How to make a Missouri Mule

Renowned bartender Joe Gilmore created the drink for President Harry S. Truman more than 75 years ago.

The Backstory

The year is 1947, and President Harry S. Truman has ventured overseas to London. The Missouri native is staying at the Savoy Hotel, home of The Savoy Cocktail Book and bartender Joe Gilmore, who has a tendency to create cocktails and name them after celebrities. Knowing that Truman is a bourbon drinker, Gilmore creates the Missouri Mule in honor of Truman.

Tools of the Trade

  • Mixing Glass: This can be any glass or tin.
  • Measuring cup/jigger
  • Glassware: The original recipe calls for a coupe, but a rocks glass will work just fine.
  • Spoon: Preferably a bar spoon, but any object that will help you stir your drink works.
  • Strainer: Ideally a strainer. If you don’t have one, though, you can use another glass or plastic cup.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz. bourbon of your choice: Pick your favorite or if you want to stay true to the Missouri theme choose a Missouri made bourbon, there are plenty out there)
  • 1 oz. Applejack or apple brandy (from Lairds, Switchgrass, etc.)
  • .5 oz. Campari
  • .5 oz. Cointreau

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to mixing glass.
  • Add ice.
  • Stir for 10 seconds.
  • Strain into glass of choice.
  • Garnish with an expressed orange 'coin.' (Or don’t—it’s your drink.)
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