New Orleans Mule Cocktail Recipe

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New Orleans Mule Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol:0%

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 16, 2024

History

The New Orleans Mule is a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, which traditionally features vodka, ginger beer, and lime. This version, however, takes inspiration from the vibrant city of New Orleans, known for its rich culinary and cocktail heritage. It's a favorite among those who enjoy a balance of sweet and spicy flavors, with a tropical touch thanks to the pineapple juice.

  • The cocktail is believed to have been created by a bartender who wanted to infuse some New Orleans flair into the Moscow Mule.
  • It quickly became popular among locals and tourists alike, looking for a refreshing drink with a kick.
  • The New Orleans Mule is often served at festive occasions and is a staple in the city's bustling nightlife.

How New Orleans Mule Tastes?

The New Orleans Mule offers a delightful balance of sweet pineapple juice with the sharp, spicy kick of ginger beer. The fresh lime juice adds a zesty tang, making it a refreshingly complex cocktail that's both invigorating and satisfying.

Interesting facts about New Orleans Mule

  • The New Orleans Mule is often associated with the city's famous Mardi Gras celebration.
  • Pineapple juice is not a common ingredient in traditional mules, making this cocktail a unique variation.
  • The use of ginger beer in this cocktail is a nod to the original Moscow Mule, which helped popularize the use of ginger beer in the United States.

Ingredients

A few good options for New Orleans Mule are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Ice

The unsung hero of any cold cocktail, ice keeps your New Orleans Mule chilled and refreshing. Not enough ice and your drink might become too warm too quickly; too much might dilute the flavors as it melts. It's like a life-vest for your cocktail, if you don't have it, everything goes down a bit warmer and less 'cool'.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Juice

This tropical friend brings sweetness and a fruity punch to our mule. Choosing 1.5 oz hits the sweet spot—too little and it's lost in the gingery abyss, too much and you might as well be on a beach sipping a Piña Colada. If you switch it for another juice like mango, expect a less tangy, richer flavor profile.

Mary Mitkina

Fresh Lime Juice

The zesty lime juice balances the sweetness and adds a crucial acidic component, much like a great supporting actor—it's only 0.75 oz but its presence is felt. Without it, the drink would be cloyingly sweet and flat. If you swap it for lemon juice, you'll get a sharper, slightly more bitter edge.

Alex Green

Ginger Beer

This spicy, slightly sizzling mixer gives the mule its kick—a nod to its namesake. Keep it at 1 oz lest you overpower your drink with spice, or not taste it at all. Using a non-alcoholic ginger beer ensures everyone can enjoy the ride; swap it out for ginger ale and you'll get a milder spice and less fizz.

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

The sweet simplicity of simple syrup (0.75 oz of it) binds everything together, giving the drink a silky smooth texture. Omitting it risks a tartness overload, and going overboard might require a trip to the dentist. If you're feeling adventurous, try honey for a more floral sweetness.

Mary Mitkina

Candied Ginger

Adding a single slice of candied ginger not only gives your garnish game an upgrade but also introduces a chewy, sweet-and-spicy treat at the end of the sip. It's like the cherry on top—but with more zing.

Alex Green

Lime Wheel

The lime wheel garnish is not just window dressing; it's a visual cue to the citrus within and offers a lovely aromatic preview before you even take a sip. Plus, it makes the whole drink Instagrammable.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make New Orleans Mule Drink

  1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour in the pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
  4. Garnish with a skewered candied ginger slice and lime wheel.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • Chill the copper mug or glass before serving to keep the cocktail colder for longer.
  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup according to your taste.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled Seafood: The tang and brightness of the cocktail complement the smoky flavors of grilled fish or shrimp.
  • Spicy Asian Dishes: A New Orleans Mule's ginger and pineapple notes can balance spicy heat from dishes like Thai curries or Szechuan stir-fry.
  • Light Salads: A salad with a vinaigrette dressing pairs nicely, echoing the cocktail's citrusy sharpness.
  • Barbecue: The sweet and spicy flavors work well with barbecue, especially with a tangy sauce.

Drink Pairings

  • Cold Brew Coffee: Enjoy it before the cocktail to contrast the bitter coffee and sweet-spicy mule.
  • Prosecco: Have it after the cocktail for a refreshing and bubbly palate cleanser.

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What you could change in New Orleans Mule

  • If homemade ginger beer is not available, a high-quality commercial brand can be used.
  • In place of simple syrup, honey syrup or agave nectar can provide a different sweetness profile.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, omit the ginger beer and use ginger ale instead.

Explore all drinks starting with N here

And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Orleans Mule

Switch out the simple syrup for honey and add a small slice of jalapeño to the drink before stirring. Your cocktail will now have a sweet heat to it, making it as feisty as a Mardi Gras parade.

Bourbon Street Mule

Here's a Southern twist: Add 0.5 oz of bourbon to give your mule a little more horsepower. It'll be like jazz for your taste buds—rich, bold, and full of character.

Tropical Storm Mule

Toss in 0.5 oz of coconut cream before the ginger beer for a creamier, more luxurious texture, turning your cocktail into a tropical storm of flavors. Just make sure to stir well to avoid getting lost in the 'eye of the cream'.

In case you forgot basics how to make New Orleans Mule

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

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 New Orleans Mule

What type of ice is best for a New Orleans Mule?

A New Orleans Mule is best served with crushed ice or ice cubes, as they help to keep the drink adequately chilled without diluting it too quickly.

Can I make the New Orleans Mule in advance for a party?

It's best to mix the ingredients right before serving to maintain the effervescence of the ginger beer and the freshness of the lime juice. However, you can pre-measure the pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup and keep them chilled.

Is there a specific ginger beer brand that pairs best with this cocktail?

While no specific brand is required, artisanal or craft ginger beers with a strong, spicy profile are recommended to complement the sweetness of the pineapple juice.

How can I adjust the New Orleans Mule if it's too sweet for my taste?

You can reduce the amount of simple syrup or add a bit more lime juice to balance the sweetness with additional acidity.

Is there a recommended garnish if I don't have candied ginger?

A sprig of fresh mint can be used as an alternative garnish, adding a refreshing aroma and visual appeal to the cocktail.

Are there any variations of the New Orleans Mule for different seasons?

For autumn or winter, you may add a small amount of cinnamon or clove syrup to the cocktail for a warm, seasonal twist.

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