Mule's Hind Leg

The Mule's Hind Leg is a sophisticated and surprisingly balanced cocktail from the 1930s. It combines the botanical notes of gin with the honeyed, herbal complexity of Bénédictine and the sweet, stone-fruit character of apricot liqueur. Fresh lime juice provides a necessary tartness that cuts through the sweetness, while a dash of Angostura bitters adds aromatic depth. Served chilled and straight up, it is a spirit-forward drink that rewards connoisseurs of classic, complex flavors.
Mule's Hind Leg

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Mule's Hind Leg is classified as a classic cocktail. It belongs to the "forgotten classics" category, originating from the Prohibition or post-Prohibition era. It is a spirit-forward, shaken cocktail typically served as an apéritif.

Serving

Serve this potent, medium-sized drink ice-cold in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass to maintain its crisp temperature. It is a strong cocktail best enjoyed sipped slowly.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml (4 oz)
Alcohol content
Approximately 26-29% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Mule's Hind Leg first appeared in Patrick Gavin Duffy's "The Official Mixer's Manual" in 1934. Like many cocktails from that era, its exact origin story is lost to time. The name almost certainly refers to its strength, implying it delivers a "kick" as powerful as that of a mule. It remains a relatively obscure classic, enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts seeking to explore the deeper cuts from historical recipe books.
Origin
The cocktail originated in the United States around the early 1930s. Its inclusion in a 1934 manual places it firmly in the post-Prohibition era, a time of great creativity and rediscovery in American bartending.

Mule's Hind Leg

The drink is consistently known as the Mule's Hind Leg, a name that vividly suggests a potent kick. Sometimes the word "Cocktail" is appended to its name for clarity, but this is not a common alias. The name itself is the primary identifier for this classic recipe.
Original name
Mule's Hind Leg
Alternative name
Mule's Hind Leg Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a complex herbal and botanical aroma, with flavors of juniper, apricot, and citrus leading to a long, warming finish. Its taste is a masterful balance between tart and sweet, with a smooth, silky texture perfect for sipping.
Flavor
Herbal, Juniper, Apricot, Citrus, Complex, Spicy
Aroma
Aromatic, Botanical, Herbal, Citrus Zest
Taste balance
Tart, Sweet, Spirit-forward
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Herbal, Complex
Fizziness
Still, None
Color appearance
Pale Gold, Light Amber, Clear
Texture
Smooth, Silky
Seasonality
Year-round, Refreshing yet warming

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is intense and complex, leaning towards sour and fruity with a significant alcoholic strength. Sweetness and a hint of herbal spice from the bitters and liqueur provide a sophisticated balance to this still, non-creamy cocktail.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires London Dry Gin as its base, complemented by two key liqueurs: apricot liqueur and the herbal Bénédictine. Fresh lime juice and a dash of Angostura bitters are essential for balance and complexity.
  • London Dry Gin45 ml (1.5 oz)
    A classic London Dry Gin with a strong juniper backbone works best to stand up to the other ingredients.
  • Apricot Liqueur15 ml (0.5 oz)
    Some older recipes call for Apricot Brandy, which can be used interchangeably. A high-quality liqueur is recommended.
  • Bénédictine D.O.M.15 ml (0.5 oz)
    This French herbal liqueur is essential for the cocktail's unique flavor profile. There is no direct substitute.
  • Fresh Lime Juice15 ml (0.5 oz)
    Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for the bright, acidic balance of the drink.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters1 dash
    Just one dash is needed to tie the flavors together.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set to prepare this drink. A shaker is used to combine, chill, and dilute the ingredients, and a strainer ensures a smooth pour into the glass.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing ingredients
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pouring
  • Hawthorne or fine-mesh strainer for serving without ice shards

Instructions

To make the Mule's Hind Leg, combine all liquid ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Shake until well-chilled, then double-strain into a pre-chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lime twist.
1. Chill a coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Add all ingredients—gin, apricot liqueur, Bénédictine, fresh lime juice, and Angostura bitters—to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice until it is about two-thirds full.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled coupe glass.
6. Double-strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass to remove ice chips and ensure a smooth texture.
7. Garnish with a lime twist, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in.

Garnishing

A simple lime twist is the ideal garnish for this cocktail. Expressing the oils from the peel over the surface of the drink adds a fragrant citrus aroma that complements the flavors within.
  • Lime twist to express citrus oils over the drink and place in the glass

Dietary Information

This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, though it's always wise to verify the ingredients of specific liqueur brands if allergies are a major concern.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and the sugars in the liqueurs. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and sugar compared to more fruit-juice-heavy drinks.
Calories
Averagely 210-230 kcal (879-962 kJ)
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-14 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 11-13 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an excellent choice for a sophisticated cocktail party or as an apéritif before a meal. It's also a perfect drink to make when you're in the mood to explore historical recipes and complex flavor profiles. Its potent nature makes it less of a session drink and more of a special occasion sipper.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Sophisticated Gathering
  • Exploring Classic Cocktails

Pairing suggestions

The Mule's Hind Leg pairs well with savory and salty snacks that can stand up to its complex flavor profile. Consider serving it with a cheese plate, charcuterie, or simple bar snacks like high-quality olives or roasted nuts. Its apéritif qualities make it a great prelude to a rich meal.
  • Salty nuts or olives
  • Mild cheeses like Gruyère or Comté
  • Charcuterie board
  • Light appetizers like shrimp cocktail

The Forgotten Kick: A Summary of the Mule's Hind Leg

The Mule's Hind Leg is a forgotten gem from the golden age of cocktails, offering a sophisticated taste experience for those willing to look beyond the standard classics. Its strength is balanced by a delightful interplay of herbal, fruit, and citrus notes, creating a complex yet cohesive drink. Requiring specific liqueurs like Bénédictine and apricot liqueur, it's a testament to the layered mixology of its era. This cocktail is a perfect sipper for an evening of quiet contemplation or conversation, delivering a memorable "kick" with every glass.

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