how to turn a moscow mule cocktail into a stew

Any drink can be turned into a stew, even the cocktails you'd find served at a bar. The stew is based on the Moscow Mule cocktail, which is a mixture of vodka, ginger beer. and lime juice; only, this stew doesn't have the vodka, so it's nonalcoholic and family-friendly. Don't worry, no mules were used in the making of this stew! 

I found this particular cocktail mixer at a store on a highway rest stop a few months back that only sells locally made products and like I said before, any liquid can be turned into a stew. Or used in a meatloaf, but that's for another day and video. 

This stew puts a kick in your mouth without the usage of any peppers(save for the black pepper), for it's tart(this cocktail has a pH of 6.0, which makes it acidic) and a tiny bit sour. Full disclosure: I've never had an actual Moscow Mule cocktail in my life, so I have no frame of reference. 

The inclusion of the star anise pod was really just for the heck of it, since I had it on hand. 

If it was legal in the US, I probably would've used horse meat in this stew as a literal interpretation of the mule part. But then I think of the fact that horses are used in the Olympics(the Summer games, anyway) and even I kind of find it revolting to eat an animal used in sports, although when it comes to camels(which are used in camel racing), I'm down for that. 

I didn't have a copper mug which is what this particular cocktail is served in usually, but to make the Moscow Mule experience authentic, you could serve this stew in such a vessel. Note: the Moscow Mule drink is acidic and copper leaches into acidic liquids, which is toxic, so only use a copper mug lined with stainless steel or some other kind of food-grade material!!

My dad didn't know what to think of this stew. He had no idea what it tasted like. Least helpful feedback ever. 

HELPFUL LINK:

Moscow Mule cocktail mixer: 
www.amazon.com/Ficks-Premium-Cocktail-Moscow-2pack/dp/B074MHWYWF/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1516470267&sr=8-2&

You will need: 

For the cooking equipment: 

A large saucepot with lid
A copper mug lined with food-grade material, like stainless steel

For the stew: 

2 cups vegetable stock
14 oz. Moscow Mule cocktail mixer(see HELPFUL LINK)
1/4 cup lime juice
15 oz. drained black-eyed peas
10 oz. broccoli
10 oz. butternut squash
1 star anise pod
Pinch of ground ginger
Pinch of marjoram
Pinch of black pepper
Pinch of salt

Serve with garlic bread or wonton strips(optional)

1 Put all the ingredients into the large saucepot and mix all the ingredients up. 
2. Bring the stew to a boil on the stove. Once the stew is boiling, put the lid on the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. 
3. Let the stew simmer for 45 minutes. Remove the star anise pod from the stew and discard it.
4. Let the stew cool off for an additional 10 minutes and serve in a copper mug lined with food-safe material, like staineless steel.