Every holiday is a drinking holiday if you get creative enough; even Groundhog Day (February 2nd)! But no drinking holiday is complete without a signature drink. In honor of Punxsutawney Phil and Pennsylvania ryes, we present to you the …
Punxsutawney Buck
- 2 oz Pennsylvania rye. We happened to use Wigle Whiskey Phil’s Shadow, which is finished in maple syrup barrels for 16 months. Another Pennsylvania rye you should consider trying is Dad’s Hat. Either will make a fantastic buck.
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice. If you want to be less scientific, then simply use 1/2 of a lime.
- 6 oz ginger beer. We used Fever Tree, but Gosling’s is also a good option.
Step 1: Fill a copper mug with ice. (If you don’t have copper mugs, then any mug or decent sized glass will do.)
Step 2: Squeeze 1/2 lime into the mug.
Step 3: Add 2 oz rye.
Step 4: Top with 6 oz of ginger beer.
Step 5: Stir gently.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
But what about sweet vermouth on the rocks with a twist?
Listen, we’ve all seen the movie Groundhog Day. [If you haven’t, then stop reading now and immediately watch it. I’ll wait…] It’s a classic. Curmudgeonly weatherman Phil Connors is stuck reliving Groundhog Day over and over again until he finds love and the meaning of life.
But as a cocktail enthusiast, Phil’s drink order (sweet vermouth on the rocks with a twist) always bothered me. I understand that he’s trying to impress a girl by ordering her favorite drink, but wouldn’t she be more impressed if he could make her a cocktail himself? Phil uses his newfound immortality to expertly hone all sorts of new skills (playing piano, speaking French, dancing), but he never learns to make cocktails!
Don’t be like Phil Connors. Use your time here to explore the craft of bartending. And if you’re hosting a Groundhog Day party, then use it as an opportunity for you and your guests to discover your favorite type of mule (a.k.a. a “buck”), and feature a mule bar!
What is a mule/ buck?
Liquor, citrus, ginger beer. The most famous buck is probably the Moscow Mule (vodka). But you may have also tried a Dark & Stormy (dark rum) or Kentucky Mule (bourbon).
Why set up a mule bar?
What people may not realize is that bucks are great for parties, because you can setup a station and let your guests make their own drinks! Just set out limes, a juicer, several liquor types, ginger beer, and instructions. Same basic formula. Same basic steps. Endless possibilities. We’ve even put together the instructions for you, so now you have no excuse.
