What’s in a Lime?

HOW TO PUT THE PERFECT FINISH ON YOUR MOSCOW MULE

With so few ingredients involved in a Moscow Mule, it’s incredibly important to pay attention to the quality and style of each one. Everything from the brand of vodka, to the style of ginger beer, to the variety of lime you use will have a huge impact on your cocktail’s flavor and likeability. Everyone’s palate is different, so it’s all about finding the style of ingredients that works for you.

Today we’re going to delve a bit more into one of the mule’s three most essential ingredients: the lime!

There are three primary lime varieties available today, the Key lime, the Persian lime and the kaffir, or makrut, lime. Before deciding which variety of lime you’d prefer for your personal style of mule, let’s look a bit at the history of how each one came to be.

The Key Lime

The smaller and more acidic of the varieties, the Key lime has been known to get around. It is believed to have originated in Persia, eventually making its way to the Florida Keys via North Africa, Turkey, Palestine, Mediterranean Europe and Haiti. Quite the little traveler!

The Key lime was given its name by Spanish settlers in the Florida Keys in 1905 but, in more recent times, it has also taken on the nickname of “the bartender’s lime.”

The Persian Lime

The Persian lime is larger and juicier than the Key lime, which causes many to believe that it originated in Florida as a cross between its smaller cousin and either a lemon or citron. However, both its original name and alternate nickname, “the Tahiti lime,” suggest two other possible countries of origin.

In short, it looks like the Persian lime may have gotten around just as much as the Key lime!

The Kaffir, or Makrut, Lime

While the origins of the Key lime and Persian lime are a bit fuzzy, it’s quite apparent that the kaffir, or makrut, lime came to be in Southeast Asia. Because the lime’s original name is also considered a racial slur in many parts of the world, it has taken on the alternate moniker of makrut lime in countries such as the United States.

Rather than the tart juice that most limes are coveted for, the makrut lime’s fragrant leaves are the most frequently used part of this sour, wrinkly fruit.

Pick Your Pucker

We bet by now you’re wondering exactly which type of lime we recommend you squeeze into your Moscow Mules. The simple answer: it’s up to you! As we mentioned above, it all depends on your personal taste.

Looking for a mule with a nice acidic kick and slightly herbal undertones? Go for the Key lime.

Prefer a mellower, more palate-friendly flavor? Opt for the Persian lime.

Want to really go out on a limb with an extra-sour mule? Then the makrut lime just might be for you.

There is no right or wrong answer here. Simply opt for whichever one speaks to you, or give all three varieties a shot and taste the difference for yourself firsthand. After all, half the fun of being a Mulehead is the hands-on research behind it!

Make Your Moscow Mule Today!

Of course, your very best version of the Moscow Mule would not be “the best” without the proper vessel to serve it in. Be sure to check out our Original 100% Pure Copper Moscow Mule Mugs to see what has made them the go-to brand for Muleheads around the world, and to pick up YOUR best mule mug today.