It takes a certain swagger to successfully revamp a classic cocktail. The Imperial, Charlotte’s new lounge bar, has no shortage of swank—leather sofas, candlelight, and vested bartenders create an ambiance best transposed to the palette by the Royal Apple Mule. Even purists won’t be put out by this sweeter version of the Moscow Mule, which substitutes Canadian Apple Whisky for vodka and tempers the tartness of lime with a cinnamon stick. The only thing more exciting than the tastiness of this beverage is the fact that it’s (literally) on fire.
