Madagascar Mule
I love craft cocktails, but to be honest I tend to shy away from making them at home. Opening a bottle of vino is way easier and ... faster. A few months ago, friends were coming over for a casual dinner and asked "What can we bring?" My standard reply was "Nothing! You are our guests!" That was not a satisfactory answer for my friend, Leila. She insisted. "Do you like Moscow Mules?" "I don't know... never tried one." "Uh, What? Seriously?" Done. The doorbell rang and there they were... all smiles with a large box in tow and the makings for Moscow Mules down to the copper mugs and lots of fresh lime. Needless to say, I became a convert that evening and a fan of asking guests to bring the fixings for cocktails :)
Recently, I was perusing the recipe section of the Nielsen-Massey website to determine which of their recipes to try using the Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract (included in Molly Yeh's crate). Lo and behold, I stumble upon a recipe for their take on the Moscow Mule using the vanilla! I love it when a plan comes together.
A Moscow Mule is made with vodka, spicy ginger beer and lime juice. Served over ice in a copper mug and garnished with lime wedges, this drink has nothing to do with mules or Moscow and I don't think you would really care after one. Or two. Nielsen's version uses whiskey and bitters along with the ginger beer, lime and their Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract. Recipe below!
Ingredients
1 oz whiskey
1 Tablespooon fresh lime juice
1/2 cup ginger beer
1 to 2 dashes bitters
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract
Directions
Mix all ingredients in a copper or glass cup with ice. Serve with a lime wedge garnish if desired.
If you are wondering if the vanilla contains Bourbon, take a peek at my recent post about vanilla extract. You may be surprised. So many different use for this fancy vanilla. Please send us your photos enjoying a Madagascar Mule, Moscow Mule or any favorite beverage!
Cheers,
