I will start out by saying that I am not a big fan of flavoured vodkas, or any of those pre-made vodka-in-a-bottle-cooler-type drinks. But coconut is kind of a big deal lately, with folks drinking coconut water for its purported health benefits (as a hangover cure and a natural energy drink). So when a bottle of Skyy Infusions Coconut vodka arrived, I decided I needed to see if it could simultaneously induce a buzz and ward off a hangover. I poured a wee sample into a shot glass and sipped. On its own it smells and tastes like coconut (well, boozy coconut) — you could probably drink it plain over ice.
Coconut is all the rage. So why not bottle it and add booze?
The press handout directed me to a Skyy Infusions recipe page, where I perused my options. Since I am not the kind of person who has ingredients such as fresh basil and cranberry juice on hand, I opted for the Coconut Mule (I do have fresh mint growing in a container).
A classic mule with a twist: coconut.
At first sip it tasted not unlike the Zujito from a couple weeks ago, with ginger ale instead of club soda. But the coconut vodka soon prevailed and reminded me again why I don’t love flavoured vodkas: they always taste somewhat artificial to me. I wonder if a better option would be to use regular vodka and add coconut water? Just a thought.
Even though this twist on a classic mule is not to my taste, I think it has definite chick appeal. And while it will get you buzzed, I can’t guarantee you’ll be hangover-free.
Coconut Mule
- 2 oz Skyy Infusions Coconut
- 2 oz ginger ale
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 5-8 mint leaves
Muddle the mint leaves with the lime juice, then add the vodka and simple syrup and shake. Pour into a highball glass filled with crushed ice, then top with ginger ale. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
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