ginger beer

I’ve been a little slow to get on the Moscow Mule train, but here I am finally, posting a recipe for a Mandarin Orange Mule. I’ll confess that I wasn’t sure what all the fuss was about, nor was I convinced that I needed a copper mug just for one particular drink. Then I had a Moscow Mule at the Old Spaghetti Factory. I was completely sold, even going so far as to track down a copper mug at World Market.

While I’m sure I’ll be making a traditional Moscow Mule (vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice) at some point soon, I thought I’d start with a variation on the theme. I’m in full out citrus mode right now - tracking down all manners of citrus-y treats, including seedless mandarin oranges. I decided a Mandarin Orange Mule would be a festive drink this time of year, to sip while listening to Pink Martini’s holiday album and admiring the Christmas tree.

On a side note, we’ve managed to make it to December 9 without Christmas tree catastrophe, which is amazing given that the cats have been chewing on it (it’s a fake tree - not sure what the appeal is) and Daisy has been wagging her tail every time she gets near it. Maybe I just need a Mandarin Orange Mule to soothe my nerves this time of year as I wait for Christmas tree catastrophe to occur.

Whatever the reason, this is well worth making. These would be lovely at a holiday party or maybe served on the side of a date night meal.