In the spirit of Mardi Gras, I made a pretty cocktail for you!
Now, as many of you might know, I’m not exactly a big drinker (fiiiine, I admit it– I average approximately 2 drinks once every 3 months), but for the duration of Lent, I’m on a mission to try–and drink in its entirety–one new cocktail each week in lieu of giving up a vice. I made this decision because, as a food blogger and freelance food writer for two big Chicago publications, it’s important for me to develop an understanding of the dynamics between food and drink, as well as to better understand how drinks can actually enhance a dining experience.
It sounds backwards, but I’m hoping that by learning to tolerate (and hopefully, even enjoy in moderation) a variety of spirits, I’ll boost both my ability to do my job and my credibility as a self-proclaimed foodie.
Leave a comment below and let me know what sorts of cocktails you love and think I should try!
To kick things off, I’ve given the classic Moscow Mule a Mardi Gras-appropriate makeover. My reimagined Moscow Mule features Crabbie’s alcoholic ginger beer, fresh-squeezed lime juice, Southern Comfort (a New Orleans original), and candied ginger and lime slices for garnish. Dress it up in a copper mug (mine is from Mark & Graham, and can be personalized with a monogram!), a swizzle stick, and whatever else your heart desires.
For my Chicago-area readers: get thee to Binny’s for a six-pack of Crabbie’s! The alcoholic ginger beer has also been spotted in “Butter Beer” with Butterscotch liquor at The Bad Apple, five different cocktails at Pizza Rustica, and mixed with Jameson at Fado Irish Pub. Do not miss out.
Bottoms up!
Moscow Mule: Redefined
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Ingredients
- 11/2 fluid ounces Southern Comfort
- 1/2 fluid ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup Crabbie's alcoholic ginger beer
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedges and candied ginger for garnish
Instructions
- Pour Southern Comfort, lime juice, and Crabbie's ginger beer into a copper mug
- Add ice cubs and stir gently until ingredients combine
- Garnish with lime wedges and candied ginger
Lauren @lionandmaven says
Love a good Moscow Mule and always love your photos! Definitely might need to try this spin w/ Southern Comfort lime!
Kailley @ Kailley's Kitchen says
Thanks so much, Lauren! If you give a try, be sure to pop back in and tell me what you think!
MB says
Kailley – Great blog post. I love your Lenten resolution… in fact, I may just adopt it myself – would it be bad to start with your Moscow Mule on Ash Wednesday? Then again, I may not be able to wait. If you want to sample a fantastic cocktail, head over to my brother’s place in Fulton Market – La Sirena Clandestina – and try a caipirinha… or anything else on the menu – they are all amazing.
Kailley @ Kailley's Kitchen says
Thank you so much! I would absolutely support your decision to start the resolution on Ash Wednesday 🙂 La Sirena Clandestina has actually been on my restaurant bucket list for a while now– I better just bite the bullet and make a reservation!
Paula - bell'alimento says
This is my kinda cocktail. Have to get some of those cups stat!
Kailley @ Kailley's Kitchen says
You should!! If you order them through Mark and Graham, you can even personalize them. They’d make a great gift for someone, too!
Jennifer says
Love me a good homemade mojito, especially if you muddle some fruit in there like blueberries or blackberries.
Kailley @ Kailley's Kitchen says
LOVE that idea! At some point this summer, we should probably make muddled blackberry mojitos AND that blackberry and sweet corn ice cream recipe 🙂
Angie says
Can’t wait to try this! Looks amazing!
Kailley @ Kailley's Kitchen says
Thanks so much, Angie!!
agaven says
I love Moscow Mule. Usually this cocktail is better with a traditional Moscow Mule Copper Mug.
Kailley @ Kailley's Kitchen says
Thanks for the tip, Agaven! These copper mugs were the only variety I had on hand, but I’m sure a traditional copper mug would work great as well.