ខ្មែរ
English
The Moscow Mule was created to move idle vodka stock in America, mixed together with ginger beer and lime. Saddled up in the 1940s, this Mule became an unlikely copper-cupped classic. And, as we all know, where vodka goes, other spirits follow, paving the way for new (and even more popular) takes. Like this Mexican Mule. What makes it Mexican? The tequila, of course.
Now, take all you know about the Moscow Mule… and keep it that way. We’re not changing much here – the first Mule worked hard so the others didn’t have to. This drink was created by Worldwide Cocktail Club founders (yes, this is a real club) Henry Besant and Dre Masso. Keen tequila advocates, the London-based bartenders backed the spirit so much, they even created their own brand. Recognise Olmeca Altos? That’s their tequila, made in partnership with master distiller Jesús Hernández. So, yes, these guys are more than qualified to endorse a tequila sub, and even a new name.
Often referred to as El Burro, the Spanish translation for donkey, the core of this cocktail remains the same – smooth tequila, together with its right arm, lime, rounded out with the spicy sweetness of ginger beer. And don’t forget plenty of ice – you’ve got to cool down this hard-working mule. Or you can get fancy, like we have here, and use a Collins spear to sit in your glass.
Ingredients
• 60mL tequila
• 15mL fresh lime juice
• 90mL-120mL ginger beer (top to your liking)
• Glass: highball
• Garnish: lime wedge and crystallised ginger
Method
1. Add all ingredients to a highball or tall glass
2. Stir briefly but carefully so you don’t ruin the fizz
3. Fill the glass with cubed ice
4. Garnish with a lime wedge and crystallised ginger
Top tips
This is a wonderfully simple cocktail, and it can stay that way. We’ve said it before and we’ll keep saying it – just make sure you’re squeezing the lime juice fresh. As a three-ingredient cocktail, you’ll definitely taste the difference.
If you don’t mind a shake, this can certainly be done to bring a little more aeration to the tequila-lime base (this will also make it closer to the original), but be sure to leave the ginger beer out for that step. Better yet, do it all with a balancing dash of bitters before straining into an ice-packed glass and topping it up with the ginger beer. Keep the garnishes mirroring the ingredients, or add on a tiny bouquet of mint for extra freshness.
Big fan of Mules? There are plenty more versions to try. Vodka and tequila are the pack leaders, but you can also try it with whisky, rum, gin, or whichever spirit you normally go for.
