Last October, Kristie Jones posted a photo of a Moscow Mule she made, something many of us are guilty of, but this time it paid off. She soon received an invitation from Smirnoff Vodka and Shiftgig, a career site for the service and hospitality industry, to compete in their Moscow Mule Challenge.
The goal was simple enough: Put a regional twist on the classic drink. After hundreds of applicants, Jones was chosen as the South Central winner with her Black Apple Mule recipe.
“After seeking uniquely Arkansas ingredients at the River Market, I enlisted the use of some bar tendering expertise from Michael Peace of Maduro and now 109 & Co.,” Jones said. “Michael instructed me on muddling, ice crushing technique and the dry shake. With some Arkansas Black Apples and a dash of black walnut bitters, the Black Apple Mule was born.”
Jones and the four other regional winners were whisked away to Chicago where they were treated at the historic Coq d’Or Restaurant and Lounge at the Drake Hotel, did some sightseeing and even had meals created as pairings for each of the mule recipes.
“It was exciting to represent our great state and meet the other regional winners. It was an wonderful time to be in the city. It was adorned with holiday decorations, and I even caught a glimpse of snow,” Jones said.
And because she’s so awesome, she decided to share her award-winning recipe with you, you lucky dogs.
Thanks, Kristie!
Black Apple Mule
Ingredients:
1½ oz Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
½ cup diced medium black or red apple
½ lime
2 dashes black walnut bitters
2 oz. ginger beer
1 sprig of fresh mint
Instructions:
Muddle diced apple with lime juice and bitters. Dry shake mixture. Add vodka to shaker and shake additionally. Strain mixture into a copper mug mounded with finely crushed ice. Top off with ginger beer and garnish with an apple slice and mint.
From Jones’s blog, Love on Main St.:
The Arkansas Black Apple originated in Benton County during 1870. It’s considered to be among the oldest growing apples in the South. Black apples are available across the country now, but the roots of this sweet and tart apple with floral notes began in The Natural State. Black walnut trees are plentiful in Arkansas and pair well with apple to create a unique twist on the traditional Moscow Mule.