How to Make an Orange Mule Cocktail

Learn how to make this vibrant orange mule cocktail with our tips and printable recipe below.

Calling all bourbon lovers!! What happens when you combine your favorite bourbon, fizzy ginger beer and fresh orange juice?? Well, a fantastic Fall cocktail, that’s what! We are sharing a fun twist on the classic Moscow Mule that was invented in 1941. Keep scrolling for some fun ingredient information and the full recipe. Jump to Recipe

History of the Mule Cocktail

The owners of a family owned copper factory in Russia migrated with a stock of nearly 2000 mugs in tow. Unfortunately, the sales for this iconic copper mug didn’t immediately take off. In search of sales opportunities, the owner’s daughter walked into a Hollywood bar in search of opportunities. It was there, that the recipe for the original Moscow Mule was born. And, it was famously served in the solid copper mugs originating in Russia.

What is Crystallized Ginger?

Crystallized, or candied ginger, is made a sweet and spicy treat made with fresh ginger pieces or slices. You can purchase it in most grocery stores, specialty food stores or even online. Or, you can make a batch yourself It is simple to create if you have ginger root and sugar available.

To begin, you will want approximately 1 pound of fresh ginger slices. Peel fresh ginger, then use a mandolin or food processor to slice. Place the ginger slices into a pot of boiling water for 30 minutes. Drain the ginger slices, reserving the ginger water. Place the sliced ginger back into the pot along with ½ cup of the reserved ginger water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the temperature on a candy thermometer reaches 225 degrees F. Drain the ginger using a colander, then lay the ginger slices on a cooling rack for approximately 2 hours. Toss the dried ginger slices in a bowl of sugar until they are fully coated. Place them back onto the cooling racks overnight. Store in an airtight container.

Orange Mule Cocktail

Serves 1

Ingredients Needed

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz orange juice
• 6 oz ginger beer
• orange slice for garnish
• sliced ginger for garnish

Directions

1. Stir together the bourbon and orange juice in a medium glass. Or, for an elevated twist, use the fun, stemmed acrylic glasses shown below.
2. Add ginger beer and ice.
3. Garnish with an orange slice and crystalized ginger slice

For a fun twist to this orange mule cocktail recipe, use blood oranges when they are in season. Blood oranges are in season from November/December through March/May depending upon the area grown. In addition to the differences in color, naval oranges offer a sweeter note, while blood oranges offer more tartness to this mule cocktail recipe.

In search of more delicious cocktail recipes?

Don’t miss the following posts:

Color Change Cocktail

Blackberry Gin & Tonic