Summer is on its way and the days are getting longer and hotter. Spring and summer are my favorite times of the year and I love sitting outside on a sunny day with a cocktail in hand either typing away on my computer getting my work done, basking in the sun, or just watching the kiddos run rampant around the backyard.
Now, with the current ‘stay-at-home’ order that we’re under here in DFW, I’ve had plenty of time to think up and try new recipes. Especially new cocktail recipes.
Thankfully the liquor store is still open… haha!
Today I’m bringing you another twist on the Moscow mule – a Berry Cucumber Moscow Mule. Made with fresh blueberries and cucumbers it’s definitely a drink that you can whip up and sip on while you’re home.
Start by placing your blueberries, sliced cucumber, and a few mint leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Muddle lightly with a cocktail muddler of the end of a wooden spoon.
You shouldn’t have any trouble finding fresh blueberries as you can get them just about year-round now. However, if you cannot find fresh then frozen will work fine just make sure to defrost them before making the cocktail.
Along those same lines, ideally you want the mint leaves that are sold in bunches but if your store doesn’t sell those (here’s looking at you Kroger) then the mint you find in boxes will work also. Just make sure not to use any that are brown or bruised. And if you grow your own mint, like I started doing this year – even better!
Fill the shaker 1/2 way with ice and add the lime juice and a good pour of vodka. Can’t have a cocktail with the liquor. Regular unflavored vodka will do but if you want to punch up the flavor grab a flavored vodka instead.
Also, fresh lime juice is best but you can always use the bottled stuff. I always have a bottle on hand for the off chance that I don’t have any limes in the pantry.
Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to chill and combine all ingredients. This also breaks apart the cucumber and blueberries a bit more releasing a little more of the juice.
Strain the mixture into a copper mule mug and fill with ice then top with ginger beer and give it a little stir. Alternatively, if you don’t have a strainer or don’t want to, you don’t have to strain the contents.
I personally like to strain my drinks so I don’t have chunks of fruit getting stuck in my straw when I’m trying to drink. It’s just kind of annoying. Haha!
Garnish with a couple slices of cucumber, a few fresh berries, and a sprig of mint. For a little extra mint flavor, slap the mint leaves on you hand before garnishing the drink. This will release some of the oils in the mint onto the top of the drink.
Serve and enjoy!
Berry Cucumber Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 4 slices cucumber
- 8 blueberries
- 4 fresh mint leaves
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
Instructions
- Place cucumber slices, blueberries, and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. Muddle lightly.
- Fill 1/2 way with ice; add vodka and lime juice.
- Cover and shake for 30 seconds to chill and mix contents.
- Strain into a Moscow Mule mug filled with ice. Top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with additional blueberries, mint, and cucumber slices, if desired.
