Moscow mule

Moscow Mule

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A Moscow Mule served in its traditional copper mug

Type	Cocktail
Base spirit
Served	On the rocks; poured over ice
Standard garnish	Lime slice, mint leaves
Standard drinkware	Copper mug
Commonly used ingredients	* 4 oz Ginger beer 1 1/2 oz Vodka 1/6 oz Lime juice
Preparation
Commonly served
Notes

The Moscow Mule is a popular cocktail that has enjoyed various periods of popularity, most notably in the mid-20th century and the early 21st century. Known for its distinctive serving in a copper mug, the Moscow Mule is a refreshing mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, often garnished with a slice of lime and mint leaves.

History

The Moscow Mule was invented in the 1940s in the United States. Its creation is attributed to John G. Martin, an executive at Heublein (a spirits and food distributor), and Jack Morgan, the owner of the Cock 'n' Bull Tavern in Los Angeles, who were trying to find a way to sell more vodka and ginger beer, respectively. The cocktail's name, which suggests a Russian origin due to the use of vodka, is actually a clever marketing ploy rather than an indication of its true origins.

Preparation

The traditional Moscow Mule recipe calls for:

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

These ingredients are combined in a copper mug filled with ice. The mixture is stirred gently and then garnished with a slice of lime and mint leaves. The copper mug is said to enhance the taste and experience of drinking the Moscow Mule, though this is more tradition than necessity.

Cultural Impact

The Moscow Mule played a significant role in popularizing vodka in the United States, a country that had predominantly favored whiskey and gin prior to the cocktail's invention. Its resurgence in popularity in the 21st century can be attributed to the craft cocktail movement and the appeal of its unique presentation.

Variations

Several variations of the Moscow Mule exist, including the Kentucky Mule (with bourbon), the Mexican Mule (with tequila), and the Gin-Gin Mule (with gin). These variations substitute the original vodka with different spirits while maintaining the ginger beer and lime components.

See Also

• Cocktail
• Vodka
• Ginger beer
• Lime (fruit)

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