In this Moscow Mule variation, vodka is infused with lemongrass and grapefruit to make aquavit. Get the recipe for Swedish Mule ». Helen Rosner
In Sweden, home cooks make aquavit by infusing a clear spirit distilled from grain or potatoes with an infinite variety of spices, herbs, and other flavorful botanicals. Here, the classic Moscow Mule gets a Scandinavian twist with a grapefruit and lemongrass-infused aquavit. Restaurant Aquavit in New York City makes this cocktail with Crabbie’s ginger beer, an alcoholic ginger beer with a deep, spicy flavor, though you can substitute any ginger beer you’d like.
Swedish Mule
In this recipe, the classic Moscow Mule gets a Scandinavian twist with a grapefruit and lemongrass-infused aquavit.
Yield: makes 1 Cocktail
For the Grapefruit and Lemongrass Aquavit
- 1 peel of grapefruit
- 1 stalk lemongrass
- 1 (750-ml) bottle vodka
For the Cocktail
- 1 oz. grapefruit and lemongrass aquavit
- 1-2 dashes grapefruit bitters
- Crabbie’s ginger beer, to top
- Candied ginger, to garnish
Instructions
- Make the aquavit: Combine grapefruit peel with vodka; steep for 3 weeks. Lightly smash lemongrass and tie in a knot. Combine with vodka mixture and steep 1 more week; strain.
- Make the cocktail: Combine aquavit and bitters in a copper mule glass filled with ice; top with ginger beer and garnish with candied ginger.
