‘Merica Mule
I am excited to present my entry for the Mad Marchness Cocktail Face-Off, #sponsored by Mad March Hare (@madmarchharepoitin) and organized by @thegallavantgroup! The contest is based on engagement, so I definitely appreciate your likes, comments, shares, saves, etc.!
Round one objective: make a riff on the Mad March Mule, which is made with poitín, lime juice, bitters, and ginger beer. Wait, what's poitín? It's an ancient Irish spirit (with cool alter egos that include "Mountain Dew" and "Irish Moonshine"), typically made with a pot still and lightly or not barrel aged. This one is made from malted barley and distilled three times. It's a really nice spirit that has a lot of character, with a slightly sweet maltiness and a hint of funk that helps it stand out in a cocktail without dominating it.
My riff is as American as Apple Pie. It has apple, spices, and a big influence from another culture with the poitín being the primary spirit. The ground cardamom gives a heavy spice presence on the nose, then drawing out some of the otherwise subtle notes on the palate from the bitters and the Cocchi. Along with the cinnamon syrup, the cardamom rounds out the ginger without hiding it. There are hints of apple, of course, but the poitín shines through beautifully and lingers for a delicious, smooth finish.
Recipe
1.5oz Poitín
0.5oz apple brandy
0.25oz cinnamon syrup
0.25oz Cocchi Americano
0.75oz fresh lime juice
2 dashes Mad March Mule Bitters (can sub Angostura)
4-5oz ginger beer
Combine first five ingredients and shake briefly with a few pebbles of ice. Dump into glass (I used a highball but can use the traditional copper mug if preferred), top with ice. Add ginger beer, garnish with an apple fan and a light sprinkling of ground cardamom. Cheers!!
