I remember the first time I had a bourbon Moscow mule like it was yesterday…
I had just flown in to Houston, Texas for Thanksgiving vacation circa 2012. My mom, sister, and I went to McCormick & Schmick’s for some “just because we missed you” cocktails lol. I think I ordered a beer (who knows… that part isn’t what I remember about this day), my mom ordered a vodka club soda with lime (always), and my sister ordered a Moscow mule. Her drink came in this fabulous copper mug garnished with a lime and crystallized ginger. Obviously right then I was like “whaaaaaaaaaa are you drinking?! And can I have a sip?!” Thankfully… she shared. I took a sip and then the heavens opened up and all the ginger beer angels started singing. Okay, that didn’t actually happen but the bubbles and fresh ginger flavor made my taste buds go crazy! Clearly, I promptly ordered one, slurped it down like it was my job then ordered another… or 3 more but who’s counting?
Needless to say, I loooove Moscow mules. Why? I’m like 99.999% sure it’s because of the ginger beer since I wouldn’t consider myself a vodka person. To some people vodka is their jam. I’m like ehh it’s okay. It just lacks flavor in my opinion, which is great when you want only your mixers to shine but sometimes I want my liquor to have its moment in the sun. Enter: rosemary ginger bourbon sparklers! They are similar to bourbon mules (aka Moscow mule with bourbon instead of vodka) but we swap limes for lemons and add the most flavorful homemade rosemary ginger simple syrup!
Now this homemade simple syrup is my jam. We boil together water and sugar (it is simple syrup after all) along with chunks of fresh (and peeled) ginger plus a few sprigs of fresh rosemary. Let them boil and release all their goodness then strain to get sweet nectar from the ginger gods. To complete this cocktail, we add bourbon (Maker’s Mark… my fave), thinly sliced lemons, lemon juice, rosemary ginger simple syrup, and you guessed it… ginger beer! Acid from the lemons helps to balance out the sweetness from the bourbon and simple syrup.
I’m going to be honest here for second (I mean I’m always honest, you know what I mean)… I originally named these rosemary bourbon mules but I didn’t photograph these in mule mugs because the crystal glasses looked way prettier in my photographs…
So yeah… rosemary ginger bourbon sparklers or rosemary bourbon mules… choose your weapon and call it what you like, either way it’s delicious!!!!!!!!
rosemary ginger bourbon sparklers
Ingredients
- ice
- 4 oz bourbon
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 oz rosemary ginger syrup see below
- 6-8 oz ginger beer to taste
- 2 small rosemary sprigs garnish
- 1 lemon thinly sliced (garnish)
- rosemary ginger syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 oz fresh ginger peeled and sliced (1/3 inch thick)
- 2 large rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar then bring to a boil. Add in ginger and rosemary and return the mixture to a boil, stirring to fully dissolve sugar. Remove from heat then let the syrup cool completely (30-45 minutes). Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a jar or small bowl. Discard the solids then refrigerate until needed! Syrup can be refrigerated for up to one month in an airtight container.
- Make the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker (or measuring cup), shake (or mix) together bourbon, rosemary ginger syrup and lemon juice. Fill two rocks glasses or mule mugs with lots of ice or one big ice cube (I love these huge square ice cubes). Place lemon slices in the glass between the ice and wall of the glass. Split contents of the shaker between the two glasses then top each cocktail with ginger beer plus a small rosemary sprig. Enjoy!
This recipe was featured on The Feed Feed!! Make sure to check it out and the other amazing bourbon recipes they featured!
I ended up watching Moonlight last night and it was such a beautiful story but also very sad. Overall, it was a wonderful movie! I definitely recommend it. Now I only have two Oscar noms left… I can do it! Speaking of the Oscars, if champagne isn’t your thing: 1) who are you?! 2) make this cocktail to enjoy during the Oscars instead of champs! And if the Oscars aren’t your thing… just make this cocktail over weekend 🙂
Happy Friday friends and foodies!
If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment or tag a photo #appetitesanonymous on instagram!! I’d love to see your cocktails in action. Peace, friends!
– a
Aimee Mars
Hello, weekend! Wow, I love the rosemary ginger combo in these drinks and yeah I’d have used those gorgeous glasses too, not that I don’t love a mule glass, but these really sparkle!
Adrienne Brady
Glad you agree!! 🙂
Yum, these look delicious!
Soooo delicious! I have extra syrup if y’all want some 🙂