Chai Moscow Mule with Burnt Cinnamon

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This fall-inspired chai Moscow mule with burnt cinnamon is super easy to make by swapping out your traditional lime and adding chai concentrate. The burnt cinnamon adds a smoky spice to the finish reminiscent of a cool autumn night by the fire.

I'm no stranger to a seasonal cocktail, but this one reigns supreme. Everything about it screams fall, but the icing on the fall cake? That burnt cinnamon! Topping off this chai Moscow mule cocktail with a fiery cinnamon stick? Ok- where do I sign?

What is a Moscow Mule?

The Moscow mule is a cocktail traditionally made with vodka, ginger beer and fresh lime. They are fizzy (thanks to the ginger beer), light and perfect for a summer day. They are usually served in a copper mug (like in the pictures) in order to keep them icy cold, since copper is very good at conducting temperature. Plus who doesn't want to use a super cool drinking vessel for their super cool drink?

Ingredients

This chai Moscow mule with burnt cinnamon is a breeze to make. With only a handful of ingredients, you will feel like a mixologist in no time. You can make your own chai concentrate or you can buy the chai concentrate in your local supermarket (like I did -because I wanted a drink ASAP).

• Chai concentrate- Store-bought or homemade
• Vodka- Choose a higher quality vodka
• Ginger beer- Not ginger ale. You can find this in well-stocked supermarkets or liquor stores
• Cinnamon sticks- Choose one that is smooth and not too thick
• Ice- Large ice cubes are best so they don't melt too fast and water down your drink
• Ground cinnamon, star anise, or whole cloves for additional garnishing- Optional

See recipe card for quantities.

How to add the burnt cinnamon garnish

The burnt cinnamon stick takes this drink to another level. The smoky sweet aroma from the burnt cinnamon is meant to hit the nose as you drink it. You can keep it lit if you would like, but it will start to add ash to your drink, and you don't want to be drinking a fireplace. Be sure to light it away from the alcohol to avoid singing your eyebrows and a subsequent trip to the ER. It's best to extinguish the stick in the drink soon after lighting it. Bonus- use it as a stirrer!

Variations

I love this chai moscow mule just the way it is, but feel free to mix it up.

• Spicy - Try adding a little ground cayenne pepper to finish the cocktail for a spicy cinnamon kick!
• Flavored ice cubes - Want to impress your guests? Try infusing your ice with whole cloves or star anise. When filling your ice cube tray, drop the whole spices in them, (until submerged) and allow them to fully freeze. When you are ready to prepare the cocktail, drop your ice cubes in. As the ice cubes melt, they will infuse the cocktail with even more chai flavor.
• Kid friendly/non-alcoholic- If you have a small human hanging out with you or if you are just skipping the alcohol, just omit it. Add a little more chai concentrate or ginger beer to taste.
• Adjust to your taste- Feel free to add more ginger beer, vodka, or chai to your liking. The amount you add will also depend on the size of the glass you are using.

Equipment

If you have a Moscow mule cup, by all means, now is the time to use it. If you don't, any 8 or 10-ounce glass tumbler is fine.

You will also need a match, lighter, or kitchen torch to light the cinnamon stick.

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