Moscow Mules

Copper mugs are so much fun, however, must of the ones I've had in a copper mug, the mug isn't pure copper (cuz that shit is pricey), so with that said, glass is ok too. I mean it's still a good cocktail.

Yeah, those are two totally different drinks.

Ginger beer: Actual ginger.

Ginger ale: Sugar water.

I can definitely tell the difference.

That said, if it's not going to be a sig drink, don't worry about stocking it. I wouldn't expect a wedding bar to have ginger beer. It's really nice of you to think of it though!

ETA: just saw your response. NVM. Yay mules!!

Yes, I would. However, I don't think I'd mind too terribly. I'm not about to get super picky when someone is giving me alcohol. Not to mention, AMW's mother is right: unless it's a copper mug, it's not really a mule, anyway. Not even if the mug is lined with nickel -- the alcohol reacts with the copper, which is what gives it its' taste. That is subjective as well.

If you are going to go the ginger ale route, maybe test out ginger ales and see which one has the strongest ginger flavor?

Thanks WW! I'm a little worried my bartender thought no one could tell... I met a rep from Goslings who offered to comp our ginger beer, and then when I followed up, crickets. So the last-minute expense was an unpleasant surprise. But I'll suck it up. I would feel really shitty if someone side-eyed my bar.

I would definitely be able to tell and be disappointed if I thought the drink I ordered had ginger beer in it. I can understand the money issue though, so as long as you have plenty of other options, I think it's fine to skip the ginger beer (unless you know a large portion of your guests are fans).

My personal favorite brand of ginger beer by far is Eli's, but that is a Maine brand and I'm not sure where you are or how widely they are distributed.

I'm pretty sure I would notice the difference. Ginger ale is more syrupy sweet to me.

I would definitely be able to tell. I probably wouldn't drink ginger ale in place, but that's just me because I LOVE ginger beer.

Ok... not a MM aficionado, but I have seen some people supplement the ginger taste & alcohol content with Domaine de Canton (ginger liquor) if they for some reason cannot get actual ginger beer (just ginger ale). Is it a pure MM? No.. but it might be at least worth a shot to try at home before inquiring about it with a bartender.

Save the 60 bucks

Yes absolutely you can taste the difference.

Goslings ginger beer is my go-to.

Your bartender thought no one could tell? :-/ He/she ain't no bartender. Ginger beer is spicy as hell, and ginger ale is just straight sugar.

As long as you're not having him mix old fashioneds or anything more than a jack & coke, you'll be fine.

You CAN get copper straws if you feel so inclined, so there's still some copper contact, but even at most bars I've worked at you only have a limited number of the copper cups, so after five or so you're getting one in glass.

And don't use Domaine de Canton - it's WAY more expensive than ginger beer is and doesn't have the level of ginger spice, not even close.

Everything m just said.

Oh and here is the spiciest ginger ale I've had. It's pretty damn close to ginger beer, but why substitute if you can afford the ginger beer.

If you're going to do it, do it right. My partner drinks "Dark and Stormy"'s and he won't even order them at a bar unless there is real ginger beer.

Thanks, m- if it was a signature drink I'd make sure there was copper something, but for one of several mixers in an open bar, I think I'm ok. (I'll decline to be a jackass and have our personal copper mugs for me and DH). I'll probably go with Goslings or Barrett's- I'm trying to stick with cans for easier to condense recycling, and cheaper than the glass bottles.

Sorta related, does anyone have a pref of Canada Dry or Schweppes tonic, before I go hemorrhage money on mixers after work?

@Celia, because of Dark & Stormy's, I thought I actually invented the Mule. My dad and I go to a festival every year sponsored by Goslings, and he loves his D&S. Years ago, before the resurgence of Mules, I wasn't feeling rum-y and asked them to make me one with vodka. Holy crap it was good, and I was like Dad taste this drink I made up! He was like yeah, it's a Moscow Mule and your grandparents drank them...

That sounds disgusting and cruel. Just make something else.

Yes, I'd notice.