Moscow Mule

We constantly think about the seasons of the year, the effects they have over what we wear, and especially over what we eat. I think I’m guilty of looking forward to summer more than actually enjoying it in the moment. This time of late spring has always been the most inspiring to me. I could talk all day about the produce I’m going to cook with and the picnics and assorted summertime adventures I’m going to take.

But I usually have a pang of guilt when March rolls around and I haven’t done all the things I wanted to do. Time just flies these days. In November it feels like summer will last forever. I’ve learned that it’s super important to make a conscious effort to enjoy the moment, rather than just thinking about what’s coming next. With summer just around the corner now – yay! – it is the season of delicious (and cheap) watermelon. It makes a delicious snack at any time of day, but if you don’t feel like eating it plain, it also makes a damn good cocktail.

A Moscow Mule is a cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer and lime that has been popular since the 1940s. While the ingredients may be simple, the combination is a classic for a reason and has proven to be the basis for dozens of variations over the last few decades. There are endless options for fruity flavourings – anything from berries to stone fruit to citrus, or watermelon like I’ve done in this recipe.

If you’re feeling especially adventurous you could even try adding herbs to compliment your fruit like rosemary, thyme or kaffir lime. You can also change up the spirit used, to create variations like the Mexican Mule that uses tequila instead of vodka, or the London Mule with gin, which sounds great to me! Ginger and lime go with almost anything, clearly.

Trust me, these flavours are especially good with watermelon and pomegranate! If you are hoarding watermelon like me lately, this drink is easy to fix for yourself on a warm afternoon. I really like the sweetness and freshness of the watermelon with the kick from the ginger. The pomegranate flavour didn’t come through so much for me, so feel free to use a little more or just enjoy the pretty garnish. You could of course also scale up the recipe below since you’ll have extra watermelon juice anyway, and serve it in a pitcher for a party.

If you’ve been reading for a while, you’ll know that I have a thing for ginger beer. I’ve even used it in cakes and scones! I never drink soft drinks these days but I will make the very occasional exception for ginger beer. I do want to try making it from scratch one day soon, except I’m still a little scared of exploding bottles. In the past I have made my own ginger syrup to use in cocktails, and I’ll link that just below. You’re definitely welcome to try that – perhaps minus the chilli for this Watermelon Moscow Mule – if you can’t find ginger beer where you live, or if you prefer something homemade.

I think my favourite thing about the Moscow Mule is the chance to drink out of a fancy copper mug. They are served this way because copper will keep the drink colder for much longer than a regular glass. Even more so if you freeze your copper mugs before happy hour. Enjoy!

Watermelon & Pomegranate Moscow Mule

Makes 1

1/4 watermelon, skin removed and cut into cubes
1/2 pomegranate, arils removed, plus extra for garnish
45ml vodka (your favourite brand)
Juice of half a lime
Ginger beer (or ginger syrup and soda)
Ice cubes
Garnish: Extra watermelon slices, pomegranate and a sprig of mint

If you like, you can chill your copper mug or glass for 15-30 minutes before serving. Then place the watermelon and pomegranate into a blender and pulse until liquid. Strain into a small jug and set aside.

To make the Moscow Mule, pour vodka, lime juice and 60ml of watermelon pomegranate juice into a copper mug or chilled glass. Add ice and top up with ginger beer. Garnish with extra pomegranate arils, a slice of watermelon and a sprig of mint.