Mix up your bartending game with our Shanghai Mule recipe! This sweet and tangy concoction combines Stolichnaya raspberry vodka, lychee liqueur, and fresh strawberry and lime juices. Add a splash of pineapple juice, gomme syrup, and top it off with ginger beer for a refreshing twist. Don't have a muddler? No problem! A wooden spoon will do the trick. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make and delicious drink.
Shanghai Mule Ingredients
- 50 ml Stolichnaya raspberry vodka
- 25 ml lychee liqueur
- 5 Strawberries
- 1/2 fresh Lime juice
- 50 ml Pineapple Juice
- of Gomme Syrup
- Ginger beer
Shanghai Mule Equipment
- muddler - don't give up when you don't have one, wooden spoon will save you
- juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice
Shanghai Mule Recipe
- optionally make fresh Lime juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
- mix ingredients together
- serve in glass
- top up with Ginger beer
The Shanghai Mule: A Guide to Making and Enjoying this Popular Cocktail
If you're a fan of vodka and ginger beer cocktails, then you've probably heard of the Moscow Mule. But have you tried its fruity cousin, the Shanghai Mule? This delicious and refreshing cocktail is perfect for any occasion, and is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. In this guide, we'll walk you through the history and popularity of the Shanghai Mule, its ingredient roles, how to garnish it, and various variations to try out.
Popularity
The Shanghai Mule is a relatively new cocktail, having been created in the early 2000s. It's a fruity twist on the classic Moscow Mule, which was first invented in the 1940s. The Moscow Mule was made famous by its signature copper mug, which not only looked stylish but also kept the drink cold. The Shanghai Mule is typically served in a highball glass, with a strawberry garnish.
The cocktail has gained popularity not only for its refreshing taste, but also for its versatility. The fruity flavors of the lychee liqueur and pineapple juice add a sweet and tangy twist to the traditional Moscow Mule recipe. The Shanghai Mule has also gained recognition for its bright pink color, making it a popular drink for special occasions, such as weddings and bachelorette parties.
Ingredient Roles
To make a Shanghai Mule, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 50 ml Stolichnaya raspberry vodka
- 25 ml lychee liqueur
- 5 strawberries
- 1/2 fresh lime juice
- 50 ml pineapple juice
- 10 ml gomme syrup
- Ginger beer
The Stolichnaya raspberry vodka is the star of the show, providing the cocktail with its signature raspberry flavor. The lychee liqueur adds a fruity sweetness, while the strawberries and pineapple juice provide a tropical twist. The lime juice adds a refreshing tartness, and the gomme syrup balances out the flavors with a touch of sweetness. Finally, the ginger beer adds a spicy kick and a fizzy finish to the cocktail.
How to Garnish
To garnish your Shanghai Mule, you'll need a strawberry and a slice of lime. Simply cut a small slit in the strawberry, and slide it onto the edge of the glass. Then, place a slice of lime on top of the strawberry. This simple garnish not only adds a pop of color to your cocktail, but also enhances the fruity flavors of the drink.
Variations
If you're looking to switch up the classic Shanghai Mule recipe, there are plenty of variations to try out. Here are a few popular ones:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a non-alcoholic version of the Shanghai Mule, simply omit the vodka and lychee liqueur. Replace the ginger beer with a ginger ale or ginger-flavored soda, and add a splash of grenadine for a sweeter flavor. This mocktail version is perfect for those who don't drink alcohol, or for anyone who wants to enjoy a refreshing cocktail without the buzz.
Gluten-Free Version
All of the ingredients in the classic Shanghai Mule recipe are gluten-free, so you don't need to make any substitutions. However, be sure to double-check the brands of ginger beer and gomme syrup you use, as some may contain gluten.
Vegan Version
To make a vegan version of the Shanghai Mule, simply use a vegan-friendly vodka and lychee liqueur. Check the labels for any animal-derived ingredients, such as honey or gelatin. For the ginger beer, choose a brand that doesn't use honey in its recipe.
Keto Version
If you're following a keto diet, you can still enjoy a Shanghai Mule with a few modifications. Replace the gomme syrup with a sugar-free sweetener, such as stevia or erythritol. Choose a low-carb ginger beer, and use fresh-squeezed lime juice instead of bottled.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a lower-calorie version of the Shanghai Mule, simply reduce the amount of gomme syrup and pineapple juice. You can also use a diet ginger beer or ginger ale, and skip the strawberry garnish to save on calories. This version still packs a flavorful punch, without the added sugar.
Common Mistakes When Making
When making a Shanghai Mule, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Firstly, be sure to use fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially when it comes to the lime juice and strawberries. Using bottled lime juice or stale strawberries can result in a dull, less flavorful cocktail.
Another mistake to avoid is using too much ginger beer. While the spicy kick is a key component of the cocktail, too much ginger beer can overpower the other flavors. Stick to the recipe's recommended amount, and adjust to your taste.
Finally, don't be discouraged if you don't have all the equipment on hand. While a muddler and juicer can make the process easier, you can still make a delicious Shanghai Mule with a wooden spoon and pre-squeezed lime juice. The key is to experiment with the recipe until you find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste.
In conclusion, the Shanghai Mule is a fun and fruity twist on the classic Moscow Mule, perfect for any occasion. Its popularity continues to grow due to its refreshing taste and versatility. With a few simple ingredients and some creative variations, you can make a delicious Shanghai Mule that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
If you are going to order Shanghai Mule in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Shanghai Mule can be served with different ingredients in different places.