The Moscow Mule has proven itself a venerable cocktail both for its enduring popularity and for the number of variations it has spawned over the years. Those variations would include the Summertime Mule, the Spicy Mule, the Skinny Mule and our personal favorite; Moscow Mule Jello Shots. We’ve seen the Mule go south of the border (The Mexican Mule), into the backyard (the Garden Mule) across the pond (the Irish Mule) and around the Caribbean (the Rum Mule). But, until now we haven’t seen much action in the Pacific Rim. Well, that’s about to change with this new variation we’ve uncovered from our friends in the mid-Pacific. It’s a little concoction called the Pineapple Moscow Mule.

Now, when most mixologists think of Hawaiian cocktails they probably think of classics like the Lava Pit, the Mai Tai and the Kona Coffee-Tini but we’re pretty sure that in the near future the Hawaiian Mule will also carve out a place for itself in the pantheon of great Hawaiian cocktails and that’s because it’s just so darn delicious. But before we get into details regarding the recipe for this Pacific painkiller let’s take a look at its signature ingredient: pineapple.

The History and Symbolism of the Humble Pineapple

The pineapple ( Ananas comosus) isn’t one of those things you can trace back to the origins of Western Civilization in ancient Greece. The plant is actually indigenous to South America and spread from there via the native traders into the Caribbean where Columbus was the first European to encounter it in 1493. He called it piña de Indes, (pine of the Indians) and took examples with him when he returned to Spain. Later Spanish explorers introduced the pineapple to the Philippines and finally to Hawaii; possibly as early as the 16th century.
 quickly became a favorite and, in some areas, a staple food of the Hawaiian Islanders but it wasn’t until Dole and Del Monte set up pineapple production facilities in Hawaii at the beginning of the 20th century that pineapples became synonymous with the future 50th state.

Back on the mainland the pineapple became a symbol associated with a journey’s end. In New England for instance ship captains, upon returning from long southern voyages, would impale a pineapple on a fence post in front of their house to announce their return and signal their willingness to host visitors.

These days most pineapple production in Hawaii has ceased and the 5 biggest producers of pineapple are Costa Rica, The Philippines, Brazil, Thailand and India. Still, the legacy of the Ananas Comosus endures on the islands and it’s this legacy that drives the creation of the Hawaiian Mule.

Pineapples and Cocktails

Before it found its way into the subject of today’s post, the pineapple had already firmly established itself in cocktail lore. Some prime examples include Pineapple-Rum Coolers, Pineapple Mojitos, Pineapple and Brandy Punch, Pineapple Cosmopolitans and - something we have to put on our bucket list - Pineapple-Sake Sangria with Jalapeño.

Bartenders love the pineapple because its syrupy sweetness infuses drinks with a distinctively tropical flavor. There aren’t many fruity drinks that don’t depend on the pineapple to lend them legitimacy or that aren’t improved by simply adding a bit of pineapple. And that clever connector brings us to the heart of the matter we’re here to discuss.

The Pineapple Moscow Mule

Before you go any further you need to ask yourself one question: “What am I going to serve this delicious concoction in?” Well, if you know your “mule” lore you know that, whatever the variation, it’s imperative that it be served in the traditional copper mug. Paykoc has an array of beautiful, durable and affordable copper mule mugs for you to choose from so if you don’t already have some of your own, browse our selection of copper mugs and order some. (Shipping is free within the continental US).

Alright. So you’ve got your classic copper mule mugs, you’ve got your pineapple, you’ve got the requisite social event coming up and now all you need is the list of ingredients and the recipe. So here goes:

Ingredients

• A cup of ice
• Your favorite vodka
• 2 ounces of pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup of ginger beer (store bought or homemade)
• 1 ounce of lime juice
• 1 slice of fresh pineapple
• 1 mint sprig

Putting it all Together: Our Hawaiian Mule Recipe

• Fill your beautiful new (chilled) copper mug with ice.
• Add 2 or 3 oz of your favorite vodka depending on your preference.
• Add the 2 oz of pineapple juice.
• Add the lime juice.
• Pour in the ginger beer and stir gently.
• Garnish with slice of pineapple and mint.
• Drink!

Enjoy a Twist on the Traditional Thanksgiving Cocktail with the Pineapple Mule

With the holidays just around the corner it’s time to think about all things comestible, including those after-dinner cocktails. This year instead of (or in addition to) those Whiskey Sours, Hard Ciders, Cognac Sparklers and various cranberry based cocktails spice up your Thanksgiving with the Pineapple Moscow Mule. You’ll add an immediate conversation piece to the after dinner socializing, set your festivities apart from everyone else’s and get major holiday credibility points for those oh-so-traditional-looking copper mugs.

Once the holidays have passed and things start to warm up you can also use the Pineapple Mule to light a fire under your 4th of July festivities, impromptu barbeques, “welcome to the neighborhood” get-togethers and those mid-summer dinner parties under the stars in the outdoor kitchen. Whatever the occasion the Hawaiian Mule recipe laid out above is sure to provide the finishing touch that will tip proceedings over into the “unqualified success” arena.

Pineapples and mules go together like apples and cinnamon in this exciting variation on the classic Moscow Mule. Don’t miss the opportunity to enliven your upcoming holiday get-togethers with this unexpected treat from the 50th state and send everyone home buzzing about the quality of your sumptuous repast and equally incredible cocktail offerings.