Improved Bandoeng’22 Mule – Pandan Liqueur Cocktail

The Improved Bandoeng’22 Mule is a refreshing pandan liqueur cocktail created by bartender Thomas Feld from Cologne, Germany. Inspired by the classic Moscow Mule, this version adds a tropical twist by combining spicy ginger beer with the aromatic flavour of pandan.

Made with Bandoeng’22 pandan liqueur, vodka and fresh lime juice, this cocktail balances citrus freshness with the warm, fragrant notes of pandan. Often called the “vanilla of Asia”, pandan brings subtle hints of vanilla, coconut and toasted nuts to the drink.

Topped with a light pandan espuma and fresh mint, the Improved Bandoeng’22 Mule transforms the classic mule cocktail into a vibrant Southeast Asian inspired drink.

Emerald Green Pandan Cocktail
Our friend Thomas Feld, bartender in Cologne, Germany, once delighted us with his creation The Pandan Maid. Recently, he came back with something new: The Improved Bandoeng’22 Mule (IBM).

Why this new version?
“I did a bar takeover in August at a traditional German pub,” Thomas explains. “I wanted to give the already tasty Bandoeng’22 Mule an extra layer for the guests. The cocktail was one of the favorite drinks that night.”

What is a Mule Cocktail?

A Mule cocktail is a refreshing drink traditionally made with vodka, ginger beer and lime juice, served over ice. The most famous version is the Moscow Mule. By adding pandan liqueur, this improved version introduces a tropical Southeast Asian twist to the classic cocktail.

Improved Bandoeng’22 Mule – Pandan Cocktail Recipe

Here’s his recipe, so you can mix the IBM yourself.

Ingredients:
30 ml (1 oz) Vodka
30 ml (1 oz) Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur
15 ml (0.5 oz) Fresh lime juice
Spicy Ginger Beer
Homemade Pandan espuma*

Preparation
Fill a glass with ice, add vodka, Bandoeng’22, and lime juice. Top with ginger beer, crown with pandan espuma, and garnish with a sprig of mint.

* Pandan Espuma Recipe
250 ml filtered water
50 ml (1.7 oz) lemon juice
80 ml (2.4 oz) Bandoeng’22
40 ml (1.2 oz) Mojito syrup
1 tbsp ProEspuma Cold

Blend with an immersion blender, pour into an iSi Gourmet Whip, charge with one cream capsule, and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Meet bartender Thomas Feld

Passion, People & Pandan

Thomas Feld, a bartender whose journey from chemistry labs to cocktail shakers proves that passion can take you down unexpected paths.

From Chemistry to Cocktails
Thomas started his career in chemistry, but curiosity for flavors soon led him behind the bar. What began as a side job quickly grew into a calling: creating drinks that connect people, cultures, and moments.

The Art of Hospitality
For Thomas, bartending is about more than mixing drinks. “A good bartender stays calm, leads with empathy, and inspires with passion,” he says. Knowledge and technique matter, but hospitality makes the difference.

A Memorable Encounter with Bandoeng’22
One evening left a lasting impression. A Dutch family visited the bar, and the mother revealed her Indonesian roots. Knowing pandan’s special place in Indonesia, Thomas offered her a cocktail with Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur. Her smile said it all. She ordered the same drink two more times, each moment becoming her little escape. For Thomas, it was a reminder: sometimes a cocktail is more than a drink, it’s an experience.

Beyond the Bar
Outside work, Thomas enjoys series with his wife, walking their dog, and reading. His favorite indulgences? Old Fashioneds, Sazeracs, sushi, tacos, artisanal bread and the occasional Mettbrötchen. His favorite country is Ireland, for its people and landscapes.

Thomas’s story shows why bartending is more than a profession, it’s about creating moments that last. And sometimes, a touch of pandan makes them unforgettable.

Interested in more Pandan drink recipes?

Whether enjoyed in a pandan coffee, a pandan dessert or a delicious cocktail, Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur offers a versatile flavor that bridges Asian tradition and modern hospitality. For more Pandan cocktail recipes click here.

Why bartenders use pandan liqueur in cocktails

Bartenders around the world are increasingly experimenting with pandan liqueur because of its unique flavour and colour. The aromatic pandan leaf adds tropical notes similar to vanilla and coconut, while its natural green colour creates visually striking cocktails.

Bandoeng’22 pandan liqueur was developed specifically to bring these Southeast Asian flavours into modern cocktail culture.