Hot Jalapeno Juice Summer Mule

Disclaimer: I was provided with a free product in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the developing company and/or its affiliates in any way.

When I began my blog five years ago (can’t believe it has been that long) I promised to always be true to my food waste values. In the world of blogging, businesses often approach a blogger to sell, endorse, or recommend a product in exchange for monetary or product gifts or both. If you have been following my blogging journey, you may know that I rarely participate in these ventures. Most often it is because it is not in line with my values, like buying and adding “extra” food into the pictures, or having to use a given recipe that has nothing to do with leftovers or food waste at all, or a product that I myself wouldn’t use.

When I was approached by MOSCOW MULED, I was hesitant at first. Sure I enjoyed Moscow mules, but what made their mugs so special? Within the first second of opening their website, I knew. Their company is a “social enterprise, meaning their primary goal isn’t to make a profit, but to make the world a better place.” They meet that goal by donating 15% of profits to several non-profits. As my hubby is the executive director of a non-profit, I know just how much donations are needed. I knew this would be a company I could stand behind. Next I needed to know exactly what was required of me and if it would align with my food waste goals.

My requirements– write a blog post in exchange for trying out a set of mugs and if I wasn’t 100% satisfied, no deal. If I enjoyed the mugs simply write a post and link to their website. A post of my own choosing. My mind immediately started churning with leftover or food waste ideas for a Moscow Mule. Then it was as if the lemons and limes of the world shined their summer glow upon me…guess how you can clean the outside of the mugs?!! Yes! Using lemons or limes. I can enjoy my drink and use my lime or lemon slice to “polish the mugs”.  Just check out that beautiful lime shine!!

Now for the mugs. Did you know that “it’s very important that your copper mug be lined with nickle. That’s because copper is a heavy metal that reacts with acidic fluids such as cocktail ingredients.” (Hello, lime juice.) I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to drink copper! The nickle plating also increases the strength and the durability of the mug thus extending its life. That is definitely more bang for your buck. The natural beauty of the mugs comes from them being hammered by hand, so a true “handcrafted” item. Even in these Louisiana hot summer days, the “copper mugs keep the cocktails cold for longer and with less ice than a typical glass.” Look at that cool and refreshing shiny mug of goodness.

When thinking of the summer season, one word in Louisiana is front and center, HOT. The word HOT makes me think HOT and SPICY and the next thought got me into the test kitchen. As I opened the fridge, I couldn’t help but notice an almost empty jar of jalapenos. I usually save the jalapeno juice to spice up cheese grits, cornbread, a Bloody Mary or a quick pickled slaw, but I thought, hmmm…why not use the jalapeno juice to make a hot and spicy simple syrup? What would go with jalapenos, was my next thought. After getting a sudden craving for Mexican food, (see how my foodie brain thinks?) I thought, tequila, and my Hot Jalapeno Juice Summer Mule recipe was created.

Put on Your TO COOK IS TO CREATE Thinking Cap: Not a tequila fan? Try vodka or gin. Not a hot and spicy person? Pickle juice is all the rage so, how about making a pickle juice simple syrup instead? Prefer lemons over limes? Use lemon juice and vodka for a spicy lemonade mule. If you are a margarita fan, add some Cointreau to the Hot Summer Mule. No ginger beer? Use ginger ale. Want to make an alcohol-free drink? Omit the tequila and add more ginger beer.

FOOD FUN: There are still some beautiful evenings and sunsets to be enjoyed this summer, so grab your drink, go outside with a friend, and raise a toast to summer!