Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail renowned for its invigorating combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. Beyond its delightful taste, this drink carries a rich history that intertwines innovation, marketing prowess, and the art of mixology.

The Moscow Mule traces its roots back to the United States during the 1940s. At that time, two key figures in the beverage industry, John A. Morgan and John G. Martin, found themselves grappling with a challenge. Morgan, who owned the Cock ‘n’ Bull pub in Los Angeles, had an excess of ginger beer, while Martin, the president of G.F. Heublein Brothers Inc., was struggling to promote his brand of Smirnoff vodka. The two entrepreneurs, along with a third partner, Rudolph Kunett, decided to collaborate and create a signature cocktail that would boost their respective businesses.

The Moscow Mule came to life when Morgan, Martin, and Kunett combined their resources. They mixed Smirnoff vodka, Cock ‘n’ Bull ginger beer, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, serving the concoction in a distinctive copper mug. Legend has it that the name “Moscow Mule” originated from the association of vodka with Russia and “Mule” refers to the stubbornness of the drink’s flavors.

To market their creation, the trio embarked on a clever marketing campaign. They enlisted the help of bartenders and Hollywood celebrities, urging them to be photographed with the copper mug in hand. The Moscow Mule became an instant sensation, capturing the imagination of cocktail enthusiasts across the nation. The distinct copper mug became synonymous with the drink, as its unique properties enhanced the flavors and maintained the icy chill of the cocktail.

Over the decades, the Moscow Mule has retained its popularity and become a staple in cocktail bars worldwide. The blend of vodka’s smoothness, ginger beer’s spicy kick, and lime juice’s refreshing tang creates a harmonious balance of flavors that appeals to a wide range of palates. The drink’s versatility also allows for variations, with bartenders adding their creative twists by incorporating fruits, herbs, or flavored vodkas.

Moscow Mule Recipe

1. 60 ml vodka

2. 15 ml fresh lime juice

3. Ginger beer, to top

4. Ice

5. Garnish: a lime wheel