The Moscow Mule was created around 1941, when vodka was still struggling to gain popularity in the American market. John G Martin, a vodka distributor and Jack Morgan a ginger beer manufacturer, owner of a famous Hollywood bar both found themselves drowning in surplus product that Americans simply weren't drinking.
According to the best-known account, the two men combined their products to create a cocktail that would make both vodka and ginger beer more appealing to American drinkers. However, Wes Price the head bartender at the Cock 'n' Bull also claimed credit for creating an early version of the drink as a way of clearing surplus stock from the bar's basement. The copper mug became central to the cocktail identity, although its origin is disputed.
The copper mug became central to the cocktail's identity, although its exact origin is disputed. One popular story involves Sophie Berezinski, who reportedly arrived in the United States with a supply of copper mugs manufactured by her father's company in Russia. Another account connects the mugs to Osaline Schmitt, Jack Morgan's girlfriend who was said to have access to a copper business. Whatever the truth behind the mug's arrival, Martin helped turn the Moscow Mule into a marketing success.
He travelled between bars with a bottle of Smirnoff vodka and a copper mug, photographing bartenders with the two items. These photographs helped promote the cocktail and encouraged establishments to add it to their menu. The Moscow Mule's success played a role in introducing vodka to a wider American audience, helping establish it as a popular base spirit for cocktails.
Recipe:
50ml Vodka
100ml Ginger beer
15ml Fresh lime
Method:
1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
2. Add the vodka and fresh lime juice.
3. Top up with ginger beer.
4. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge and if desired a sprig of fresh mint.
End of story.
No comments yet. Start the conversation.