The Fascinating History and Enduring Popularity of the Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a cocktail that originated in the United States in the 1940s. It is made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, and is typically served in a copper mug. The drink was invented by John G. Martin, president of a spirits company called Heublein, and Jack Morgan, owner of the Cock 'n' Bull restaurant in Hollywood. The two men were looking for a way to market their struggling products - vodka and ginger beer - and came up with the idea of the Moscow Mule.

The Moscow Mule became popular in the United States during the 1950s, and its popularity was helped by a clever marketing campaign. Martin and Morgan would travel around the country with a crate of copper mugs and a bottle of vodka, and they would visit bars and restaurants and give away free Moscow Mules to anyone who would try them. The copper mugs were a hit with customers, and soon became synonymous with the drink. Today, the Moscow Mule is often served in copper mugs, which are said to enhance the flavor of the drink.

In the 1960s, the popularity of the Moscow Mule began to wane, as other cocktails became more popular. However, the drink experienced a resurgence in the early 2000s, and is now one of the most popular cocktails in the United States. The drink has also become popular in other parts of the world, and is now enjoyed in many countries around the globe.

Despite its name, the Moscow Mule has no connection to Russia. The drink was simply given a Russian-sounding name because vodka was the main ingredient, and Russia was known for its vodka. The name also helped to give the drink a sense of exoticism and mystery, which helped to make it more appealing to customers. Today, the Moscow Mule remains a popular cocktail, and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

The classic recipe is also easy to adapt and enhance! Try using gin, whiskey, mezcal, or rum and add muddled fruit or herbs to the mix.

Here’s how to make it:

In you copper mug, add:

3/4 oz lime juice

2 oz vodka (or spirit of your choice)

Fill with ice & top with ginger beer!