Here at On the Sauce, I try to keep things fresh by mixing up the spirits we use week to week. Why? I know you're waiting for these recipes every Wednesday to get you through your hump-day doldrums (errr… right?). However, no matter how much you like [insert your favorite spirit here], variety is the spice of life.
We're breaking out the tequila this week, but it won't be used in a margarita. (Isn't it weird that, for whatever reason, it doesn't matter how much a drink resembles a real-deal margarita — if it has tequila, it's usually classified as one anyhow?) Instead, let's turn our attention to the Mexican Mule.
This variation on a Moscow Mule swaps vodka for tequila, maintaining the rest of the classic drink's traditional ingredients. That being said, the tequila truly shines here, so shelve your cheap stuff and save it for that sugary margarita mix you scored on sale. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s 100 percent agave — it’s a must.
For the recipe's ginger beer, I went with Crabbie’s Spiced Orange Ginger Beer. It’s lighter on the ginger flavor, which allows the tequila to take center stage, and the spiced orange complements it all with a nice twist.
If you’re a fan of tequila that doesn’t burn going down, or Moscow Mules, give this one a try.
Mexican Mule
Makes 1
2 ounces tequila (we used Hornito’s)
Juice of half a lime
4 ounces ginger beer
FiIl a copper mug with ice and add tequila. Squeeze in lime juice, then top with ginger beer. With a bar spoon, stir gently until copper mug is chilled. Garnish with a lime wheel.
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This article appears in Jun 23-30, 2016.