Oh sure, there might be a slight nip in the air in upper New England come September, but here at home, it’s still miserably, woefully hot – at least, hot enough to hanker for a light summer refresher like the Strawberry Mule at Rancho Pinot. A variation of the classic Moscow Mule (purportedly invented at the Cock ’n’ Bull pub in L.A. in the early ’40s), it couldn’t be simpler: vodka, ginger beer, lime and strawberry purée for a tart-sweet hit of fruity goodness. Served in a traditional copper mug, which looks and feels blessedly cold in your hand, it’s a fizzy, spicy concoction that goes down like ginger ale – only hot pink, and considerably sexier. Who says there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues?
Making this baby at home is a snap – no tinctures, no shrubs, no fancy syrups – which is perfect for our end-of-summer ennui. Fill a copper mug with ice, then add 1 ½ oz. fresh strawberry purée (if the strawberries aren’t sweet enough to suit you, add sugar to taste), ¾ oz. fresh lime juice and 1 ½ oz. Tito’s vodka. Top with ginger beer and add a strawberry and a mint sprig for garnish.
P.S. – If you don’t see the mule on Rancho’s menu, just ask. They’ll make it for you through the summer months.
$12
Rancho Pinot
6208 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-367-8030, ranchopinot.com
