Holiday Mule: Apple, Spice, and Cranberry Moscow Mule

Moscow Mules are almost annoyingly trendy. You see them on every single cocktail menu now, no matter the restaurant. Appropriately served in a copper mug or shamefully poured in a short glass, the Russian vodka and ginger beer mixture is all over the place, and frankly, I think it's a bit excessive. For I was introduced to the Moscow Mule by my friend Megan two and a half years ago. This was a time when they were just beginning to pop up on menus at some of the more progressive bars, lounges, and restaurants with legitimate cocktail programs. Megan swore by the libation and with just one sip, it was clear that my friend knew what the heck she was talking about.

While the drink is beginning to feel a little obnoxious as of lately, I still enjoy it. And when I made a holiday infused vodka two weeks ago, I knew exactly what I'd be making with the concoction. However, I'll be honest with you. When I scooped up my favorite brand of vodka - Tito's...an American brand based out of Texas, I wasn't exactly thinking Moscow Mule. If my memory serves me correctly, I was just thinking that I should have some vodka in the house - you know, for when it's needed. But then the holiday vodka infusion idea dawned on me, and the holiday mule thought came soon thereafter. I hope all you hard core authentic Moscow Mule fans won't shame me for using an American vodka. I assure you, Russian vodka or not, this twist on the Mule was still pretty righteous.

I begged my fiancé to let me save the infused vodka and ginger beer for Saturday afternoon so that I could snap some daytime photos. But the second Friday night rolled around, he pretty much insisted we crack into the infused vodka right then and there. And since he doesn't usually get his way, I obliged. Friday night was a very rainy night in Los Angeles. It was also the perfect night to stay in sipping on Holiday Mules and eating Thai take-out.

In the words of Chris, this drink "tastes festive as sh*t." Needless to say, he was a pretty big fan. I don't blame him. That infused vodka came out just divine. Topped off with Ginger beer and just a splash of apple juice, it was (dare I say) better than the traditional mule. Oh, and I must thank my friend Megan for not only introducing me to the drink, but for also gifting me these delightfully authentic copper mugs for my birthday 2 years ago. 

Holiday Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

2 ounces Holiday infused vodka (recipe here)

4+ ounces Ginger Beer (depending on taste, feel free to add more)

1 ounce Apple Juice (optional)

Crushed Ice

Directions:

1) Fill a copper mug or short glass with crushed ice. Pour infused vodka and apple juice on top. Stir. Top with ginger beer.

2) ENJOY!

3) Repeat :)