Drink 104: Wedded Bliss

Mint Mint Pieces

Today we celebrate a glorious wedding.  A marriage between an established dignitary and an up-and-coming young socialite.  I am of course talking the Gin Gin Mule, our latest drink.  It is a marriage between the venerable Moscow Mule and the newly resurgent mint, herb about town.   A traditional Moscow Mule is made from vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.  A Gin Gin Mule replaces the vodka with gin and adds simple syrup and mint.  This combination may sound odd but it was wonderful, just like a mashup of Missy Elliot and AC/DC.

In my opinion the Gin Gin Mule was far better and more interesting than today’s royal wedding.  I don’t really understand the fascination with the royal family or their weddings.  Personally, I am more excited about the upcoming nuptials between Vanessa Minnillo and Nick Lachey.  At least Nick Lachey did something to earn his fame.  Namely, he married Jessica Simpson.  All Prince William did was be born. As far as I can tell, the most interesting thing about today’s wedding was that (a) Kate Middleton has a sister named Pippa and (b) Pippa apparently has a very nice butt.  I also learned that William’s full title is His Royal Highness Prince William Arthur Philip Louis, Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn, Baron Carrickfergus, Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Master of Arts.  It’s lucky for him that he was born into the royal family or that title would seem ridiculous.

His butt is nothing to sneeze at, either

The Gin Gin Mule is also a silly title, but far less pretentious.  It is actually a fairly recent addition to the mixed drink world.  It was invented in the aughts by Audrey Saunders, who apparently is a famous bartender.  Have you heard of her?  Me neither. I guess being a famous bartender only buys you so much. Nevertheless, you know it must be a good drink because it was named one of the 25 most influential cocktails of the last 100 years by some random guy who writes for a magazine I’ve never heard of.

The Gin Gin Mule marked some TBIAW firsts.  It was our first “buck” which is a drink made from ginger ale or beer, fruit juice, and liquor.  These are also known as “mules”, hence the name.  It was also our first drink that required muddling.  Mrs. Bottle bought a muddler ages ago in anticipation of this day.  I hadn’t seen her that excited since, well, ever.  She took out a lot of frustrations on those mint leaves.  I have no idea what they ever did to her.

Overall Rating for the Gin Gin Mule

Taste: 5
Presentation: 4 – Only a 3 if you don’t like little bits of stuff floating in your drink
Ease of Preparation: 1 – Complicated with all the muddling and whatnot
Drinks Until Blackout: 8 – 14% Alcohol

Ingredients

1.5 oz Gin
.75 oz Lime Juice
1 oz Simple Syrup
1 oz Ginger Beer
6-8 Sprigs Mint