Moonshine. When I think of that word, I picture haggard old men in long underwear drinking it out of a jug marked "XXX" in between stints on a washboard. Now, however, moonshine is a downright acceptable form of liquor (albeit a potent one), happily used for blending in other drinks. Packing a dangerous punch, my husband and I like to use it to sweeten other cocktails (typically with its cousin, bourbon).
Enter: a cocktail combination of champions. It started with our beloved Moscow Mule, star cocktail of our wedding and a weekend favorite. This drink is comprised of vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. Looking to mix it up (literally), we decided to swap out the vodka for bourbon.
Then comes the real magic - adding just a little apple pie moonshine.
Specifically, apple pie-flavored Midnight Moon moonshine.
This addition gives the drink a sweet edge, without over-sweetening the entire cocktail. The ginger beer also adds a sweeter dynamic, but with a spicy undertone. Combined with the autumnal cinnamon and apple flavors, this zesty drink is a refreshing as a Summer cocktail with allusions of the impending Fall.
Making for a crowd? This drink is best made fresh, so set up a DIY station on a cutting board with limes, a paring knife for cutting them, an ice bucket with crushed ice, chilled bottles of ginger beer (refresh as necessary), a jigger for measuring and, naturally, the hooch.
A quick note on the copper mugs: you don't technically "need" them... but my goodness, aren't they just the cutest!? When you put ice in them, they get nice and frosty on the outside and keep the drink extra cold. They also add an exciting air of revelry to a cocktail. "Fancy glasses!," your friends will exclaim, "This IS an night to remember!" Or, you know, probably. In my head, anyway.
...enough of that - let's learn how to make one!
Gather your ingredients. Not pictured: bourbon. It was lurking off camera, making mischief. |
Fill your glass with crushed ice. If your fridge does not produce, you can knock an ice-filled freezer bag with a rolling pin, or pulse several times in a blender. |
Pour 2 ounces bourbon over ice, and add moonshine. I used about half an ounce. |
Squeeze a lime wedge into the concoction and fill the rest of the mug with ginger beer. |
Garnish with another lime and drink! |
Pie-Shine Mule
2 oz bourbon
1/2 oz apple pie moonshine
1/4 lime, juiced
4 oz ginger beer
Fill a copper mug with ice (preferably crushed). This will get the class nice and frosty on the outside. Pour bourbon, moonshine, lime juice and ginger beer over the ice and stir. Garnish with lime wedge. Enjoy!
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