The Mountain Mule Cocktail

This recipe adds a wonderful, unique pine flavor to a traditional Moscow Mule. The combo is perfect for your next cabin party or for cozying up to the fire with loved ones. Make it feel like a holiday drink by adding cranberry juice or add a lime wedge as a garnish during the spring and summer months. The pine syrup is great to have around the kitchen to replace simple syrups in other drinks and even your coffee!

INGREDIENTS:

For Pine Syrup (optional):

• 1 cup pine needles (Spruce or Douglas Fur needles provides the best flavor profile)
• ^1/2 cup water
• ^1/2 cup granulated
• Sugar
• Pinch of salt

For Drink:

• 1 ^1/2 ounces of vodka
• 4 ounces cranberry juice (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of pine syrup 
• 1 bottle of ginger beer (We used Golden Ginger Beer from Rocky Mountain Soda Company)
• ^1/4 lime
• Cranberries, pine sprig, rosemery and lime wedge for garnish

See also Ginger Bourbon Punch

INSTRUCTIONS:

Pine Syrup

Making your own pine syrup is optional. If you want to buy pine syrup instead, you can find it online from Dram Apothecary or go to a specialty liquor store.

1. Start by rinsing your pine needles and roughly chopping them.
2. Boil water in a small saucepan.
3. Once the water in boiling, add in the pine needles and cover.
4. Remove from the heat and let the needles “steep” for at least 30 minutes (the longer you leave it the more flavorful it will become).
5. Once done steeping, strain out the pine needles in a fine mesh strainer and discard the solids.
6. Save the water and add back to a saucepan.
7. Bring the water to a simmer and add in sugar and salt.
8. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
9. Remove from the heat and let cool.
10. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Mountain Mule

1. Fill a copper mug or other serving glass with ice cubes.
2. Add in vodka, cranberry juice (optional for added color and flavor) and pine syrup.
3. Pour ginger beer over top and fill to the brim.
4. Squeeze in the juice of the lime.
5. Garnish with cranberries, rosemary or a pine sprig, and a lime wedge.

WATCH: Mountain Mule Cocktail Recipe