Summer is practically here. That means - backyard season is upon us! When it's hot, humid, and the mosquitos are buzzing this is the cocktail I lend towards. Moscow mules have become quite the craze at most bar scenes, but trust me - they are even better when enjoyed outside, in a lawn chair.
So how do you make the perfect mule? For starters, I prefer to ditch the copper mugs (faux pas, maybe, but I dislike their metallic taste). I also strongly believe in simple syrups. In this case, a ginger simple syrup will easily elevate your mule. I use David Lebovitz's recipe for a Fresh Ginger Syrup, and also like to buy candied ginger for a little extra zing.
For those who just want to keep it simple, mixing vodka and ginger beer with the juice from half a lime is still a delicious drink itself.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
4-6 oz ginger beer
1 tbs ginger simple syrup
muddled candied ginger
half a lime
Muddle the candied ginger in the bottom of your glass. Fill the glass with ice. Add vodka and simple syrup, then top off with the ginger beer. Juice your lime over the top and then toss it in. Stir and drink up!