Chai Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe

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Chai Moscow Mule Nutrition Facts

Calories:~200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:~15g

Alcohol %:~14

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 16, 2024

History

The Chai Moscow Mule is a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail. It's perfect for those who enjoy the warmth of chai spices and the zing of ginger beer.

  • Origin: The original Moscow Mule was created in the 1940s in the United States. The Chai Moscow Mule is a modern variation that infuses the traditional recipe with the aromatic flavors of chai.
  • Popularity: This cocktail has gained popularity among those who appreciate a spicy kick in their drink.
  • Ideal For: It's especially favored during the cooler months but can be enjoyed year-round by chai and ginger enthusiasts.

How Chai Moscow Mule Tastes?

The Chai Moscow Mule offers a complex flavor profile. It's spicy, slightly sweet, and refreshingly effervescent. The warmth of the chai spices blends beautifully with the sharpness of the ginger beer, while the vodka provides a smooth, clean base.

Interesting facts about Chai Moscow Mule

  • The Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug to enhance its cold temperature.
  • Chai spices typically include cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper.
  • The addition of chai to the Moscow Mule brings a unique Indian twist to this Russian-inspired American classic.

Ingredients

  • Vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Chai concentrate: 1.5 oz(45ml)
  • Ginger beer: 3 oz(90ml)
  • Cinnamon stick: 1
  • Garnish (ground cinnamon:
  • Whole cloves:
  • Star anise): To taste
  • Ice cubes: To fill

A few good options for Chai Moscow Mule are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

A few good options for Chai Moscow Mule are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Vodka

The vodka is the alcoholic backbone of this cocktail, providing a neutral base that allows the chai and ginger flavors to shine. Use 2 oz for a perfectly balanced drink; too little, and you miss the kick, too much, and it can overshadow the delicate chai spice.

Mary Mitkina

Chai Concentrate

This is the star of the show, imparting that warm, aromatic blend of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. At 1.5 oz, it's assertively present without being overpowering. If you skip it, you lose the 'Chai' in your 'Moscow Mule,' and you're just kicking it with ginger and vodka!

Mary Mitkina

Ginger Beer

Adding 3 oz gives the cocktail its characteristic fizzy ginger bite. Less would make the drink fall flat, and more might turn your mule into a wild stallion of ginger. No ginger beer? Try ginger ale for a sweeter, less spicy kick.

Alex Green

Cinnamon Stick

It's not just a garnish; lightly burned, it adds a smoky aroma which enhances the cocktail's complexity. Without it, the drink feels less 'crafted.' If you can't find one, a dash of ground cinnamon can be a modest understudy.

Mary Mitkina

Cloves, Ground Cinnamon, Star Anise

These spices add a beautiful aromatic complexity and visual appeal. They're like the sprinkle of magic on top. If they went missing, the drink would still be great, but not quite as spellbinding.

Mary Mitkina

Ice Cubes

These keep your brew chill and refreshing. Skimp on the ice and you might as well be sipping tea in the Sahara!

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Chai Moscow Mule Drink

  1. Fill an 8 or 10 oz glass or copper mug with ice cubes.
  2. Pour 2 oz of vodka over the ice.
  3. Add 1.5 oz of chai concentrate.
  4. Top with 3 oz of ginger beer and stir to mix.
  5. Lightly burn one end of a cinnamon stick until it smokes and place it as garnish.
  6. Optionally, sprinkle ground cinnamon, cloves, and star anise on top for additional garnish.

Pro Tips

  • For a more intense chai flavor, let the chai concentrate steep with the spices for a longer period before straining.
  • Chill the copper mug before serving to keep the drink colder for longer.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less chai concentrate according to your preference.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Samosas: The spices of the chai complement the warm flavors of these filled pastries.
  • Paneer Tikka: Marinated in yogurt and spices, paneer tikka shares a cultural flavor profile with the chai spice.

Desserts

  • Ginger snaps: The ginger in the snaps pairs nicely with the ginger beer's zest.
  • Pumpkin Pie: The cinnamon and cloves garnish complements the sweet, spiced flavor of a classic pumpkin pie.

Other Drinks

  • Chai Latte (Non-alcoholic): If some guests prefer non-alcoholic options, a Chai Latte will match the spice levels of the Moscow Mule.
  • Spiced Rum Punch: For a group that’s inclined towards stronger spirits, a spiced rum punch will dance alongside the Chai Moscow Mule nicely.

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What you could change in Chai Moscow Mule

  • Vodka: Any high-quality vodka can be used. For a non-alcoholic version, use a vodka alternative like Seedlip.
  • Chai Concentrate: Homemade chai concentrate can be made by simmering chai spices with black tea and sweetener. A pre-made concentrate like Tazo Chai Latte Concentrate is also suitable.
  • Ginger Beer: For a less spicy kick, ginger ale can be substituted, though it will change the flavor profile.

Explore all drinks starting with C here

And of course - twists🍹

Chai Mule with Apple Cider

  • Add 1 oz of apple cider to the original recipe for a fruity twist.
  • The sweetness and tartness of the cider will compliment the spices of chai and bring a cozy fall motif to your cocktail.

Vanilla Chai Mule

  • Include 0.5 oz of vanilla-flavored syrup to the concoction.
  • The addition of vanilla should infuse the drink with a silky sweetness, making it a bit more dessert-like and rounding out the spice profiles.

Fiery Chai Mule

  • Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or a slice of fresh jalapeño to the glass before adding the other ingredients.
  • This will give your mule an extra kick, amplifying the ginger's heat and providing a match for those who like it hot!

In case you forgot basics how to make Chai Moscow Mule

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Chai Moscow Mule

Can I use a different kind of mug besides copper for serving the Chai Moscow Mule?

While copper mugs are traditional for Moscow Mules due to their insulating properties, you can certainly use any other type of glassware. A highball glass or a mason jar can also make for a good presentation.

Is there a particular type of ice that works best for this cocktail?

Using large ice cubes or spheres is recommended as they melt slower, reducing the dilution of the drink and keeping it cold for a longer period of time.

What is the significance of the garnish in a cocktail, specifically for a Chai Moscow Mule?

Garnishes play both an aesthetic and a functional role in cocktails. For the Chai Moscow Mule, the garnishes like cinnamon sticks and cloves not only add visual appeal but also contribute to the aromatic experience and the overall flavor profile of the drink.

What makes chai spices suitable for a cocktail like Moscow Mule?

Chai spices, which typically include cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and star anise, have warming properties that create a perfect balance with the cold, effervescent nature of a Moscow Mule. Their aromatic complexity elevates the cocktail experience.

Can the Chai Moscow Mule be batch-made for parties?

Yes, you can pre-mix the vodka and chai concentrate in a larger quantity for a party, then pour it over ice and top with ginger beer in individual glasses when serving.

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