A mule is a classic cocktail that is made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. The key ingredient that defines a mule is the vodka – it’s typically made with an unflavored vodka rather than a flavored one. Here’s a quick overview of what vodka goes into a mule:
Vodka
Traditionally, a mule is made with a plain, unflavored vodka. Some popular vodkas used include:
- Tito’s
- Smirnoff
- Absolut
- Grey Goose
- Ketel One
- Belvedere
The neutral taste of plain vodka allows the ginger beer and lime flavors to come through. Using a flavored vodka like citrus or raspberry vodka would compete with those flavors. An unflavored vodka is ideal for highlighting the ginger and lime notes.
Why Vodka?
Vodka is the base spirit used in a mule for a few key reasons:
- It has a neutral flavor that won’t compete with ginger beer and lime
- It has a smooth taste that mixes cleanly with the other ingredients
- It has a relatively low alcohol content, allowing the ginger beer flavor to come through
Gin or rum would typically overpower the ginger beer and lime flavors. The crisp, neutral taste of vodka makes it the perfect spirit for balancing out a mule.
Flavored Vodka?
While flavored vodkas like raspberry or orange are sometimes used, traditionalists believe this detracts from the pure flavors of ginger and lime that make a mule so refreshing. Using a flavored vodka like cake or vanilla would result in a very sweet, sugary drink that doesn’t highlight the spicy ginger and tart lime.
However, using flavored vodka won’t necessarily “ruin” a mule – it just changes up the flavor profile. If you enjoy sweeter, fruitier drinks, flavored vodka like citrus or grapefruit can put a fun spin on the classic mule recipe.
Making the Perfect Mule
Here is a basic recipe for making the perfect mule:
- 2 oz unflavored vodka
- 4-6 oz ginger beer
- Squeeze of fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Lime wheel garnish
Add plenty of ice to a copper mug or highball glass. Pour in the vodka, followed by the ginger beer. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and gently stir. Garnish with a lime wheel. The ideal ratio is 2 parts ginger beer to 1 part vodka. Adjust amounts to taste preference.
Popular Mule Variations
While vodka is the most common, various spirits can be used to create fun twists on a mule. Some popular variations include:
| Mule Name | Base Spirit |
|---|---|
| Kentucky Mule | Bourbon |
| Mexican Mule | Tequila |
| London Mule | Gin |
| Dark and Stormy | Dark Rum |
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different spirits as the base! The ginger beer and lime add delightful flavor no matter what alcohol you use.
Why So Popular?
Mules have become hugely popular cocktails because they offer the perfect balance of flavors and ingredients:
- Refreshing ginger beer provides a spicy, zesty kick
- Bright lime adds a touch of tart citrus
- Vodka serves as a crisp, clean base spirit
- Simple, minimal ingredients allows flavors to shine
The combination is both flavorful and easy-drinking – an ideal cocktail! Mules are refreshing enough for summer yet warming enough for winter due to the ginger beer. They can be enjoyed year-round.
A Cocktail with History
The mule cocktail has an interesting history going back to the 1800s:
- Invented in the late 1800s in Moscow
- Called “Moscow Mules” due to vodka and ginger beer
- Served in signature copper mugs
- Popularized in the U.S. during the 1940’s
- Regained popularity recently as a versatile classic
The mule has weaved in and out of cocktail trends over the past century and remains a beloved drink today.
Is Vodka Required?
While vodka is traditional, the base spirit can be customized based on preference. Gin, rum, tequila and even bourbon work well in mules too. The key is using an unflavored or lightly flavored spirit to allow the ginger beer and lime to shine.
Ultimately, the defining ingredients of a mule are ginger beer and lime juice – the spirit base just needs to complement those flavors. So feel free to swap vodka for gin or rum and still achieve a tasty mule!
Conclusion
In summary, a traditional mule is made with plain, unflavored vodka to balance the ginger beer and lime flavors. Using a flavored vodka will alter the flavor profile. While vodka is standard, gin, rum, tequila or whiskey can also be used to put a creative spin on a mule cocktail. No matter what base spirit you use, mules offer a refreshing, crowd-pleasing combination of flavors!