The History of the Moscow Mule

Jump to the Moscow Mule recipe

This week, the Moscow Mule was celebrated as the top cocktail in Michigan, according to research undertaken by Versus Reviews. It's easy to see why; who can resist that mouth-watering combination of spicy ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and the crisp clarity of a fine vodka? However, many might be surprised to learn that this now-iconic drink was born out of necessity to clear excess stock.

TL;DR

• The Moscow Mule originated in the 1940s to clear out surplus stock of vodka and ginger beer.
• A Russian immigrant's copper mugs became the signature vessel for this cocktail.
• Ingenious marketing, including celebrity endorsements, skyrocketed its popularity.
• Variations like the 'London Mule' and 'Mexican Mule' cater to diverse palates.

The Origins of the Moscow Mule

Too Much Vodka

The origins of the Moscow Mule are both fascinating and undisputed—it was conceived in the 1940s at the Cock ‘n’ Bull pub, a British-style establishment located in Los Angeles. However, the exact individual responsible for the recipe remains a matter of debate. The prevailing story credits the bar's owner, Jack Morgan. Morgan had recently acquired a large order of Smirnoff vodka, which had recently been taken over by the Heublein drinks company, but the vodka wasn't selling as expected. Meanwhile, Morgan also needed to offload a surplus of ginger beer. In a bid to clear out the inventory taking up space in his cellar, Morgan collaborated with Heublein executive John Martin to concoct what is today known as the Moscow Mule.

The final touch to this creation came from a woman named Sophie Berezinski. A recent immigrant from Russia, Berezinski had designed 2,000 copper mugs in her home country but struggled to sell them. These unsold mugs had followed her to the United States, and under pressure from her husband to get rid of the clutter, she went door to door trying to sell her wares. Fortuitously, she walked into the Cock ‘n’ Bull at just the right time.

This tale held for years until Wes Price, the head bartender at the Cock ‘n’ Bull, claimed it was actually his concoction and not the brainchild of his employer. Despite the debate, all parties agree that the Moscow Mule's inception was a collaborative effort driven by circumstance more than sheer innovation.

Marketing Genius

While the exact origin may be debated, there's no arguing that John Martin’s marketing tactics propelled the Moscow Mule to fame. Martin had the ingenious idea of taking the drink to various local pubs and photographing bartenders holding a Moscow Mule in its signature copper mug alongside a bottle of Smirnoff vodka. One copy of the photo was given to the bartender, while another was shown to the next pub, painting a vivid picture of what their competition was offering.

This clever strategy significantly boosted both Smirnoff vodka sales and the Moscow Mule's popularity in the area. But Martin didn’t stop there. Given Los Angeles's celebrity-filled landscape, it was common to see stars frequent the Cock ‘n’ Bull. Martin seized the opportunity by getting these high-profile patrons to pose with the drink. He even went as far as engraving some copper mugs with their names, creating a prestigious air around the cocktail. Celebrity endorsements have always been a powerful form of advertising, and Martin leveraged it brilliantly to solidify the Moscow Mule's place in cocktail lore.

What's in a Name?

The name 'Moscow Mule' carries unique significance. 'Moscow' was chosen for two primary reasons: to pay homage to Berezinski, whose copper mugs are essential to the drink, and to capitalize on Americans' perception of vodka as a quintessentially Russian spirit. The term 'Mule' alludes to the strong 'kick' of the ginger beer that forms the backbone of the cocktail.

The Signature Copper Mug

A distinctive feature of the Moscow Mule is its presentation in a gleaming copper mug. This choice of vessel is of great importance both for aesthetic and practical reasons. Beyond the story of Sophie Berezinski’s unsold mugs finding a new purpose, the copper mug serves to enhance the drink's sensory experience. Copper mugs are excellent conductors of temperature, keeping the cocktail exceptionally cold while offering a refreshing touch when lifting it to your lips. The frosty exterior of the mug also adds an appealing visual element, making the drink even more inviting.

The Modern Mule

While the classic Moscow Mule consists of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer, variations have emerged over the years to cater to diverse palates. Some replace vodka with gin for a more botanical flavor profile, resulting in what’s known as a 'London Mule.' There’s also the 'Mexican Mule,' which uses tequila instead of vodka, offering a robust and zesty alternative. For those who enjoy whiskey, a 'Kentucky Mule' or 'Irish Mule' might be just the ticket. Each twist retains the essential elements of the Moscow Mule but provides new layers of complexity and flavor.

Global Popularity

From its humble beginnings in a Los Angeles pub, the Moscow Mule has taken the world by storm. Today, this cocktail is a mainstay on menus in bars and restaurants globally, cherished for its simplicity and refreshing yet complex taste. It’s a drink that cuts across seasons: cool and invigorating for summer months, yet its spicy ginger notes make it equally satisfying in the colder seasons.

The Moscow Mule Recipe

Making a Moscow Mule at home is delightfully simple, requiring just a few fresh ingredients:

• 45 ml Vodka: Opt for a good-quality vodka, as it forms the base of the drink.
• 10 ml Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice ensures a bright, zesty flavor.
• 120 ml Ginger Beer: Choose a robust ginger beer for that characteristic spicy kick.

Simply combine the vodka and lime juice in a copper mug filled with ice, top with ginger beer, and garnish with a lime wedge and perhaps a sprig of mint for added flair.

Enjoy your Moscow Mule, and take a moment to appreciate the storied history behind this deliciously refreshing cocktail!