Alpine Mule Cocktail Recipe

The Alpine Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, which traditionally features vodka, ginger beer, and lime. This variant, however, brings a botanical complexity with the addition of Old Tom Gin and Génépy, an alpine herbal liqueur reminiscent of the mountains of the Alps. It's a hit among those who appreciate a cocktail with a herbal kick and a nod to classic mixology.

• Origins: Inspired by the Moscow Mule
• Popularity: Favored by gin enthusiasts
• Occasions: Best enjoyed on a crisp evening or as an apéritif

The Alpine Mule offers a harmonious blend of spicy and sweet, with a botanical undercurrent. The Old Tom Gin provides a slightly sweeter base than typical gins, while the Génépy contributes a complex herbal profile. The lime juice adds a necessary tartness, and the ginger beer brings a peppery fizz that makes the drink both invigorating and comforting.

• Herbal Liqueur: Génépy has been made in the Alpine regions of Europe for centuries.
• Old Tom Gin: This gin style is sweeter and less botanical than London Dry Gin, making it a unique choice for cocktails.
• Versatility: The Alpine Mule can be easily adapted for different seasons by adjusting the ginger beer to lime juice ratio.

1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Old Tom Gin and Génépy.
3. Add the fresh lime juice.
4. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel or a sprig of fresh mint.

• Chill the Glass: Pre-chill your copper mug or glass to keep the drink colder for longer.
• Quality Ginger Beer: Use a high-quality ginger beer with a strong ginger flavor for the best taste experience.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Always use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for a fresher, brighter flavor.

Appetizers

• Charcuterie Board: The botanicals in the Old Tom Gin and the herbal qualities of Génépy blend well with cured meats and aged cheeses.
• Sushi Rolls: The fresh lime juice and the ginger beer's zesty nature complement the delicate flavors of sushi.

Main Courses

• Grilled Seafood: The citrusy elements of the cocktail are a perfect match for the natural sweetness of seafood.
• Spicy Asian Dishes: The spiciness of ginger beer can cool down the palate when enjoying spicy food like Thai or Szechuan cuisine.

Desserts

• Lemon Tart: The tartness of both the cocktail and dessert will echo each other, enhancing the overall experience.

• Old Tom Gin: Can be substituted with London Dry Gin for a less sweet and more juniper-forward profile.
• Génépy: If unavailable, substitute with Chartreuse for a similar herbal complexity.

Mountain Meadow Mule

• Ingredients: 1.5 oz Botanical Gin, 0.5 oz Elderflower liqueur, 0.75 oz Lemon juice, Sparkling water, Sprig of thyme
• Recipe: Follow the original steps, but substitute Génépy with Elderflower liqueur and ginger beer with sparkling water. Add a sprig of thyme as garnish.
• Description: This variant blossoms with a floral scent, intertwining lemon's brighter tartness and an aromatic hint of thyme. It's a mule that's wandered into a garden party and remembered to bring flowers.

Alpine Sunrise Mule

• Ingredients: 1.5 oz Old Tom Gin, 0.5 oz Aperol, 0.75 oz Grapefruit juice, Ginger Beer
• Recipe: Instead of Génépy, pour Aperol and replace lime juice with grapefruit juice. Proceed as originally instructed.
• Description: The Alpine Sunrise brings a blushing glow to the mule, meshing the bittersweet Aperol with ruby grapefruit. It's like watching dawn break over the mountains with a zing in your hand.

Forest Fizz Mule

• Ingredients: 1 oz Old Tom Gin, 1 oz Sloe Gin, 0.5 oz Blackberry liqueur, 1 oz Lime juice, Ginger Beer
• Recipe: Mix the Old Tom Gin with Sloe Gin and blackberry liqueur, tweaking the lime juice for an extra tang. Continue with the steps. Garnish with fresh blackberries.
• Description: Deeper in the woodland flavor spectrum, this twist brings a fruitful bounty to your glass. Berries and gin in a mellow dance, while ginger beer keeps the beat lively.