Garden Mule

 

My sister-in-law tried this drink during one of her recent travels. She loves the Moscow mule that I make and so she shared her experience with me about this drink. I love to try out different drinks and so I decided to make it. Garden mules definitely need muddling. That is what makes them so good; the blueberries, cucumber, strawberries and mint are muddled, creating a garden-fresh cocktail!

Ingredients

• 4 slices cucumber
• 16 blueberries 
• 3-4 small strawberries
• 6 mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce lime juice
• 1/2 cup ginger beer
• 1 piece candied ginger

 Directions:

1. Put the cucumber, 8 blueberries, 3 strawberries and mint leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Muddle until crushed and juicy. Add a handful of ice, the vodka and lime. 
2. Cover, shaker and shake for about 15 seconds, until the shaker develops a nice coat of condensation on the outside.
3. Fill a Moscow mule mug/glass with ice. 
4. Strain the liquid from the shaker into the mug. 
5. Top with ginger beer and 4 blueberries. 
6. Thread strawberry, blueberry, piece of cucumber and a piece of candied ginger onto a toothpick. Garnish with a sprig of mint and the toothpick of berries and ginger.