Taste DRINK
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
HORSING AROUND WITH MULES Moscow and more abound in the Valley
Fun fact: the Moscow mule was initially introduced to the United States 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 and its more popular than ever. There is no shortage of amazing traditional and twisty mules in town worth a try, and we’ve rounded up 12 of our favorites.
Mediterranean Mule
Mancuso's Restaurant A slightly sweeter variation on the all-time favorite thanks to Figenza Fig Vodka and housemade pomegranate syrup, the cocktail is rounded out with ginger beer and lime. $12. www.mancusosrestaurant.com.
Prairie Mule
Arizona Mule
Mandarin Mule
Dark Side of the Moon Mule
Cucumber Mule
Kitchen 56 More than a basic cucumber-infused variation, this mule features both Effen Cucumber Vodka and St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, giving it a distinct botanical feel. The spirits are combined with ginger beer, mint leaves and fresh lime juice. $10. www.kitchen56.com.
Bobby’s Mule
Bobby-Q Great Steaks, Real BBQ Perhaps the most interestingly presented mule in the Valley – served inside an actual Gosling’s Ginger Beer can with heaps of mint and lime on top – this version uses blanco tequila rather than vodka. It also boasts honey along with the ginger beer, which makes it oh-so-smooth. $11. www. bobbyq.net.
Indy School Mule
Doughbird For a new-school take on an old-school mule, this handcrafted cocktail combines Ketel One Vodka, lime, and ginger beer. But, it is then finished with dried five-spice powder, which contains the five basic flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami. $10. www.eatdoughbird.com.
Uptown April '18
FEZ Restaurant & Bar A spicy alternative to the traditional mule, it’s comprised of Three Olives Jacked Apple Vodka, muddled jalapeno, housemade limoncello, apple and lime, and Goslings Ginger Beer served in a cold copper mule mug. $8.95. www.fezoncentral.com.
Seasons 52 Straightforward and only 200 calories per serving, this mule is made with Prairie Organic Vodka, fresh lime and ginger beer. The vodka is known for its hints of melon and pear on the nose, creamy on the palate, bright and smooth at the finish. $9.80. www.seasons52.com. Phoenix City Grille Absolute Mandarin Vodka and blood orange bitters give this mule a swift citrus kick in the – well – you know. It’s topped with Goslings Ginger Beer for balance. $9. www.phoenixcitygrille.com.
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Horned Mule
Spinato’s Pizzeria This uniquely Arizona mule features serrano chili syrup with the traditional Mission Vodka and Fever-Tree Ginger Beer. Lime, mint and soda round out the well-balanced offering. $8. www. spinatospizzeria.com. Half Moon Sports Grill The classic rock legend Pink Floyd would be proud of Half Moon Sports Grills' Dark Side of the Moon Mule, which features classic lime freshly squeezed, St-Germain, Cock’n Bull Ginger Beer, Johnnie Walker Black Scotch Whisky, and Angostura Bitters with a lemon wheel garnish, and sprig of mint. $9.50. www. halfmoonsportsgrill.com.
Pomelo Spicy Mule
Pomelo at the Orchard This spicy cocktail brings the heat of the Southwest with Hatch Green Chile Vodka, fresh lime juice and ginger beer. $10. www.pomelophx.com.
Arizona Mule
Linger Longer Lounge A refreshing staple with just the right touch of ginger spice. This copper mug cocktail is a perfect blend of Sobieski Vodka, Angostura Bitters, lime, mint and ginger beer. $9. www. lingerlongeraz.com.
Morning Mule
Over Easy Kick-start your day with this traditional mule cocktail which layers Tito’s Handmade Vodka with Over Easy’s freshly squeezed orange juice then tops it off with Gosling’s Ginger Beer. $8. Available at Arcadia and Biltmore locations only. www.eatatovereasy.com.