Gin Gin Mule

The Gin Gin Mule is a celebrated modern classic created by renowned bartender Audrey Saunders. It is a sophisticated hybrid of the Mojito and the Moscow Mule, combining the muddled mint and lime of the former with the spicy ginger beer finish of the latter. The result is a perfectly balanced, invigorating cocktail that is both complex and highly drinkable, making it a favorite in craft cocktail bars worldwide.
Gin Gin Mule

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Gin Gin Mule is categorized as a modern classic cocktail. It belongs to the 'Mule' family of drinks, characterized by a spirit mixed with ginger beer and citrus, and is served long in a highball glass.

Serving

Served cold in a tall, chilled Highball or Collins glass filled with ice, this is a refreshing long drink with a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
Approximately 200-240 ml / 7-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created in the early 2000s by Audrey Saunders at her legendary New York City bar, Pegu Club. The name is a clever play on words: "Gin Gin" refers both to the base spirit and the "gin" in "ginger". It quickly became one of the signature drinks of the modern craft cocktail revival.
Origin
New York City, USA, early 2000s

Gin Gin Mule

The drink is primarily known as the Gin Gin Mule, a name coined by its creator. It is sometimes loosely compared to a London Mule or Ginger Rogers, though these names often describe simpler drinks with just gin and ginger beer, lacking the characteristic muddled mint.
Original name
Gin Gin Mule
Alternative names
  • London Mule
  • Ginger Rogers

Characteristics overview

This cocktail delights with a fresh mint and lime aroma, followed by a balanced flavor profile of spicy ginger, zesty citrus, and herbal notes. It has a light, bubbly texture and a clean, refreshing aftertaste, making it ideal for warm weather.
Flavor
Spicy ginger, zesty lime, herbal mint, botanical gin
Aroma
Fresh mint, lime citrus, spicy ginger
Taste balance
Balanced sweet and sour, spicy finish
Aftertaste
Clean, spicy, refreshing
Fizziness
Effervescent, bubbly
Color appearance
Pale, slightly cloudy, straw-yellow
Texture
Light, crisp, effervescent
Seasonality
Highly refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink is moderately intense, with a prominent spicy kick from the ginger balanced by sour lime and a mild sweetness. Its alcohol presence is noticeable but not overpowering, and it is pleasantly carbonated.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need London Dry Gin as the base, complemented by fresh lime juice, simple syrup, a handful of mint leaves, and a top of spicy ginger beer.
  • London Dry Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A classic London Dry Gin works best to complement the other flavors.
  • Lime juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Simple syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Standard 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste.
  • Mint leaves6 to 8 leaves
    Use fresh, vibrant mint leaves, preferably spearmint.
  • Ginger beerTop with, approximately 30 ml / 1 oz
    Choose a high-quality, spicy ginger beer, not ginger ale.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This recipe requires a cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and strainers. You will also need a muddler to release the essential oils from the mint leaves.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and combine ingredients.
  • Muddler to gently press the mint.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement of liquids.
  • Hawthorne and Fine strainer to pour without ice and mint bits.

Instructions

The process involves gently muddling mint with syrup, shaking it with gin and lime juice, then double-straining the mixture over fresh ice and topping it off with spicy ginger beer.
1. Place the mint leaves and simple syrup into the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
2. Gently muddle the mint to release its fragrant oils. Be careful not to shred the leaves, as this can release bitter chlorophyll.
3. Add the gin and freshly squeezed lime juice to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Fill a chilled highball glass with fresh ice cubes.
6. Double-strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass to remove any small mint fragments.
7. Top the drink with a splash of spicy ginger beer.
8. Give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon to incorporate the ginger beer.
9. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wedge or wheel.

Garnishing

Garnish with a fresh, aromatic mint sprig and a lime wedge or wheel to enhance the drink's vibrant, fresh character.
  • Mint sprig: Slap the sprig between your palms to release its aroma before placing it in the glass.
  • Lime wedge or wheel: Place on the rim of the glass or float on top of the drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is vegan, vegetarian, and typically gluten-free, provided a gluten-free certified gin and ginger beer are used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving contains around 180-220 calories, primarily from the alcohol and sugar. It has a moderate carbohydrate and sugar content compared to other cocktails.
Calories
Approximately 180-220 kcal / 750-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12-15 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 10-13 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

Its refreshing and effervescent character makes the Gin Gin Mule perfect for warm weather occasions like summer parties and outdoor gatherings. It is also a fantastic choice for a sophisticated brunch or happy hour drink.
  • Summer parties
  • Brunch
  • Happy hour
  • Social gatherings

Pairing suggestions

The Gin Gin Mule's spicy and refreshing profile pairs wonderfully with Asian cuisine, particularly spicy Thai or Vietnamese food. It also complements light appetizers, grilled meats, and simple salty snacks, cutting through richness and heat.
  • Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes
  • Light appetizers like spring rolls or shrimp skewers
  • Salty snacks
  • Grilled chicken or fish

Gin Gin Mule: The Modern Classic That Marries Mint and Ginger

The Gin Gin Mule is a masterful modern cocktail created by Audrey Saunders that bridges the gap between a Mojito and a Moscow Mule. It is a tall, refreshing drink characterized by the interplay of botanical gin, fresh mint, zesty lime, and spicy ginger beer. Perfectly balanced and effervescent, it has earned its place as a staple in craft cocktail bars. It is an excellent choice for any occasion that calls for a sophisticated, invigorating drink.

Similar Cocktails

Mojito

A direct inspiration for the Gin Gin Mule, the Mojito uses rum and is topped with soda water instead of ginger beer.

Southside

Another gin, mint, and lime cocktail, but it omits the ginger beer and is often served straight up in a coupe glass.

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