Moscow Mule
Unraveling the Moscow Mule
A captivating blend of history, marketing brilliance, and a touch of serendipity. This cocktail's journey began in the 1940s in the United States, when three visionary individuals played pivotal roles in its creation.
Master D.M.Lee | 8/2/2023
At the heart of the story was John G. Martin, an executive at the Heublein spirits company. He had recently acquired the struggling Smirnoff vodka brand and was determined to popularize vodka in the American market. However, vodka faced challenges due to its relatively low appeal at the time.
Inventors of the Moscow Mule, from left: Heublein CEO John Martin, bartender Wes Price and Cock ‘n Bull owner Jack Morgan. WHH
EBAY
Enter Rudolph Kunett, the president of the Pierre Smirnoff company, which was now under Heublein's wing. Kunett found himself grappling with an excess of vodka inventory and was eager to find a solution to boost its sales.
The third key player, Jack Morgan, owned the Cock 'n' Bull pub in Los Angeles. He was facing difficulties selling the pub's house-made ginger beer, adding another piece to the puzzle.
As fate would have it, the trio joined forces and hatched a brilliant plan. They mixed Smirnoff vodka with the Cock 'n' Bull's ginger beer, added a refreshing squeeze of lime, and served it all in distinctive copper mugs. This delightful concoction was aptly christened the "Moscow Mule."
Native copper USGS
To propel their creation into the spotlight, the three masterminds embarked on an ingenious marketing campaign. They traversed various bars and restaurants, persuading bartenders and patrons to give the Moscow Mule a try. As a clever touch, they left behind copper mugs at the establishments, enticing customers to request the cocktail by name.
The Moscow Mule took the world by storm, thanks in part to the novelty of the copper mug and the relentless marketing efforts behind it. The combination of a refreshing taste and an alluring presentation struck a chord with consumers, paving the way for its widespread popularity.
Fortune also played its role in the cocktail's ascent to stardom. A stroke of luck occurred when a photo featuring two actors sipping Moscow Mules graced the pages of a prominent magazine, propelling the drink's reputation even further.
At the height of the Cold War, a rumor circulated that Smirnoff vodka was Russian. This led to a boycott of the Moscow Mule by New York bartenders. The boycott was sparked by McCarthyism, a period of intense anti-communist sentiment in the United States. Many people were afraid that drinking a Russian cocktail would be seen as unpatriotic, even though the Smirnov family had fled Russia during the Revolution and the brand was now owned by an American distiller in Bethel, Connecticut.
Today, the Moscow Mule remains an adored and iconic cocktail. Its classic recipe typically calls for vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, served, of course, in the iconic copper mug. This history-rich libation stands as a testament to the power of marketing and the inventive means by which cocktails can win the hearts of the masses.
While the precise origin of the Moscow Mule and each individual's exact involvement may vary in different accounts, there's no denying that Martin, Kunett, and Morgan's collective efforts were paramount in elevating the Moscow Mule to its celebrated status, solidifying it as a timeless classic.
To make a classic Moscow Mule cocktail, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients:
2 ounces (60 ml) of vodka
4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 ml) of ginger beer
1/2 ounce (15 ml) of freshly squeezed lime juice
Ice cubes
Lime wedge, for garnish
Optional: Mint sprig, for garnish
Equipment:
Copper mug (traditional) or highball glass
Cocktail jigger or measuring tool
Bar spoon or stir stick
Jiggers wiki
Here's the step-by-step process to make a Moscow Mule:
Fill your copper mug or highball glass with ice cubes to chill it.
Measure and pour 2 ounces (60 ml) of vodka into the chilled mug or glass.
Squeeze half an ounce (15 ml) of fresh lime juice into the mug or glass. Adjust the amount of lime juice to your taste preference.
Fill the rest of the mug or glass with ginger beer, typically about 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 ml). The exact amount can be adjusted based on personal preference and the size of the glass.
Stir gently with a bar spoon or stir stick to mix the ingredients together. Avoid vigorous stirring to maintain the carbonation of the ginger beer.
Garnish your Moscow Mule with a lime wedge. Squeeze the wedge slightly to release some juice into the drink, and place it on the rim of the mug or drop it into the glass.
For an extra touch, you can add a mint sprig as a garnish for added freshness and aroma.
Your Moscow Mule is now ready to be enjoyed! Sip and savor the refreshing combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime.
Note: Copper mugs are traditionally used for Moscow Mules, as they help keep the drink colder for longer. However, if you don't have a copper mug, a highball glass or any other suitable glassware will work just fine.
There are many bars and restaurants around the world that serve Moscow Mules. Here are a few well-known establishments where you can find this classic cocktail:
Smuggler's Cove (San Francisco):
Smuggler's Cove is a renowned tiki-themed bar in San Francisco known for its extensive rum selection. They also serve an excellent Moscow Mule, among other classic cocktails. Website
Employees Only (New York City):
Located in New York City's West Village, Employees Only is a popular cocktail bar that offers a range of expertly crafted drinks, including a well-regarded Moscow Mule. Website
Pacific Cocktail Haven (Los Angeles):
PCH, an upscale cocktail lounge in Los Angeles, offers a variety of well-crafted cocktails, including their take on the Moscow Mule. It is known for its beautiful decor and relaxed atmosphere. Website