A Special Summer Cocktail

I'm excited to be sharing this summery blackberry mule in honor of a very special occasion: my friends Taylor and Chris are getting married! To celebrate their marriage (August 12, 2023) in style, I wanted to put together an extremely important "gift" that every couple needs: their very own signature cocktail.

I think it's always good to have some interesting cocktail recipes up your sleeve, and even better if you have a unique "house cocktail" to make for date nights or for friends and family when they come over. This colorful tequila mule (also known as a Mexican mule) is perfect for summer parties, grilling outside, or even taking on a picnic because there are just a few simple ingredients.

This special sip is an ode to Taylor and Chris, their wonderful relationship, and their marriage. It's colorful and fun, just like they are, and makes use of an iconic summer New England treat: blackberries. This blackberry mule has woodsy flavors with a disco vibe... keep reading to find out why!

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What is a Mexican Mule?

A Mexican mule (a.k.a. tequila mule) is a tequila-based riff on the classic Moscow mule. The original mule unites vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer for a versatile sip that is refreshing and surprisingly complex despite the few ingredients. In a Mexican mule, tequila is substituted for the vodka; its cousins are the Kentucky mule (bourbon) and the Jamaican mule (dark rum). All of these riffs using other spirits are even more flavorful than the original.

In a Mexican mule, you can use any kind of tequila you enjoy. I often make a Mexican mule with reposado or anejo (longer-aged tequilas) because they have such fabulous flavor. However you'll see in this recipe that I suggest using a blanco (minimally-aged tequila) since its clear hue won't interfere with the color of the cocktail. Any of these options would work great though, or feel free to try using mezcal to introduce a smoky component (which would be so great for sitting by a bonfire!).

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Woodsy Flavors, Disco Flair

I've chosen the components of this blackberry mule to tell the story of Taylor and Chris's relationship. They met in Vermont and have spent the early years of their relationship in Vermont, so the Green Mountain landscape has become an important part of their lives. They both love to hike and go on adventures, so I wanted to bring some woodsy flavors into their signature cocktail. I chose to use ginger (to represent tree roots and the forest) and blackberries (to represent the sweetness of summer hikes in the Green Mountains).

Although Taylor and Chris are lovers of the outdoors, they also have some party flair. Their wedding next week is themed as "Disco in the Woods", so clearly this cocktail had to have a bit of a party/disco vibe. The choice of tequila as the base spirit, the bright pink color, the celebratory ginger beer, and the edible flower garnish (optional but of course highly encouraged) are all nods to the wedding, which will be the most fabulous disco in the woods to ever occur.

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Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's what you'll need for this summery tequila mule, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

• Blackberries. This cocktail will work alright with frozen blackberries instead of fresh, although the color will be slightly different (a bit more red than purple).
• Tequila. I prefer to use a blanco (minimally-aged) tequila in this blackberry mule so that the color of the tequila doesn't interfere with the color of the cocktail. A reposado or anejo tequila would be delightful too, but the color of the final cocktail will be slightly less vibrant.
• Lime. Fresh-squeezed is a must.
• Ginger beer. Because the blackberries have some sweetness, I prefer to use a less-sweet ginger beer. Fever Tree's "Refreshingly Light" is a great option.
• Garnishes. Optional but encouraged! This special celebratory cocktail can be garnished with additional fresh blackberries, a lime wheel or wedge, a sprig of mint, an edible flower, and/or whatever else makes it feel festive to you.

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Closing Thoughts

This tequila mule, with its woodsy vibe and disco flair, is perfect for a summer party. It pays homage to outdoor adventures in Vermont with sweet blackberries and fragrant ginger. It can work equally well after a big day hiking, at a summer BBQ, or even on a picnic. Because this cocktail is easy to make, it's a great one for sharing with friends and family.

I'm so excited to celebrate with Taylor and Chris soon (a week from the time I'm posting this!!). My hope for this blackberry mule is that it brings them much happiness however they decide to enjoy it, and that it always takes them back to the roots of their relationship, reminding them of where and how their journey together began.

Congratulations on your marriage, Taylor and Chris! Raising a big toast to you, to all your future adventures together, and to a lifetime of happiness and excellent cocktails.

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Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

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As with all my cocktail recipes, please enjoy responsibly!

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Suggested Pairings

Grilled Corn Guacamole

Watermelon Nachos with Avocado Sauce

Tropical Macadamia Mango Slaw‍

Rainbow Mexican Black Bean Salad

Boozy Nicecream Guide (see the mule nicecream in particular, but use tequila and add blackberries)