flavors on the palate. The addition of lime juice and simple syrup adds layers of brightness and sweetness, resulting in a delicious and unique cocktail.
History
The Mezcal Mule is a modern variation of the classic Moscow Mule cocktail. The Moscow Mule was created in the 1940s by John Martin, the president of a company that sold Smirnoff vodka. Martin was struggling to sell his vodka, so he partnered with a friend who owned a ginger beer company and created the Moscow Mule as a way to promote both of their products.
The Mezcal Mule was created by Jim Meehan, a famous bartender and a pioneer in the craft cocktail movement. Meehan invented his version of a Mule cocktail when he worked for the famed NYC bar PDT. He swapped out the vodka in the Moscow Mule for Mezcal, a Mexican spirit made from the agave plant. Mezcal has a smoky flavor that pairs well with the ginger beer and lime juice in the cocktail.
Today, there are many variations of the Mezcal Mule, but the basic recipe remains the same. The cocktail is typically made with Mezcal, ginger beer, lime juice, and ice. Some bartenders add other ingredients like agave syrup or cucumber to give the cocktail a unique twist.
How to Make It
Mezcal Mule
Making a Mezcal Mule is easy and requires only a few ingredients. Here's what you need:
Ingredients
- 2 oz Mezcal
- 1 oz Lime juice
- Ginger beer, to top
- Ice
- Lime Wedge or Candied Ginger Garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug or rocks glass with ice.
- Add mezcal and lime juice to the glass.
- Top the glass with ginger beer and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or candied ginger, if desired.
Variations
If you’re a fan of the Mezcal Mule, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many variations of this classic cocktail that you can try. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is the cocktail that started it all. It’s made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, and is served in a copper mug. The Mezcal Mule is a variation of this classic cocktail that replaces the vodka with Mezcal, a smoky Mexican spirit that adds depth and complexity to the drink.
Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule is a variation of the Moscow Mule that uses bourbon instead of vodka. This gives the cocktail a richer, more complex flavor that pairs well with the spicy ginger ale.
Mexican Mule
The Mexican Mule is a variation of the Moscow Mule that uses tequila instead of vodka. This gives the cocktail a more herbal flavor that pairs well with the spicy ginger beer.
Mezcal Paloma
The Mezcal Paloma is a variation of the classic Paloma cocktail that uses Mezcal instead of tequila. This gives the cocktail a smoky flavor that pairs well with the sweet grapefruit juice.
Gin Gin Mule
The Gin Gin Mule is a variation of the Moscow Mule that uses gin instead of vodka. This gives the cocktail a more floral flavor that pairs well with the spicy ginger beer.
Irish Mule
The Irish Mule is a variation of the Moscow Mule that uses Irish whiskey instead of vodka. This gives the cocktail a rich, complex flavor that pairs well with the spicy ginger beer.
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