Taste DRINK
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
MAD ABOUT MULES Refreshing twists on a springtime classic
FUN FACT: The Moscow mule was initially introduced into the U.S. as a way to increase interest in vodka-infused spirits in the country. More than 75 years later, it’s safe to say it worked. There is no shortage of amazing traditional and twisty mules in town worth a try.
Lavender Mule
Casamigos Mule
Mule of Thyme
The Hermosa Mule
Casablanca Roof Top Lounge The mixologists hand-make their own lavender-infused syrup and their own ginger beer, combining the fresh ingredients with Green Mark Vodka, a classic Russian vodka. $12. 7134 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale; 480.290.5272; www.thecasablancalounge.com. Local Bistro There are three variations of the mule – including cucumber and peach options – but this one stands out. Fresh strawberries and thyme are added to the vodka, ginger beer and lime juice for a berry blast in every sip. $10. 20581 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.302.6050; www.localbistroaz.com.
Arizona Mule
Drunken Mule
Roy’s at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Direct from Hawaii, Pau Maui Vodka is mixed with muddled pineapples, orgeat and ginger beer, then it’s served in a classic copper mug garnished with a pineapple slice. $12. 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix; 480.419.7697; www.roysrestaurant.com.
Hibiscus Mule
Oscar Wilde Mule
Iggy Pop Mule
Old Town Gringos This cocktail combines Figenza vodka, pomegranate and lime juices, and ginger beer, all served in a classic copper mug. $10. 4209 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale; 480.423.3800; www.oldtowngringos.com.
So Scottsdale! April ‘18
LON’s Last Drop The mule gets an all-local update with Arizona Distilling Co.’s Mission Vodka, fresh Sun Orchard citrus, and housemade ginger syrup. It’s kegged and served on tap. $10. 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley; 602.955.7878; www.hermosainn.com.
Hotel Adeline This Arizona Mule starts out traditional enough with Iceland-made Reyka Vodka, ginger beer and lime. But the addition of sweet prickly pear syrup gives it some local flavor. $12. 5101 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.284.7700; www.hoteladeline.com. Discovery Lounge at Boulders Resort & Spa With a splash of color, this mule features Fever-Tree Ginger Beer and hibiscus berry syrup along with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, fresh lime, and a candy ginger garnish. $16. 34631 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree; 480.488.9009; www.theboulders.com.
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Char Kitchen + Bar This mule features sweet Casamigos Blanco Tequila that has hints of vanilla and agave, mixed together with crisp ginger beer and topped off with fresh lime juice. $14. 6107 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.664.9238; www.charkitchen.com.
Dorian As a tribute to Oscar Wilde, the vodka in this mule is subbed for Jameson Irish Whiskey, adding in Gosling’s Ginger Beer, housemade raspberry puree, and fresh lime. $14. 7419 E. Indian Plaza Drive, Scottsdale; 480.907.5635; www.dorianscottsdale.com.
Pomegranate Yuzu Mule
Culinary Dropout Flavorful but smooth, the Pomegranate Mule uses Aviation Gin versus traditional vodka and layers it with flavors of pomegranate, yuzu sour and ginger beer. $11. 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; 480.970.1700; www.culinarydropout.com.