Moscow Mule-Inspired Rum and Coke

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I recently read an article about the most popular cocktail in every state.  In Michigan it turns out to be the Moscow Mule. I hadn’t even had a Moscow Mule until last year.

After trying ginger beer for the first time, as a delicious mixer for bourbon, I fell in love and understood what all the fuss was about.  I still haven’t had a classic Mule, but I had a mint blueberry version that knocked my metaphorical socks off. If you know anything about me, you know I can’t stand socks, but that’s a story for another day.

I had also never had a Rum and Coke.  I know, you are wondering what rock I live under.  But that is all about to change with this Moscow Mule-Inspired Rum and Coke.

Let’s talk about the classic Rum and Coke.  It’s awesome on its own and demonstrates one of the reasons why rum cocktails are among the ten most popular cocktails, Bacardi Rum is the world’s favorite and most awarded rum.  The light, vanilla, apricot flavors mix perfectly with the fizz and caramel notes of Coke that we all grew up on and continue to enjoy right into adulthood.

One of my favorite things to do is put my spin on a classic, and that’s why today I created a mashup of the Rum and Coke with the Moscow Mule.  Take all those flavor notes of the Rum and Coke and add in the bit of ginger, the tartness of lemon, and the floral notes of St. Germain and you have an absolutely irresistible cocktail.

Both a Mule and Rum & Coke are typically made with lime, but I don’t usually keep limes in the house, so I used lemon and love it.  One of my favorite party hosting tips is to use what you have on hand. Limes, lemons, and even orange would play nice in this cocktail.  As we head into summer, muddled cherries would be fun. Can’t find fresh ginger? Try an herb like mint or thyme in the syrup. Be adventurous and use what you have on hand.  It makes entertaining a lot less stressful.

I added St. Germain because it is one of my favorite liqueurs and it plays incredibly well with ginger.  I also added some sparkling water which allows all the flavors to shine. The sparkling water brings things together for one cohesive cocktail.

It’s also great to have a featured cocktail at a party instead of playing mixologist all night and this Moscow Mule-Inspired Rum and Coke totally fits the bill with the sweet, spicy, acidic flavors and effervescence that make it perfect year round.  Plus, it’s simple to make, using only a few ingredients but creating a new cocktail your guests probably haven’t tried but will ask for again and again.

Be sure to make Bacardi Superior Rum and Coca-Cola® Mini Cans part of your parties for fun, easy to make, flavorful cocktails.

Moscow Mule-Inspired Rum and Coke

Syrup

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup water

½ cup fresh ginger, peeled, and sliced into ½ inch thick rounds

For each cocktail

½ ounce fresh lemon juice

½ ounce simple syrup

½ ounce St. Germain

1.5 ounces Bacardi rum

2 ounces Coca-Cola, chilled

Sparkling water, chilled

Lemon for serving

Make the syrup.  Place water, sugar, and ginger in a small saucepan over medium high heat.  Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves. Boil for three minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

Once the syrup is cool, make the cocktail.  Pour the lemon juice, syrup, St. Germain, and Bacardi Superior rum into a glass.  Stir to combine. Add the Coke and top with the water. Garnish with a lemon.

This drink may be served over ice, but I prefer not to mess with the balance.  So long as the Coke and water are chilled, it doesn’t need the ice.