Cardamom Moscow Mule

August 7, 2013 Todd

One of the original vodka cocktails, the Moscow Mule has its roots in Hollywood. It was conceived in the 1940’s as a promotional tool for what was, at the time, a rather unfashionable spirit. A deviously simple combination of vodka, lime, and ginger beer, the Moscow Mule even has its own fancy copper mug! For my version, instead of ginger beer which is carbonated with yeast, I cheated and crafted an extra strong ginger ale. And of course, I had to spice it up by adding a little cardamom. One sip is all you’ll need to convert even the biggest vodka cynic. I promise.

Cardamom Moscow Mule

A delightfully spiced twist on this classic vodka cocktail.

Servings: 1 cocktail

INGREDIENTS

1 cup sparkling water

Cocktail

2 oz vodka
1/2 oz lime juice
4 oz cardamom ginger ale
lime wheel (garnish)
pinch ground cardamom (garnish)

Cardamom Ginger Ale

INSTRUCTIONS

Cardamom Ginger Ale

Peel and finely grate the ginger. Set aside.
Crack open the cardamom pods and grind the seeds using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Set aside.
Add sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Add ginger and ground cardamom and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Once the syrup has cooled, strain through a fine mesh strainer. Transfer to a large jar or bottle and add sparkling water. Keep the ginger ale chilled in fridge while you make the rest of your drink.

Cocktail

Crush ice, either using a Lewis bag or food processor. Fill your cup halfway with crushed ice. Add the vodka, lime juice, and cardamom ginger ale, then top off the remainder of your cup with crushed ice.
Cut a lime wheel and lay it on the top of the cocktail for garnish, and top with a little ground cardamom for some added spice.

(images by HonestlyYUM)

Conversation

These recipes sound delicious. I have to try all of these cardamom Moscow mule recipe.

Wondering if I can use one of your pictures of the Moscow mule? I know I’ll be trying the recipe

Hi – was wondering where those great mugs came from? Can you point me in a direction?

Hi Josh, they’re from Umami Mart: http://shop.umamimart.com/collections/barware-cups-and-glasses/products/copper-mug

Adding cardamon is a great tip, I will have to try your twist on the classic moscow mule. The pictures are really beautiful as well, thanks for sharing. Check out this video tutorial on how to make a traditional mule if you have the chance, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zM4uTrwUuc

What if I cannot find cardamom pods?

Hey Jennifer. No worries, just leave the cardamom out of the ginger ale, and you will still have a delicious Moscow Mule 🙂

Sooo frustrating-no print icon. I hate looking up recipes on blogs for that very reason.

totally made this a few weeks ago for friends and it was a hit! Posted it on my blog today. Thanks for the recipe!

I tried this! unreal! thank you SO MUCH!

I will most certainly be keeping this in mind for the weekend. I’ve actually never had a Moscow Mule (gasp!) but the addition of cardamom here makes it pretty much irresistible. YUM.

I just made this delicious drink.. and YUM ! indeed it’s a lovely Sunday beverage!

Awesome!! Glad you enjoyed it Sophia.

Incredibly beautiful images. Anything with ginger ale in it gets my vote!

Thank you so much Christina!!

I’ve been making my own spiced ginger ale for a few years now, but I never to thought to use it for a Moscow mule. Such a great idea!!

Definitely gotta give it a try Brandon. Especially with your skills. Definitely let me know what you come up with.

Anything with lime is so refreshing in the Summer!
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Sweet goodness, what a fabulous drink! I love that mug…gotta find one!

Thank you Katrina. I picked up mine from Umami Mart, but there are some really great ones available for purchase online.

These copper cups look amazing! I sooooooo want to make this ginger cardamom ale! Looks awesome!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much Samina!!

I had no idea this drink existed. This will be on the drink menu this coming week for vacation!

Good idea Tracy. It’s definitely a good one to have in the queue!

WOW, I Love Love Love your pictures! I will totally try your recipe for Ginger Ale, Delish!

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Thank you Carin!

I love ginger ale. I never thought I could make my own, but I’ll try your recipe. The cocktail looks amazing!

Aww, thanks Caroline!!

Oh man, cardamom ginger ale. YES. I die. And who could resist a drink in a fancy copper mug? If someone had served me this back in my vodka cynic days, I’d have been converted sooner. 😉

Carey, you know I’m a rum guy, but I have to admit I’m kind’ve addicted to these at the moment. Also, thanks for the (cardamom) inspiration!! 😉

The cardamom takes the mule to a different dimension. The ingredients compliment each other very well making it a quick ride to a pleasant Summer afternoon buzz!

Love those mugs! I want them… full of cardamom moscow mules, of course!

Right you are Ashley. The copper mugs are a must.

Totally going to try this! I can’t wait.. and beautiful pictures!

Yay! Thank Pamela. I hope you enjoy 🙂

where has cardamom ginger ale been all my life! I need it! I made my own ginger ale about 2-3 mos ago but this drink just steals the show. Fabulous!

Thanks Averie! I hope you have a chance to mix up a few Moscow Mules, with or without the cardamom.

I don’t drink but I could stare at your insanely gorgeous drink images all day long, all summer long 🙂

Wow, thank you so much!! You can always keep it non-alcoholic.

I like vodka. I like any drink that will convince people how good vodka can be. This looks delicious AND convincing! Yet again, Honestly Yum knocks one out of the park. Thanks guys!

Lime is my all time favorite citrus. Paired with ginger and cardamom and those gorgeous cups, this drink looks so refreshing and delicious. My usual gingery bar order is a dark and stormy, but I think you’ve converted me to a moscow mule drinker. YUM!

cardamom is drinks in something very new but looking at pictures – i want it in that mug.

Honestly, yum!! This is one of my all-time favorite drinks. So glad to see it and learn about some of the history – I had no idea! As always, great pics!