Gin-Gin Mule

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Refresh yourself with the crisp, bright, bubbly and spiced Gin-Gin Mule.

Seems odd in our modern cocktail world, but gin wasn’t viewed all that favorably for a while. Not that people were hating on the spirit, but young adults in college, for example, weren’t going on spring break and bragging about all the gin drinks they’ll be having. I received a bottle of London Dry as a gift once in my early twenties, and my thought at the time was did the folks who gave it to me mistake me for an elderly British gentleman.

Anyway, it was something I really didn’t think much of until reading about today’s recipe for the Gin-Gin Mule. It turns out this offshoot of the classic Moscow Mule was partly responsible for gin making a comeback amongst drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts. To this day, the spirit has an almost unending variety that we can choose from, from all over the world.

Invented in the year 2000, when vodka was all the rage, the Gin-Gin Mule is the creation of New York City bartender Audrey Saunders. Crafted using the house-made ginger beer at the famous Beacon Bar on the Upper West Side, the Gin-Gin Mule helped to popularize the base alcohol, turning it into the trendy spirit it is today.

What is the best gin to use in a Gin-Gin Mule?

This all depends on your taste and preferences. For me, I tend to choose whichever gin I’m in the mood for. If I’m looking for a crisp and balanced spirit, a Tanqueray or Beefeater will do nicely. For a London Dry that’s a little more juniper-forward, a Bombay Sapphire does the trick. For something a little sweeter, try some Old Tom gin, and for a fresh, zippy taste, some Hendrick’s.

What glassware and garnish are used?

Fill a highball or collins glass with ice, strain your cocktail in and top off with the ginger beer. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.

Why is “Gin-Gin” the name of this beverage?

The repeated use of the word “gin” in the name of this cocktail references the “two gins” that comprise this mixture, gin and ginger beer. Hence, the moniker Gin-Gin Mule.

Other Mule cocktails worth trying

If you’ve found yourself with an overabundance of ginger beer and limes, fear not. A solution has presented itself. You now have the opportunity to throw your friends a Mule party, serving all manner of Mule drinks to your thirsty guests while simultaneously thinning out your cases of bubbly ginger brew and buoyant citrus.

• Irish Mule – Irish whiskey makes this tipple a smooth and sweet one.
• Kentucky Mule – Make your next Mule a smoky one with the addition of bourbon.
• Mexican Mule – A tequila base gives this Mule an earthy, peppery kick.
• Blackberry Moscow Mule – Add some tart and sweet blackberries to your next ginger beer and vodka elixir.