Cocktails Recipe

Classic Happy Hour Cocktails (Gimlet and Moscow Mule)

1. 1

   Prep

   Chill two coupe or rocks glasses (for Gimlet) and two copper mugs or highball glasses (for Moscow Mule) in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. Fill a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice and have a small jigger/measuring tool ready.

2. 2

   Simple Syrup (if you don't have on hand)

   Combine equal parts sugar and water (suggested 1/2 cup sugar + 1/2 cup water) in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate. Use 1.5 oz per two Gimlets in this recipe.

3. 3

   Make the Gimlet (makes 2 servings)

   Measure 6 oz gin, 3 oz fresh lime juice, and 1.5 oz simple syrup into the chilled cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add 2 dashes Angostura bitters if using. Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is cold and frost forms. Strain through a fine mesh or Hawthorne strainer into two chilled coupe or rocks glasses (strained over fresh ice if you prefer on the rocks). Garnish each glass with a lime wheel or wedge.

4. 4

   Make the Moscow Mule (makes 2 servings)

   Fill two copper mugs or highball glasses with crushed or cubed ice. Into the first mug divide 2 oz vodka and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice; repeat for the second mug (total 4 oz vodka and 1 oz lime juice). Top each mug with 6 oz ginger beer, pouring slowly to preserve carbonation (total 12 oz). Add 1 dash Angostura bitters to each mug if desired. Gently stir once with a bar spoon to combine. Garnish each mug with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge.

5. 5

   Serve

   Present the two cocktails (two Gimlets and two Moscow Mules) immediately while cold and fizzy. Offer extra lime wedges and chilled glasses to guests. Discard any melted ice and rinse equipment promptly.

6. 6

   Notes & Scaling

   This ingredient set produces two Gimlets and two Moscow Mules (4 total cocktails). To scale up, multiply ingredient quantities proportionally. Adjust simple syrup to taste — start with provided ratio and add more if you prefer sweeter cocktails. Fresh lime juice is essential for brightness; avoid bottled when possible.