Gin-Gin Mule

To compliment this modern masterpiece we will craft another modern classic, which owes its origins to a few happy hybrids as well.  The combination of equus asinus and equus caballus is a launching point for this famous cocktail, in a way.  Not so coincidentally, October 26 is also “National Mule Day”.  The Moscow Mule dates to 1941 when two friends, John Martin, the new American owner of the Smirnoff vodka brand, and Jack Morgan, the owner and purveyor of “Cock n’ Bull” ginger beer, came up with a marketing ploy to boost flagging sales of their respective wares.  They dubbed it the “Moscow Mule” in reference to the Russian born vodka and the tart and spicy “kick” it packed from the lime and ginger beer.  They commissioned fancy copper mugs and photographed their creation all about town.  It became an instant hit with the LA Hollywood scene and revived the entire Smirnoff brand.  

The Gin-Gin Mule by Audrey Saunders

The Moscow Mule is a delicious drink, but I’m not a huge fan of vodka, and besides, we need another hybrid / variation before we’re finished.  Audrey Saunders, the famed mixologist behind SoHo’s Pegu Club in Manhattan, (and creator of the amazing "Old Cuban" cocktail) created another modern classic with her “Gin-Gin Mule”, which essentially substitutes gin for the vodka.  The Pegu Club was revolutionary when it opened in 2005, by simply using fresh and homemade ingredients in its classic cocktails.  You might say it helped put the “craft” in craft cocktails.  Imbibe magazine even named the Gin-Gin Mule one of the “25 most influential cocktails of the past century”.   And with its simple combination of gin, mint, lime juice, simple syrup and ginger beer, you shouldn't wait to craft one of these for yourself.  Cheers to these marvelous modern mashups.

A pair of happy high-brow hybrids

Gin-Gin Mule by Audrey Saunders

6 mint sprigs
1/2 oz. fresh lime
1/2 oz. simple syrup
1 1/2 oz. dry gin
3/4 oz. ginger beer

Muddle the mint with the lime and syrup. Shake with the gin over ice and strain into a favorite glass. Top with ginger beer.