MOSCOW MULE
The Moscow Mule: The Cocktail That Made Vodka Famous in America
The Moscow Mule was created in 1941 at the Cock 'n' Bull pub in Los Angeles by John G. Martin of Smirnoff, Jack Morgan (the bar's owner), and Sophie Berezinski (who had a surplus of copper mugs).
The three collaborated to promote their respective products—Smirnoff vodka, Morgan's house-made ginger beer, and Berezinski's copper mugs, according to Liquor.com. The cocktail combines vodka with fresh lime juice and ginger beer, creating a refreshing, spicy drink. The copper mug became the drink's signature vessel, keeping the cocktail exceptionally cold while adding visual appeal, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The Moscow Mule played a crucial role in popularizing vodka in America during the 1940s and 1950s when the spirit was relatively unknown. Martin promoted the drink extensively, traveling with a Polaroid camera to photograph bartenders serving Moscow Mules, according to Punch.
RECIPE:
2 oz vodka
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
4 oz ginger beer
Lime wheel for garnish
Mint sprig for garnish (optional)
Method:
Add vodka and lime juice to a copper mug or highball glass filled with ice.
Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
Garnish with lime wheel and mint sprig if desired.