Happy Independence Day, yo!! What’s better than a classic cocktail that appears Russian to jumpstart this fine American holiday? 😂 The Moscow Mule was designed back in the 30s to aid the American public to imbibe on the lesser-known vodka. Well, thanks guys, ‘cause vodka cocktails rock. And as this jingle juice has proved to us before: “Yes, you can dance.”

Since this gal very much enjoys drinking her garden, we plucked strawberries and fresh, it-grows-invasively-everywhere mint to gussy up this Moscow Mule recipe. One of the easiest classic cocktails in the books, my variation brings down the oft high level of sweetness to just the right bite. It also helps that Belvoir Fruits Farms makes a perfectly balanced ginger beer. Chyaaa. (Read about how I stumbled upon them at my local market!)

Plus, I got to use these ridiculous thrifted Smirnoff-branded copper mugs. According to their backside, it would appear Smirnoff had a home base just a hop skip inland in Hartford, Connecticut. Well, neat-o-rooni.

Gracious thanks to Belvoir Fruit Farms and Twine Living for providing products for this post. All opinions and experience expressed here are my own.

Drink Your Garden: Moscow Mule
Makes four cocktails

10 oz. Tito’s Handmade Vodka
16 oz. Belvoir Fruit Farms Organic Ginger Beer
4 oz. club soda
6 oz. fresh lime juice
8 strawberries, muddled
12 mint leaves, muddled

Bar Supplies
Hammered Copper Cocktail Shaker
Muddler
Copper Mugs
Ice Cubes

In a cocktail shaker, muddle strawberry and mint leaves. Add ice, vodka and shake, shake, shake. Evenly distribute among four copper mugs. Add ginger beer (should fizzle). Add club soda to each glass to temper sweetness. Garnish with mint leaves and strawberry slices.