Childhood has soundtracks for me- songs and voices that will instantly put me back in a moment or place. The sound of the intro to the Muppet Show or Looney Tunes, the voice of Mr. Rogers, the funky pin ball animation on Sesame Street (You know y’all just sang “1-2-3-4-5, 6-7-8-9-10, 11-12”). Burl Ives as the friendly snowman singing me Christmas carols was always part of that soundtrack. That was back before my childhood fantasies were shattered after watching him as Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Spoiler alert- he was not a friendly snowman in that movie.
Rudolph is an epic journey of a reindeer that had a light too bright for the other reindeer he grew up with. They wanted him to dim his light so they wouldn’t feel like they needed to shine too, but we all know that’s not how that works. He needed to see the world and figure out how to make that bright light work. I love it when a cartoon delivers a life lesson.
This cocktail is our take on a Christmas Mule. Rum is the spirit of choice and takes our Cranberry shrub into the festive holiday cocktail realm. Try it with dark or spiced rum if you have it. Our Ginger Beer of choice will ALWAYS be our friends over at Windmill. They are out of Batavia, IL and make the best Ginger Beer you will ever have. Do yourself a favor and order some. They will ship straight to your door! You can find them here. Order a variety pack to keep some on hand. They are non-alcoholic and are perfect on their own or paired with your favorite Make & Muddle product.
The title is a play on the Christmas Song, “Run, Run Rudolph”. Chuck Berry does the most well-known version, but we are especially fond of Dwight Yoakam’s version. Have a listen while you build this cocktail.
Rum, Rum Rudolph
1.5 oz Dark or spiced rum
1 oz Orange Ginger Cranberry Shrub
Squirt of Lime Juice
Build in a glass with ice. Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with fresh cranberry skewer or a lime wedge.