Whether you're hosting a get-together or just looking for a new go-to cocktail, look no further than the London Mule. Made with lime juice, gin, and ginger beer, this delightful variation of a classic cocktail is a must-try for everyone! The unique combination of flavors makes for a citrussy, refreshing cocktail that enthusiasts everywhere love. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this classy twist on an old favorite can be served ice-cold in a copper mug for a cocktail that's sure to impress.
The Origins of the London Mule
There are several anecdotes that claim to know how the London Mule (also called a Foghorn or London Buck) came into being. Some claim that it is riffed off the classic Moscow Mule by bartenders attempting to stamp their names into the annals of cocktail history. Other sources claim that it was first served at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in the 1930s, pre-dating the beloved Moscow Mule. Another states that the London Buck (a slight alternative, made with ginger ale and lemon juice instead of ginger beer and lime juice) was created by Harry Craddock in the 1920s at the Savoy Hotel and led to the creation of the ginger beer and lime cocktail we know today.
While it's unclear quite when or how the London Mule came into being, there's one thing we can all agree on: we're certainly glad it did! Made with London dry gin instead of vodka, . Because gin is made with botanicals (like juniper), it introduces flavor elements not found when you use vodka as the base spirit.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting a London Mule Cocktail
To craft your own delicious London Mule, you'll need only four simple ingredients:
- Ice cubes,
- High-quality London Dry Gin (such as Beefeater Gin),
- One or two fresh limes (two for smaller limes, one if they are larger), and
- Ginger beer (we recommend Fever Tree).
Making the London Mule:
- Fill one of our Moscow Copper mugs with ice, then add 2 oz. of Gin and 1/2 oz. of fresh lime juice.
- Add 3 oz. of spicy Ginger Beer, stirring briefly.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Serve!
It's important to use the right ingredients when making a London Mule, but there are substitutions to be made to suit your personal taste preferences! You can use different types of gin to emphasize different flavor profiles in your drink. For example, Plymouth Gin has an emphasized citrus flavor and spicier finish, which would pair very well with the spiciness of ginger beer.
Exploring Variations and Customizations
If you want to personalize your drink even more, consider adding seasonal fruits or herbs! A sprig of fresh mint or a dash of cranberry juice can elevate this classic drink and make it perfect for the holidays. In the summer, consider adding a lemon wedge for garnish for an extra bright, crisp, citrussy kick. If you aren't a particular fan of the spiciness of the mule, consider using a quarter ounce of simple syrup to sweeten it up. Maintaining the core essence of the London Mule Recipe is easy to do with so few ingredients and leaves open a world of possibilities to create something truly special.
Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a summer day outdoors, the London Mule can be easily customized to suit any occasion and personal preference. Experiment with different fruits, herbs, and sweeteners to create a unique and refreshing twist on this timeless cocktail. Your guests will be impressed by your creativity, and you'll enjoy sipping on a beverage that's tailored to your tastes.
Pairing with Delicious Food
The strong, complex flavors of the London Mule shouldn't just be enjoyed by themselves; pair this beverage with a dish that enhances the crispness of the ginger and zest of the lime for a well-rounded dining experience. Some of the best pairings include:
- Charcuterie. Herb-infused meats and cheeses pair well with the botanicals notes of the gin, and berries can balance out some of the bitterness for an explosion of flavor that is guaranteed to please. Plus, they're easy-to-make and easy to clean up. What's not to love? Salmon or Cod dishes.
- Salmon and Cod are both fish that provide full-flavor without feeling heavy, and are generally prepared with citruses like lime and lemon. An herbaceous salmon or lemon-and-parmesan cod provide the perfect balance of lightness with full-bodied flavor that pairs well with this gin mule.
- Curries. Many curry dishes use fresh ginger as a primary ingredient, and pairing them with any mule (but especially the London Mule) brings out the flavors not just of the curry, but of the ginger beer as well. If you want something a bit heavier than the charcuterie or salmon and cod dishes, look no further than any number of delicious curry dishes, including: coconut ginger curry, Indian ginger chicken curry, and Thai ginger curry.
The London Mule Cocktail Experience
The full enjoyment of drinking a gin mule comes from the experience as much as the drink itself. The tangy, crisp flavors of lime, botanicals, and ginger make this drink something to be enjoyed rather than thrown back quickly. For a truly authentic experience, should you find yourself in London, I recommend going to The George Pub. As London's oldest galleried inn, nothing feels more quintessentially English than drinking a gin cocktail in an English Inn that dates to the mid-17th century. The effervescent aroma of the juniper, ginger, and lime juice mixed with the comforting smells of English fare and old wood make this an experience that you'll never forget.
Conclusion
Whether you believe that the London Mule or the Moscow Mule came first, none can deny the appeal of classic London dry gin, zesty ginger, and lime juice combined together into one bubbly, spicy, aromatic beverage. The unique flavor of ginger beer, zesty lime, and your favorite gin evoke a sense of refinement and fun for patrons and party-goers worldwide. Now that you've seen all the ways to add your own tastes and personality to the London Mule, I encourage you to go out and try making your own or trying one of the numerous variations offered at bars all over the globe. So, whether you're a gin aficionado or a casual cocktail connoisseur, remember to share your twists on this classic mule on social media, join a cocktail enthusiast page, and don't forget to ask for a copper mug--the best way to enjoy a cool, crisp drink. Cheers!
