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Gin-Gin Mule Recipe

Gin-Gin Mule Recipe

By What’s Baking

A vibrant, refreshing fusion of gin's botanical complexity with the spicy kick of ginger beer and bright lime, delivering layers of flavor in every effervescent sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A crystal highball glass showcases the Gin-Gin Mule's sparkling amber liquid, with soft golden hour light filtering through, highlighting the suspended mint leaves and lime wedges. Condensation beads down the sides, while crushed ice creates a frosty top layer. The drink sits atop a rustic wooden bar alongside fresh ginger and whole limes, with copper bar tools positioned nearby - a nod to the traditional Moscow Mule serving style. A mint sprig extends dramatically above the rim, bringing a pop of vibrant green against the cocktail's honey-amber hues.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml London Dry gin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml fresh lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml simple syrup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus sprig for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml ginger beer</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes (for mixing)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Crushed ice (for serving)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lime wheel for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Muddler</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glass</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Add the mint leaves and simple syrup to your cocktail shaker. Gently muddle the mint – press just enough to release the aromatic oils without shredding the leaves, which can create bitter flavors and unappealing specks in your cocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the gin and fresh lime juice to the shaker. The acidity of the lime will balance the sweetness of the syrup and complement the herbal notes of both the gin and mint.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds. This properly chills the mixture while creating the perfect dilution, allowing the botanical flavors of the gin to open up.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Fill a highball glass with crushed ice about 3/4 full. Crushed ice creates more surface area for cooling and gives the cocktail its signature frosty appearance.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass, allowing it to filter through the crushed ice. The ice will catch any small mint fragments while further cooling the mixture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Top with ginger beer, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. Do not stir aggressively as this will flatten the drink – instead, use a bar spoon to gently lift the ingredients from the bottom, incorporating everything with minimal bubbling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint (gently slap it between your palms first to release the aromatics) and a lime wheel. The mint sprig should be positioned to ensure the drinker gets the aromatic hit with each sip.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 165 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 12 g
🍭 Sugar: 9 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 10 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the best gin to use in a ginger-based cocktail?

For ginger-based cocktails, choose a London Dry gin with pronounced juniper and citrus notes that can stand up to the spicy kick of ginger. Brands like Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Sipsmith work brilliantly, while floral gins like Hendrick's can create interesting botanical complexity against the ginger.

Can I substitute ginger beer with ginger ale in this cocktail?

While you can substitute ginger ale, it will significantly change the character of the cocktail. Ginger beer offers a spicier, more robust flavour profile essential to the Gin-Gin Mule's signature taste. Ginger ale will create a sweeter, milder drink lacking the necessary spicy punch to balance the gin.

Why is muddling mint correctly so important for this drink?

Proper mint muddling releases essential oils without tearing leaves, preventing bitterness and floating fragments. The technique preserves mint's bright, aromatic qualities while avoiding the chlorophyll taste of over-muddled mint. Gentle pressure with a muddler is sufficient—you're extracting aromatics, not crushing the herb.

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