A crisp, ginger-forward cocktail with a smoky-sweet finish. Works as a bourbon build (Jim Beam) for depth and spice, or a vodka build for a cleaner, lighter profile.
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 2 fluid ounces Bourbon or Vodka
- 0.8 fluid ounces fresh lime juice
- 0.5 fluid ounces pure maple syrup (NH Grade A, dark)
- 4 fluid ounces ginger beer (chilled)
- 2 teaspoons Angostura bitters
- 1 fresh mint sprigs (for garnish)
- 1 lime wheel (for garnish)
- 1 cups ice (cubed or crushed)
Steps
- Fill a copper mule mug or rocks glass with 1 cups ice (cubed or crushed) and set aside while you build the cocktail. This keeps the drink cold longer.
- Combine base ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 fluid ounces Jim Beam bourbon or vodka, fresh lime juice, pure maple syrup, and Angostura bitters. Add a small handful of ice into the shaker
- Shake firmly for 10–12 seconds until the shaker is well chilled on the outside.
- Discard the ice from your chilled glass and add fresh 1 cups ice (cubed or crushed). Strain the shaker contents over the ice directly into the mug.
- Top with ginger beer (chilled) — pour slowly down the inside of the mug to preserve the carbonation. Give one gentle stir.
- Garnish with a 1 lime wheel (for garnish) on the rim and a 1 fresh mint sprigs (for garnish) sprig tucked into the ice.
Notes
Jim Beam Bourbon Build: adds vanilla, oak, and caramel notes that play beautifully with the maple syrup — richer, warmer, ideal for fall or winter service.
Svedka Vodka Build: Strips back the sweetness for a cleaner, more refreshing drink. Better for summer. Use a neutral vodka so the lime and ginger shine.
Maple Syrup Tip: NH Grade A Dark (formerly Grade B) has a stronger maple flavor — worth specifying if you’re behind a bar. Light Grade A works but is subtler.
No ginger beer? Substitute equal parts ginger ale + a dash of fresh grated ginger muddled in the shaker. Reduces sweetness slightly.
Batch option: Scale up to 8 servings and combine all ingredients except the ginger beer in a pitcher. Refrigerate up to 4 hours. Top each glass with ginger beer to order.
