Red Reindeer

Red Reindeer

Here's an apropos toast in the spirit of the holidays. The cocktail is based on the ever popular Moscow Mule, a delicious combination on vodka, lime and ginger beer that was invented in the 1940’s as a marketing ploy to sell Smirnoff vodka and surplus ginger beer. The copper mugs gave the drink a recognizable brand and novel appeal as well – great marketing! I’m a bigger fan of this drink when the vodka is replaced with rum, a version known as the “Dark and Stormy” that pairs well with pirate themed puzzles, IMHO.

This cocktail sleighs

A common trend to lend some holiday flavor to the Moscow Mule is the addition of cranberry juice to the formula. It’s festive, seasonal and cheerful. I do love the names for these versions, such as the “Russian Reindeer” or the “Yule Mule”. Of course I had to improve on these versions, while sticking with the reindeer theme. Rather than cranberry juice, I used a delicious liqueur that always seems to make an appearance in my cocktails this time of year. I also kicked up the sweetness quotient with some homemade grenadine, and I used a hibiscus ginger beer. What can I say, it’s one rockin’ reindeer! Ho Ho Ho – cheers and Happy Holidays.

reindeer games

Red Reindeer

2 oz vodka

1 oz lime juice

½ oz cranberry liqueur

½ oz grenadine

4 oz ginger beer

Build ingredients in a glass or mug over crushed ice and stir. Lime wheel garnish.

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