Brazilian Mule Cocktail Recipe

Brazilian Mule Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Brazilian Mule is a tropical twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It substitutes vodka with cachaça, a Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane juice. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy the kick of ginger beer with a unique sugarcane sweetness that cachaça brings.

  • Origin
    • The Moscow Mule was created in the 1940s in the United States.
    • The Brazilian Mule adapts this classic by using Brazil's national spirit, cachaça.
  • Popularity
    • It has gained popularity among those who appreciate a refreshing yet potent cocktail.
  • Ideal For
    • This drink is a favorite at summer parties and beach gatherings.

How Brazilian Mule Tastes?

The Brazilian Mule offers a spicy ginger kick balanced with the smooth, slightly sweet and grassy notes of cachaça. The lime juice adds a necessary tang, making it a refreshing, zesty, and invigorating drink.

Interesting facts about Brazilian Mule

  • The Brazilian Mule is often served in a copper mug, which is traditional for a Moscow Mule, to enhance the cold temperature of the drink.
  • Cachaça is sometimes called Brazilian rum, but it's actually made from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses.
  • Ginger beer in this cocktail can be substituted with ginger ale for a less spicy and sweeter taste.

Ingredients

A few good options for Brazilian Mule are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Cachaça

Cachaça is the spirit of Brazil, quite literally. It's a rum-like liquor made from sugarcane and brings a uniquely fresh and grassy note to the beverage. Using 1.5 oz marries the drink with a gentle kick without overpowering the other flavors. Go overboard, and you may find your mule galloping away with you.

Mary Mitkina

Ginger Beer

The 4.5 oz of ginger beer is the mule's mane, giving the drink its distinctive spicy and effervescent personality. Cut back on this, and your mule might turn into a timid pony, lacking that gingery 'neigh'.

Mary Mitkina

Lime Juice

A quarter ounce of lime juice might not seem like much, but it's just enough to add a zesty zap that elevates the other flavors. Leave it out, and the drink loses its crisp edge, like a song missing its high notes. A bit more, however, could turn the drink into a sour symphony.

Alex Green

Ice Cubes

Ice cubes are the unsung heroes of any cocktail that chill without diluting too quickly. The 'as needed' approach allows you to control the chill factor without turning your mule into a slushy.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Brazilian Mule Drink

  1. Fill a copper mug or a highball glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour 1.5 oz of cachaça over the ice.
  3. Add 0.25 oz of fresh lime juice.
  4. Top with 4.5 oz of ginger beer.
  5. Stir gently to mix.
  6. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel.

Pro Tips

  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill the copper mug before making the drink to keep it colder longer.
  • Adjust the amount of ginger beer to your taste; some prefer a stronger ginger flavor, while others like it milder.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled Meats: The smoky flavor of grilled meats complements the spicy kick of the ginger beer and the boldness of the cachaça.
  • Seafood: Lighter fare like ceviche or shrimp can be beautifully enhanced by the citrus notes.
  • Cheese Platters: A selection of cheese provides a rich contrast to the refreshing qualities of the Brazilian Mule.

Drink Pairings

  • Caipirinha: Share the spotlight with Brazil's national cocktail for a true taste of the country.
  • Cold Brew Coffee: For a non-alcoholic companion, the richness of cold brew can counterbalance the zesty Brazilian Mule.

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What you could change in Brazilian Mule

  • Cachaça: If you can't find cachaça, a good quality white rum can be a substitute, though the flavor profile will change.
  • Ginger Beer: For a less spicy drink, use ginger ale instead of ginger beer.

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And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Brazilian Mule

Add a small slice of jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix to turn up the heat. This variation is for those who want their mule with an extra fiery kick.

Brazilian Mule with a Tropical Twist

Swap out ginger beer for coconut water and add a splash of pineapple juice. You'll feel like you're sipping this on a beach in Rio, with a tropical breeze in your hair.

Herbal Mule

Introduce some herbaceous vibes by muddling fresh mint or basil with the lime juice before adding the other ingredients. This herbal remix will make your taste buds dance like they're at Carnival.

In case you forgot basics how to make Brazilian Mule

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Brazilian Mule

Can the Brazilian Mule be made in large batches for parties?

Yes, the Brazilian Mule can be made in a large batch. Multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you need and mix in a punch bowl or large pitcher. Serve over ice and add garnishes to individual glasses.

Is the Brazilian Mule a suitable drink for winter?

While traditionally a summer drink due to its refreshing nature, the spicy ginger makes the Brazilian Mule a cozy option for winter as well. The warming effect of ginger can make it an enjoyable choice for cooler weather.

Are there any special occasions where the Brazilian Mule is traditionally served?

The Brazilian Mule isn't tied to a specific occasion but is ideal for any event where a lively, refreshing cocktail is desired, such as summer barbecues, pool parties, or tropical-themed events.

How can I tell if the cachaça I've purchased is of good quality?

Good quality cachaça is typically clear (unless it's an aged variety), has a smooth flavor with a slight sweetness, and should not have a harsh scent or taste. Also, look for cachaça that is distilled in Brazil and read reviews or get recommendations if possible.

Is there a specific type of ginger beer that works best with the Brazilian Mule?

The best ginger beer for a Brazilian Mule is one that is less sweet and more spicy to give the cocktail its characteristic kick. Look for craft ginger beers that use real ginger.

How does the alcohol content in a Brazilian Mule compare to other cocktails?

The Brazilian Mule has a moderate alcohol content, similar to that of other classic cocktails. The precise alcohol content can vary depending on the strength of the cachaça and the ratio of ingredients used.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Brazilian Mule?

Yes, a non-alcoholic version, often called a 'mocktail', can be made by omitting the cachaça and using a non-alcoholic ginger beer. You can add a splash of apple juice or non-alcoholic spirits to mimic the complexity of cachaça.

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