Moscow Mule

Moscow Mule

Cocktail
Type	Mixed drink
Served	On the rocks
Standard garnish	Lime slice
Standard drinkware	Copper mug
Commonly used ingredients	4 oz Ginger beer 1 1/2 oz Vodka 1/6 oz Lime juice

The Moscow Mule is a popular cocktail that was created in the United States and is traditionally served in a copper mug. The drink is a mix of vodka, spicy ginger beer, and lime juice, garnished with a slice of lime. It is known for its refreshing and spicy flavor profile.

History

The Moscow Mule was invented in the 1940s in the United States. The exact origins of the drink are subject to some debate, but it is commonly attributed to John G. Martin, a spirits and food distributor, and Jack Morgan, who owned the Cock 'n' Bull Tavern in Los Angeles. The cocktail was created as a way to promote vodka, which was relatively unknown in the United States at the time.

Ingredients and Preparation

The classic Moscow Mule recipe calls for:

• 1 1/2 ounces of vodka
• 4 ounces of ginger beer
• 1/6 ounce of lime juice

To prepare the Moscow Mule, vodka and ginger beer are combined in a copper mug filled with ice. Lime juice is then added, and the drink is stirred gently. It is garnished with a slice of lime.

Copper Mug

The use of a copper mug in serving the Moscow Mule is one of its most distinctive features. The mug not only keeps the drink cold but also enhances its flavor and aromatic profile. The copper quickly takes on the icy temperature of the cocktail, offering a cool sensation on the lips when sipped.

Popularity

The Moscow Mule quickly became a popular drink in the United States, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Its popularity waned in the later decades but saw a resurgence in the early 21st century, partly due to the revival of craft cocktail culture.

Variations

Several variations of the Moscow Mule exist, including the Kentucky Mule, which substitutes bourbon for vodka, and the Mexican Mule, which uses tequila instead of vodka.

See Also

• List of cocktails
• Vodka
• Ginger beer