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This Spiced Harvest Mule is EXACTLY what I imagine fall would taste like if you could bottle it up and sell it! There is just a hint of spiciness (thanks to a base of ginger beer), that pairs perfectly with the quintessential fall flavors you get from whole cloves, real cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, orange juice, and maple syrup.
Honestly, the syrup for this spiced harvest mule alone creates such a warm and inviting aroma that I’d whip one of these cocktails up JUST as an excuse to get my house smelling like fall. You know that smell! The one that instantly whisks you away to clear blue skies, crunchy orange leaves, and pumpkin everything? That’s the one I’m talking about!
Traditionally, when you think of a mule, most people think of the popular Moscow Mule made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. That trademark flavor comes from the spicy, distinct taste of ginger beer (which I LOVE), mixed with the perfect ratio of lime and vodka! Not only is the flavor incredible, but these drinks can usually be seen from a mile away, served in their signature copper mugs. There’s hardly a recent summer I can remember when this fresh and bright drink hasn’t graced our gatherings, which is part of the reason why the Spiced Harvest Mule came to fruition – necessity! The problem is that we love these cocktails so much that we just couldn’t allow them to be limited to poolside fiestas during the warmer months. Mules need to be a year round thing, and we KNEW it was our job to make it happen, challenge accepted!
When I sat down to brainstorm ideas for a signature fall cocktail that would be equal parts party-friendly, and bursting with flavor, the Spiced Harvest Mule was born. A simple syrup that really is so easy to create, paired with a good, strong whiskey, and a high quality ginger beer make this cocktail one that will be a crowd favorite for years to come! The syrup can also be made well in advance in larger quantities, and then mixed just before your shindig as the perfect addition to your next holiday party or family gathering. I’m not sure if there’s an occasion this fall when I WON’T be serving this cocktail, it’s THAT good friends!
Tell me, have you started planning your holiday season get together menus? I just love sitting down and thinking of a main course, then picking and choosing the perfect appetizers, salad, sides, dessert and drinks to perfectly complement all of the flavors and bring my ideas to life! I’m thinking our next soiree will be all about the perfect turkey, complete with a “healthier” green bean casserole, pecan pie bars, and this Spiced Harvest Mule to tie it all together. That, my friends, is my idea of a perfect holiday meal with the people I love!
Ingredients
For the syrup:
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 whole cloves
Per mule:
- 2-3 tablespoons above prepared syrup to taste
- 3 ounces whiskey 2 shots
- 1/2 cup ginger beer
- 1 blood orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine all of the ingredients and whisk well to incorporate.
- Cook the syrup for 10-15 minutes until reduced by half, whisking frequently to prevent burning.
- Once reduced, remove syrup from heat and strain to remove cinnamon and cloves.
- In a copper mug, combine 2-3 tablespoons prepared syrup, whiskey, and ginger beer, stirring well.
- Add ice, and garnish with a blood orange slice.
- ENJOY!
Miranda says
So easy to make and PERFECT for fall! I am taking a jar of the syrup, a handle of whiskey, and a six pack of ginger beer (and a few oranges for garnish!) to two friendsgivings this weekend. I am now known as the person who brings the signature cocktail to events – and it’s all because of your fantastic recipes! Thank you, Fed and Fit team!