At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Refreshing Gin Buck

I’m LOVING summer this year. It feels like the kids are finally old enough to really get into the fun, are more willing to try new things, and have ben more relaxed to allow us to get back to summer lounging, grilling, and chilling. It’s been a fantastic time so far- and this month, I got together with some of my favorite blogs to bring you 12 Summer BBQ Must Haves- and I’m showing you how to pour my new favorite drink- a Gin Buck recipe! Gin Bucks are Gin Moscow Mules (sometimes also called gin-gin mules) and basically consist of a very simple ginger beer, gin, and lime juice recipe. I’m also sharing a DELICIOUS non-alcoholic variation to this great summer sipper.

Be sure to check out all 12 of these fantastic, unique summer recipes

BBQ Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon

Easy Smoked Beef Brisket Recipe

Best Crispy Baked Pork Shoulder

Easy Smoked Hot & Fast Brisket

BBQ Chicken Quarters

Best Smoked Pulled Pork

Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

Crunchy BBQ Chicken Legs

This is just a basic recipe. I love the way the gin’s light herbal flavor plays off lime and ginger beer- it is more nuanced and interesting than a Moscow Mule. If you live anywhere near Colorado, or can find Spring 44’s Old Tom Gin- grab a bottle for this drink. You’ll thank me later- the oaked gin brings out more of the ginger beer’s earthy flavors, and the lime blends everything perfectly together.

Also- it really is critical to get a great quality ginger beer. I prefer Cock ‘n Bull Ginger Beer- which you can find at many specialty stores, some liquor stores, and a few grocery stores. If you can’t find it anywhere- I like Bundaberg as a second choice. The ginger beer really does make a huge difference- so quality is key!

Also- the copper cup isn’t vital- but it really does keep drinks astoundingly cold. I grabbed mine from Spring 44’s tasting room in Loveland, Colorado- I had been looking for tall, boxy cups that looked more like something an old miner would have on hand. They are expensive- around $20 a pop- but are SO great if you like ice cold summer drinks!