Home Drink Menu Open main menu

Moonshine Mule Drink recipe

Highball glass

Get a kick out of our Moonshine Mule recipe! Made with Big Emperor Moonshine, fresh lemon juice, and bubbly ginger ale soda, this highball glass concoction is perfect for those looking to spice up their bartending skills. Crush your ice, mix your ingredients, and enjoy a refreshing sip of the South. Perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike!


Moonshine Mule Ingredients

Moonshine Mule Equipment

  • juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice

Moonshine Mule Recipe

  1. optionally make fresh Lemon juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
  2. stir the ingredients together with ice
  3. prepare Highball glass full with ice

Recommend: serve in Highball glass

The highball (or hi-ball) and collins glasses have a lot in common. They can both be used for tall beverages and hold the same amount of liquid, which can range from 8 to 16 ounces.

The Moonshine Mule: A Classic Cocktail with a Southern Twist

As a professional bartender, I've had the pleasure of serving countless cocktails. From classic drinks like the Old Fashioned to modern creations like the Espresso Martini, I've seen it all. But one cocktail that always stands out is the Moonshine Mule. This Southern twist on the classic Moscow Mule has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. In this post, we'll explore the history and origins of the Moonshine Mule, the role of its ingredients, how to garnish it, its variations, common mistakes when making it, and much more.

Popularity

The Moonshine Mule is a cocktail that has gained popularity in the United States, particularly in the Southern states. Its history can be traced back to the early 1940s when the Moscow Mule was first introduced. The Moscow Mule is a cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, served in a copper mug. It became popular in the 1950s and 1960s, and today it remains a classic cocktail.

The Moonshine Mule is a variation of the Moscow Mule that substitutes vodka with moonshine, a type of high-proof distilled spirit that is usually made from corn. Moonshine has a long history in the Southern states of the United States, where it was once made illegally during the Prohibition era. Today, moonshine is legal in many parts of the country and has become a popular ingredient in cocktails like the Moonshine Mule.

The Moonshine Mule is famous for its unique flavor profile, which combines the sweetness of moonshine with the spicy kick of ginger ale. It is also known for its refreshing taste, making it a perfect drink for hot summer days.

Ingredient Roles

The Moonshine Mule is a simple cocktail that requires only a few ingredients. The main ingredient is moonshine, which gives the cocktail its unique flavor. Lemon juice is added to balance out the sweetness of the moonshine, while ginger ale soda adds the spicy kick that makes the cocktail so popular.

When it comes to the role of ingredients, it's important to note that the quality of the ingredients can make a big difference in the final taste of the cocktail. For moonshine, I recommend using a high-quality brand like Big Emperor, which is known for its smooth and flavorful taste. For lemon juice, I recommend using fresh-squeezed juice rather than bottled juice, as fresh juice will give the cocktail a brighter and more vibrant taste. For ginger ale soda, I recommend using a high-quality brand like Schweppes or Canada Dry, as these brands have a more pronounced ginger flavor that will complement the moonshine well.

How to Garnish

The Moonshine Mule is typically served in a highball glass, which is a tall and narrow glass that holds around 8-12 ounces of liquid. To garnish the cocktail, you can add a slice of lime or lemon to the rim of the glass, which will add a pop of color and flavor to the drink. You can also add a sprig of fresh mint to the glass, which will give the cocktail a refreshing aroma.

Variations

There are many variations of the Moonshine Mule that you can try, depending on your preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some popular variations:

Virgin/Mocktail Version

To make a virgin or mocktail version of the Moonshine Mule, simply omit the moonshine and replace it with ginger ale soda. You can also add a splash of grapefruit juice or cranberry juice to give the cocktail a fruity twist.

Gluten-Free Version

If you have a gluten intolerance or allergy, you can use gluten-free ginger beer instead of ginger ale soda. Brands like Reed's and Fever-Tree offer gluten-free versions of their ginger beer that are perfect for this cocktail.

Vegan Version

To make a vegan version of the Moonshine Mule, simply make sure that the moonshine you are using is vegan-friendly. Many moonshine brands are made using animal-based products like gelatin, so be sure to check the label before purchasing.

Keto Version

For a keto-friendly version of the Moonshine Mule, use a sugar-free ginger ale soda like Zevia or Diet Schweppes. You can also use a low-carb sweetener like Stevia to sweeten the cocktail.

Low-Calorie Version

To make a low-calorie version of the Moonshine Mule, use a diet ginger ale soda like Diet Canada Dry or Sprite Zero. You can also use a low-calorie sweetener like Splenda to sweeten the cocktail.

Common Mistakes when Making

While the Moonshine Mule is a simple cocktail to make, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid. Here are a few:

Using Low-Quality Moonshine

As I mentioned earlier, the quality of the moonshine you use can make a big difference in the final taste of the cocktail. Using low-quality moonshine can result in a harsh and unpleasant taste.

Using Bottled Lemon Juice

Bottled lemon juice is often less flavorful than fresh-squeezed juice, which can result in a lackluster cocktail. Always use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for the best results.

Using Too Much Ginger Ale Soda

While the spicy kick of ginger ale soda is what makes the Moonshine Mule so popular, using too much can overpower the other flavors in the cocktail. Be sure to use the recommended amount of ginger ale soda for the best balance of flavors.

Not Garnishing the Cocktail

While garnishing the cocktail is optional, it can add a pop of color and flavor that will enhance the overall experience of the drink. Be sure to add a slice of lime or lemon, or a sprig of fresh mint, to give the cocktail a finishing touch.

In conclusion, the Moonshine Mule is a classic cocktail with a Southern twist that has gained popularity in recent years. Its unique flavor profile, refreshing taste, and simple ingredients make it a perfect drink for any occasion. Whether you prefer the classic version or one of the many variations, the Moonshine Mule is a cocktail that is sure to please.

If you are going to order Moonshine Mule in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Moonshine Mule can be served with different ingredients in different places.