Cucumber Mule Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Prepare Glass

   Chill a copper mule mug or highball glass by filling with ice and setting aside while you prepare the cocktail ingredients.

2. 2

   Muddle Cucumber & Mint

   Discard the ice from the chilled glass. In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add the thinly sliced cucumber (0.75 cups) and optional mint leaves (4 leaves). Add the fresh lime juice (1 oz) and simple syrup (0.5 oz). Using a muddler, gently but firmly muddle the cucumber and mint 6–8 times until the cucumber releases its juice and aroma and the mint is fragrant but not shredded.

3. 3

   Add Spirits & Ice

   Add the vodka (2 oz) to the muddled cucumber mixture. Fill the shaker with ice (enough to come halfway up the shaker). Shake vigorously for about 10–12 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the drink and to further extract cucumber flavor.

4. 4

   Strain Into Glass

   Discard the ice from the chilled serving glass. Double-strain the shaken mixture into the glass over fresh crushed or cubed ice (about 1 cup) to remove cucumber solids. Use a fine mesh strainer in addition to the shaker strainer if available to yield a smoother drink.

5. 5

   Top With Bubbles

   Pour the chilled ginger beer (4 oz) gently over the back of a spoon onto the cocktail to preserve carbonation. Add the club soda (1 oz) to lighten the drink and add additional effervescence. Stir gently once with a bar spoon to combine without flattening the ginger beer.

6. 6

   Garnish & Serve

   Garnish with a cucumber ribbon or slice and a lime wheel or wedge. Optionally slap a mint sprig between your hands and add on top for aroma. Serve immediately with a straw if desired.