The Wandering Mule Recipe

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The Wandering Mule Recipe

Crafted by: Joshua Suchan, Proprietor at Ice and Alchemy, Bar Design and Beverage Program Consulting, Los Angeles, CA.

Recipe:

  • 2 ounces dried hibiscus bud infused vodka (see recipe, page 00)
  • 1/4 ounce Giffard Vanille de Madagascar
  • 1/2 ounce lemon juice
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • Ginger beer
  • Fresh mint, for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a shaker, combine all ingredients, except the ginger beer.
  2. Shake and strain into a copper mug filled with cubed ice.
  3. Top up the mug with ginger beer.
  4. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a bouquet of fresh mint.

Hibiscus Bud-Infused Vodka:

To 1 liter of vodka, add 2 cups of whole, dried hibiscus flowers (or 1 cup if using cut, dried hibiscus flowers). Let infuse for 30 minutes. Strain the infused vodka into a clean bottle.

Inspiration:

I have always appreciated the simplicity of the Moscow Mule. Its rise to popularity, both in the 1940s and again today, can be contributed to its combination of straightforward ingredients. When creating my mules, I like to find engaging flavor affinities while maintaining the simplicity of the original recipe. The goal is to intrigue and refresh any palate, ranging from novice to advanced. The Wandering Mule satisfies all of these elements, and also brings a vivid red color to the table.

Joshua Suchan

Joshua Suchan

Bartending became Joshua’s creative outlet when the housing collapse of 2008 essentially made his freshly-printed architecture degree all but useless. Fortunately, much of the design process transcends job types, and he began looking at cocktails as opportunities to artistically express concepts. After living in Portland, Oregon and having worked with some very talented people, including one of his mentors and biggest inspirations, Jeffrey Morgenthaler, Joshua and his wife moved down to Los Angeles in 2015. There, he founded a company called Ice and Alchemy, where he consults on bar design and develops bar programs for restaurants and chefs. He can also be found behind the stick at his newest project, Skylight Gardens in LA’s Westwood neighborhood.