Name: Gin-Gin Mule
Yield: Makes 1 gallon (about 25 to 30 drinks)
Ingredients: 1 pint (16 oz) water; 1 lb superfine sugar; 23 oz fresh lime juice (from 23 limes, which can be done in 15 minutes); 32 oz (1 quart) Simple Syrup; 45 oz gin; 32 oz Homemade Ginger Beer; 6 bundles of mint, half for muddling, the other half for garnish

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This drink contains a refreshing combination of ingredients — the herbaceous mint, the tart lime, the hot, spicy ginger, and the crisp, bright gin.

When used in drinks, gin's botanicals have the ability to cut through the sweetness of liqueurs and sugar. The botanicals stimulate the palate and keep it feeling fresh and clean. Gin also pushes flavors "forward" (much the way a squeeze of lemon does) without altering the flavor profiles.

This recipe makes 1 gallon, which yields approximately 25 to 30 drinks, depending on the size of the highball glasses. This sounds like a lot, but it's not. A gallon would go very quickly for a party of 6 people.

For home entertaining, you can premix all of the liquids a couple of hours ahead and then store in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve the drinks, just mete out the liquid into a mixing glass and muddle a sprig of mint into each. It makes enjoying your own party a lot easier, rather than having to worry about continual prep.

And please, no shortcuts here: Do not presqueeze the lime juice more than only a few hours ahead. It loses its vitality quickly. And do not infuse the mint into this (or any drink). It takes on a funky, vegetal quality, which mars the taste of the drink.

Using commercial ginger beer is not recommended, as it is too sweet. Nonalcoholic note: Without gin, this makes a very refreshing nonalcoholic beverage!

Recipe information

Yield
Makes 1 gallon (about 25 to 30 drinks)

Ingredients

Simple Syrup

1 pint (16 oz) water

1 lb superfine sugar

Gin-Gin Mule

23 oz fresh lime juice (from 23 limes, which can be done in 15 minutes)

32 oz (1 quart) Simple Syrup

45 oz gin

32 oz Homemade Ginger Beer

6 bundles of mint, half for muddling, the other half for garnish

Preparation

To make Simple Syrup:
Step 1
Measure 1 part water to 1 part superfine sugar into a bottle that has a top. Close the lid and shake well. Let this settle, and then repeat 1 or 2 more times, until all the sugar is dissolved and the syrup is clear.
To make Gin-Gin Mule:
Step 2
Measure the lime juice, Simple Syrup, and mint into a mixing glass. Muddle well to extract the mint's flavor. Add ginger beer, gin, and ice. Garnish with a mint sprig. You can also add candied ginger for a more festive effect. Serve with a straw.
VARIATION
Step 3
If you'd like just a single serving of the Gin-Gin Mule, use the measurements below and follow the directions above.
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz Simple Syrup
1 oz Homemade Ginger Beer
1 1/2 oz gin
2 sprigs of mint, 1 for muddling, 1 for garnish