Mezcal Mule Cocktail: A Tropical Twist On A Classic

The Mezcal Mule is a tantalizing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, featuring the smoky allure of mezcal paired with the zesty brightness of lime and the exotic sweetness of passion fruit.

This cocktail blends traditional elements with a modern flair, creating a refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion.

Here’s how to make this yummy adaption of a classic, with measurements in both ounces and milliliters for all cocktail lovers.

Mezcal Mule Ingredients:

• Cucumber Slices (3): Adds a crisp, refreshing element.
• Agave Nectar (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): Provides natural sweetness to balance the acidity and smokiness.
• Sombra Mezcal (1 1/2 ounces / 45 ml): Offers a robust, smoky base that distinguishes the cocktail from its vodka-based cousin.
• Lime Juice (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml, freshly squeezed): Contributes a sharp, tangy contrast to the mezcal’s depth.
• Boiron Passion Fruit Puree (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml): Introduces a tropical sweetness that complements the cocktail’s complex flavors.
• Ginger Beer (chilled): To top, adding a spicy fizz that elevates the drink.
• Garnishes: A cucumber slice and a piece of candied ginger for a mix of freshness and sweet spice, topped with a pinch of chile powder for an extra kick.

Mezcal Mule Recipe:

1. Muddle Cucumber and Agave: Begin by placing 3 cucumber slices into a shaker. Add 15 ml (1/2 ounce) of agave nectar and muddle these ingredients together to release the cucumber’s refreshing essence and blend it with the sweetness of the agave.
2. Combine and Shake: To the muddled mixture, add 45 ml (1 1/2 ounces) of Sombra mezcal, 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) of freshly squeezed lime juice, and 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) of Boiron passion fruit puree. Fill the shaker with ice, ensuring there’s enough to chill the ingredients effectively. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled, which should take about 15 seconds.
3. Strain and Serve: Strain the chilled cocktail into a copper mug (or rocks glass) filled with fresh ice. This ensures that the drink maintains its cold temperature and optimal flavor profile.
4. Top with Ginger Beer: Gently top the mixture with chilled ginger beer, filling the glass to just below the rim. The ginger beer adds a sparkling, spicy dimension that complements the smoky and fruity notes of the cocktail.
5. Garnish: Embellish the drink with a fresh cucumber slice and a piece of candied ginger. These garnishes enhance the visual appeal and offer a nod to the drink’s flavor components. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of chile powder over the top, adding a subtle heat that ties all the flavors together.

The Mezcal Mule Cocktail – In Detail

The Moscow Mule, with its iconic blend of vodka, ginger beer, and lime, stands as a global favorite among cocktails, appealing even to those who might not typically venture into mixed drinks. However, the classic recipe invites innovation, leading to a myriad of variations over the years. Among these, the Mezcal Mule, a creation by the renowned bartender Jim Meehan, stands out as a particularly inspired reinterpretation of the traditional formula.

The inception of the mezcal twist on the Moscow Mule isn’t precisely documented, but the trend of substituting the original’s vodka with different spirits gained traction around the early 2000s.

Notably, Audrey Saunders introduced the Gin-Gin Mule at her New York bar, Pegu Club, as a bridge for vodka enthusiasts to explore gin, while the Kentucky Mule replaced vodka with bourbon, catering to whiskey aficionados. Yet, it was Meehan’s Mezcal Mule that truly expanded the cocktail’s horizons.

Crafted at PDT, the celebrated New York establishment, Meehan’s version maintains the core of mezcal, ginger beer, and lime, then elevates the concoction with the addition of passion fruit purée for a tart, tropical sweetness, and muddled cucumber for a crisp, fragrant dimension.

Garnished with cucumber and candied ginger—serving both as decorative elements and tasty morsels—the drink is finished with a sprinkle of chile powder. This not only introduces a spicy kick with each sip but also enhances the ginger’s warmth and the mezcal’s smoky potency.

While the Mezcal Mule ventures beyond the confines of the classic vodka-based mule, it retains enough familiar elements to satisfy purists, offering a refreshing and complex alternative that respects its origins.

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