Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile.
Kyiv Mule Cocktail Recipe
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Kyiv Mule Nutrition Facts
Calories:150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:16g
Alcohol %:6%
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: January 7, 2024
Contents
History
The Kyiv Mule is a Ukrainian twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It's a popular choice for those who enjoy a refreshing, citrusy cocktail with a kick. The cocktail was first created in the 1940s by a bartender in Kiev who wanted to showcase the unique flavors of Ukrainian vodka. It quickly became a hit among locals and tourists alike, and has been a staple in Ukrainian bars ever since.
How Kyiv Mule Tastes?
The Kyiv Mule is a refreshing, zesty cocktail with a spicy kick. The combination of Ukrainian vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a balanced flavor profile that is both sweet and tangy. The addition of mint leaves adds a fresh, aromatic finish.
Interesting facts about Kyiv Mule
- The Kyiv Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug, which keeps the drink cold and enhances the flavors.
- The cocktail is named after the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv.
- Despite its name, the Kyiv Mule is not a mule (a cocktail made with ginger beer and citrus juice), but a variation of the Moscow Mule.
Ingredients
- Ukrainian vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
- Ginger beer: 6 oz(180ml)
- Lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Fresh mint leaves: 10
A few good options for Kyiv Mule are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
A few good options for Kyiv Mule are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Ukrainian Vodka
- Why 2oz? Perfect balance - enough to feel the spirit without overpowering. Go heavier, and you might sing the folk songs; lighter, and you'll miss the magic of Kyiv.
- Why it's the star? The soul of every Mule, Ukrainian vodka doesn't just walk in - it dances in with traditional vigor.
- No Vodka? You'd have a non-alcoholic ginger lime punch. If you must substitute, try another Slavic vodka; it'll change the accent but not the conversation.
Alex Green
Ginger Beer
- Why 6oz? A three-to-one ratio with vodka keeps the drink spicy yet smooth. Like a Slavic ballet, it's both fiery and elegant.
- The Zing! It makes the Mule kick. Without it, you're just horsing around with a limeade.
- Substitute? Ginger ale for a milder kick, but why tame the beast?
Emma Rose
Lime Juice
- Why 1oz? Adds a citrusy punch that balances the vodka's warmth and ginger's spice. It's like a winter's end in Kyiv: crisp and refreshing.
- The Twist! Without it, the cocktail loses its tart edge - think borscht without the beet.
- Alternative? Lemon juice for a different kind of zesty, like a different Ukrainian melody.
Mary Mitkina
Fresh Mint Leaves
- Why 10? Enough to make it fragrant without turning your drink into a herbal tea.
- The Freshness! It's the gentle breeze on a hot Kyiv day. Leaving it out loses the garden touch.
- If not mint? Try basil for a twist; it's like marrying Italian and Ukrainian charm in a cup.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Kyiv Mule Drink
- Fill a copper mug with ice.
- Add 2oz of Ukrainian vodka.
- Add 1oz of fresh lime juice.
- Top with 6oz of ginger beer.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel.
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
- Don't skimp on the ice - this cocktail is best served very cold.
- Slap the mint leaves between your hands before adding them to the mug to release their aroma.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Charcuterie Boards: The refreshing facets of a Kyiv Mule complement the salty and savory flavors of cured meats and cheeses.
- Sushi: The zesty lime and ginger notes cut through the rich flavors of raw fish, making this a delightful pair.
- Spicy Foods: Its effervescence and brightness help balance the heat from spicy dishes such as Thai or Indian curries.
Desserts
- Lemon Sorbet: The citrus in both the sorbet and the cocktail will dance together on the palate.
- Ginger Cookies: Echoing the ginger in the beer, the cookies can enhance the overall spicy experience.
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What you could change in Kyiv Mule
- If you can't find Ukrainian vodka, you can use any high-quality vodka.
- If you don't have a copper mug, you can serve the cocktail in a highball glass.
Explore all drinks starting with K here
And of course - twists🍹
The Carpathian Mule
- Add a splash of elderflower liqueur for a touch of mountain flora.
- Mix: Follow the original recipe, but with an extra 1/2oz elderflower liqueur.
- Flavor Change: It's the Kyiv Mule that went on a holiday in the Ukrainian Carpathians—sweeter and even more fragrant.
Black Sea Breeze
- Use blackcurrant syrup instead of lime juice for a fruity twist.
- Mix: Replace lime juice with 1oz blackcurrant syrup and follow the original recipe.
- Flavor Change: Imagine the Mule taking a dip in the Black Sea—bolder, deeper, with a fruity undertone.
The Beetroot Mule
- Infuse vodka with beetroot for a Ukrainian root vegetable spin.
- Mix: Use 2oz beetroot-infused vodka and follow the original steps.
- Flavor Change: It's like a liquid salad from a Kyiv bazaar—earthy, with a hint of sweetness and a vivid color.
In case you forgot basics how to make Kyiv 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 stirGarnishing 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 garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Kyiv Mule
What type of meals does the Kyiv Mule pair well with?
The refreshing and zesty flavor of the Kyiv Mule makes it a great pair with spicy meals, seafood, or tasty barbecued dishes.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Kyiv Mule?
Yes, for a non-alcoholic version, you can simply omit the vodka and add more ginger beer or a splash of soda water instead.
What are the effects of drinking a Kyiv Mule?
As with any alcoholic beverage, the effects can vary greatly depending on the individual. Please remember to always drink responsibly.
What is the best time to enjoy a Kyiv Mule?
The Kyiv Mule is perfect for any time of the day. It's commonly enjoyed during happy hours and evening gatherings due to its refreshing character.
Can I make a batch of Kyiv Mule in advance for a party?
It's best to make Kyiv Mule in individual portions. If you prepare in advance, the ginger beer might lose its fizz, and the lime juice can get bitter.
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