A LITTLE ON LIMES
Just a lime, you say? Here’s a little history you can share while hand-squeezing lime juice for the perfect Moscow Mule, and some notes on flavor to help you decide which lime to choose.
A TALE OF TWO LIMES
Before we get into the flavor profiles of the two main lime competitors for the Moscow Mule cup, we thought you might want to get to know them on a more personal level.
First, thekey lime. Not to point fingers, but this minxy little green ball has an age-old reputation for getting around. Originally from Persia, traders fell hard for its zesty nature, and brought it to North Africa and the Near East (think Turkey). There the lime cast its spell over Crusaders, who spirited the promiscuous fruit away to Palestine and Mediterranean Europe. By the time Columbus sailed, European sailors had discovered its ability to stave off scurvy, and the fruit became a traveling companion on the voyage to Hispaniola (now known as Haiti). Spanish settlers, besmitten with its tart appeal, carried the lime to the Florida Keys, where it picked up its name in 1905. It’s also known as the bartender’s lime, which just goes to show the type of company it keeps.
Then there’s thePersian lime. The most widely sold today in the U.S., the homeland of this fruit is as cloudy as an unfiltered ginger beer; it may have begun in the same region as its cousin, the key lime, making its way via the Mediterranean to Brazil, and then California. Or it could have been a product of Florida, the largest producer of the varietal until Mexico got in the game. It’s also known as a Tahiti lime, so there’s that possibility. Whatever the origin, we know for certain that its bloodlines aren’t pure. In fact, scientists guess that the Persian lime’s seedless fruit and thornless tree are a result of a cross between a key lime and either a lemon or the larger, lumpier citron (we told you the key lime got around).
LIMING YOUR MULE
So which of these two contenders should go in your mule? Depends on the flavor profile you’re after. If you’re looking to add a little more of the old mule kick into your concoction, a key lime is the assertive way to go, with an acidic, tangy citrus bite that has slightly herbal undertones. If, on the other hoof, you’re into a milder bite, the Persian is less bitter and more accessible to a broader range of palates (plus, its larger size produces a lot more juice).
LIKE LIME, LIKE MULE
Following in the lime’s footsteps, the Moscow Mule has been making its way around the globe too. Spreading from its humble origins in Los Angeles, it is now in the repertoire of bars from New Zealand to Quebec, Cuba to Brazil, Japan to Paris. And, quite aptly, Russia.
FAQs
LIMING YOUR MULE
What is the best lime for drinks? ›
Tahitian or Persian Limes
They can be used as a mixer for drinks, in dressings and as a garnish due to their seedless flesh and because they're very juicy but not intensely fragrant.
What is the difference between a Key lime and a regular lime? ›
Key limes have a flavor that is different from regular limes. They are more acidic and have a more intense, tangy taste – more “lime-y,” if you will. Some people describe the flavor of key limes as slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness. They also have a floral aroma that is more noticeable than regular limes.
What is the difference between Mexican lime and Persian lime? ›
A Key lime, which is also known as a Mexican lime, is much smaller and rounder. Key limes also contain seeds while Persian limes do not. These two also differ when it comes to taste. Persian limes are more acidic than Key limes, giving them a more tart flavor.
What is the best lime juice to use for a Moscow Mule? ›
LIMING YOUR MULE
If you're looking to add a little more of the old mule kick into your concoction, a key lime is the assertive way to go, with an acidic, tangy citrus bite that has slightly herbal undertones.
What is the smoothest vodka for Moscow Mule? ›
Buckeye is determined to make the smoothest vodka on the market, so Buckeye Vodka is charcoal filtered with activated carbon. Though it has some hints of corn, Buckeye Vodka is otherwise clean-tasting and smooth. It gives your Moscow Mule a sturdy base and lets the ginger beer and lime shine.
What lime juice do bartenders use? ›
Finest Call Single Pressed Lime Juice, your ideal lime juice mixer, will elevate your co*cktail program! Persian limes infuse our Single Pressed Lime Juice with the perfect touch of acidity, making it a bar staple used in countless co*cktails from a scratch margarita to a daiquiri to a gimlet and beyond.
What is the best lime juice for co*cktails? ›
Persian lime juice is the foundation for many US co*cktails. Also referred to as Tahitian lime, it is a triploid cross between Key lime (Citrus x aurantiifolia) and lemon (Citrus limon).
Can you use bottled lime juice for co*cktails? ›
Nothing will bring forward the bright, citrusy, natural flavors and acidity like fresh squeezed limes. However, bottled lime juice is certainly a convenient option. If you decide to go this route, make sure to choose a high-quality brand that is 100% lime juice with no added sweeteners or flavors.
How do you tell if a lime is a key lime? ›
Key limes tend to be small and seedy, with a distinctive lime flavor that is tart but not too acidic. They also have a distinct aroma, far more aromatic than common limes. 2 Grocery store limes, generally speaking, are Persian limes, the most widely commercially cultivated variety of lime.
Key limes—also known as Mexican limes or West Indies limes—are small, spherical limes that grow in tropical and subtropical regions. They're light yellow (not green) when ripe and contain more seeds than regular limes. Their skin is also very thin, which means they don't store well.
Are Mexican limes the same as key limes? ›
A key lime, also known as a Mexican lime or West Indies lime, is a type of hybrid citrus fruit commonly grown in the Florida Keys. They typically measure about one to two inches in diameter. Although they are picked when they're green, they actually begin to turn yellow as they ripen.
What is the most expensive type of lime? ›
Most Valuable Fruit Series: The Aussie Finger Lime.
What is the rarest lime? ›
Rare and Exotic Citrus Trees: Australian Finger lime: Australian Finger limes while rare and exotic here in the US, grow wild in the subtropical coastal region of Australia.
Why do Mexicans use so much lime? ›
Lime is used frequently in Mexican cuisine, most notably in guacamole. Lime juice and zest add a tart, acidic flavor that pairs well with the creamy avocado and spices like cilantro. Lime can also be used to brighten up other dishes like tacos or quesadillas.
What kind of vodka is best for Moscow mules? ›
What is the Best Vodka for Moscow Mules?
- You may like the slightly oily mouth feel of Absolut Vodka.
- Or, possibly the more crisp bite of Stolichnaya (Stoli)
- For a fuller flavor, try the potato-based Chopin Vodka.
The Russian Mule, also known as the Moscow Mule, is a co*cktail that has been around for decades. There are a couple of stories that explain how it came into existence, but one of the most popular ones has its origins in Los Angeles.
What brand of vodka is in the mule? ›
Smirnoff Mule is a ready to drink alcoholic beverage inspired by the world renowned Moscow Mule co*cktail. Made with Smirnoff Vodka, ginger beer and lime, Smirnoff mule delivers the perfect buzz with a stubbornly refreshing taste.
