Disclosure: I received this mug free in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links.
Have you ever had a Moscow Mule cocktail? It was very popular in the 60s, and traditionally is served in a copper mug. When I got the chance to review this Inspired Basics Moscow Mule mug, I thought… Why not give the classic recipe a Michigan twist? And so was born the Michigan Mule!
The Moscow Mule recipe calls for ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. If you’re a Michigander, the changes that make it a Michigan Mule need no explanation: Vernors and cherry vodka!
Growing up here, I never realized that Vernors was a Michigan thing. I just assumed that everyone knew about the brand, and that all ginger ale tasted like Vernors. It turns out they don’t, and it doesn’t. Despite being the oldest brand of ginger ale still in production, and having a fairly wide distribution area across the country, the Detroit-born soda attributes about 80% of its sales to the Mitten State. And it’s super gingery! The first time I ever tried another brand of ginger ale I was disappointed and thought it tasted watered down by comparison. Vernors is definitely a Michigan thing, and it’s definitely not your average ginger ale!
And while most people associate Washington with cherries, Michigan actually accounts for about 75% of the nation’s tart cherry production, making the state (and my region in particular!) the Cherry Capitol. Around here we put cherries in everything: ground up in our meat products, sprinkled on our salads, and even as a flavoring in our booze.
And it all comes together in the mug! I really like this mug a lot. Unlike some other similar mugs that have the handle held on with rivets, this one has a welded handle. This means no holes in the body of your mug, so no risk of it springing a leak! It’s absolutely beautiful, and would make an awesome gift. Wrap it up with the ingredients for a Moscow Mule (or a Michigan Mule) as well to turn it into a kit. Put it all in a pretty container and present it as a gift basket!
Ingredients:
- 1 oz cherry vodka
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 6 oz Vernors
Instructions:
- Pour ingredients over ice and stir gently to combine.
- Serve in a copper mug.
- Optionally, garnish with a slice of lemon and/or a cherry.
Cheers!
Note: typically this drink is served over ice, however if you prefer your drinks without ice, this 16 oz. mug will easily accommodate this. Simply double the recipe below and omit the ice, and it should fit quite nicely in the mug!
Leave a Reply