GREAT MINDS DRINK ALIKE - THE GEORGIA MULE
Hello, curious reader. You might have expected to come here and read something I’ve written, but this post is unlike the others. This post is something different called Great Minds Drink Alike, a series that explores the spectrum of cocktail hour and is co-authored by my eloquent brother, Joey. I have to say, I’m almost too excited to see where our creative (and thirsty) palates will take us with this series. And, it's only fitting that we came up with the idea over a drink.
Since Joey lives in San Diego, it’ll be a fun way to for us to keep in touch as we trade off cocktail recipes for the other to recreate (and inevitably tweak). And you'll get some sort of literary dueling pianos scenario, but with liquor mixed in. Sounds like a good time, right? If you can’t tell who’s saying what, just pay attention to the color of the text. Grey=Becca, Blue=Joey.
HOMETOWN FLAVORS
This is a twist on the famous Moscow Mule, a drink that calls for vodka, ginger ale, and lime juice. The copper mug has one easily conceived of benefit, maintaining a cooler temperature, as well as a number of other, more dubious benefits. It's a pretty cool way to drink a cocktail. More interesting Moscow Mule tidbits here. This drink was perfect for Christmas, but mostly because we had a swath of unseasonably warm days--it was what, 75 on Christmas Eve? I like the addition of peaches, which gives the drink some sweetness to balance out the ginger kick. Which again is why a stronger, spicier ginger flavor (e.g. Blenheim) works best. Also, this drink is strong (3 oz of alcohol) so please enjoy in moderation.
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The Moscow Mule has been one of my favorite cocktails lately, you just can't go wrong with that spicy ginger flavor. I've had many renditions, but the Georgia Mule is by far my favorite. There's something wonderfully warm about it, and the peachy flavor adds the perfect hometown touch.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Ingredients (serves one)
2 oz. Vodka (I prefer Ballast Point Fugu, which may not be available outside of San Diego)
1 oz. Peach Schnapps (we used DeKuyper Peachtree) 6 oz. Ginger Ale (We used Fever Tree, I prefer Blenheim's Hot -Red Cap- if you can get it) 1/2 oz. Peach Jam (fresh peaches muddled with simple syrup would work if they were in season) Juice of 1/2 of a lime Crushed Ice (ideally in one of these, apparently called a Lewis Bag) |
STEP 1
Crush your ice. We used a gallon ziploc and a meat tenderized. Using a canvas Lewis Bag along with a wooden mallet (an elegant weapon for a more civilized age, if ever there was one) is, apparently, better. Mostly because the canvas wicks the moisture from the ice, meaning you're only adding ice, not extra water, to the drink. OK.
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STEP 2
Add lime juice, jam, schnapps, and vodka to a cocktail shaker.
Shake vigorously, about thirty seconds.
STEP 3
Strain the shaker over crushed ice into a copper mule mug. The idea here is to get out any unwanted gelatin or fruit pieces.
We borrowed our mom's Tervis tumbler cocktail shaker top, one of my favorite kitchen gadgets! We have an extensive collection of Tervis-ware in my family. Also, in this picture you can see the frostiness on the copper mug. These glasses get cold quickly and stay that way because copper is an excellent conductor. Science!
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STEP 4
Pour in the ginger ale. Stir to combine. Garnish with a lime if you're feeling fancy.
(when it comes to cocktails, I'm always feeling fancy)
So there you have it! Go forth, make haste, indulge yourself in the refreshing concoction that is the Georgia Mule. This cocktail is seriously too good for you to not try it yourself. I've had a peach version of a mule out at a couple of bars, but they really don't come close to this recipe. I think it's the peach schnapps (and the jam!) that really do it, substituting with peach flavored vodka just dilutes the true fresh flavors. I'd take a round of homemade mules with family over a knock-off version any day. Huge props to Joey for creating these!
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We'll be shaking up plenty more creative libations as this series continues, but in the mean time you can help spread the goodness by sharing this recipe with those you like to drink with best.