Today, the Moscow Mule is enjoyed by many people around the world, and this classic cocktail has even become one of the most popular cocktails in America. If you’re looking to make your own Moscow Mule, all you need is a combination of vodka, a lime (for fresh lime juice and wedge of lime for garnish), and ginger beer.
Photo copyright A Bar Above
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail that was invented in the 1940s in New York City. This fizzy drink is considered one of the first (if not the first) craft cocktails and quickly became popular due to its unique flavor and the fact that it can be enjoyed on any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for something to sip on a hot summer day or you want a festive alcoholic drink to enjoy during the holidays, the Moscow Mule is the perfect choice and one of my favorite drinks all year-round.
The Moscow Mule is a fantastic “gateway drink” for getting into craft cocktails. Low prep time, beautiful in presentation, and delicious… You can’t go wrong with a Moscow Mule.
Photo copyright A Bar Above
HISTORY OF THE MOSCOW MULE
The history of this classic vodka cocktail is one of my favorites. The story goes that copper mug salesperson Sophie Berezinski happened into the Cock n’ Bull pub in LA in 1941.
The new president of Smirnoff vodka, John Martin, and bar owner & wannabe ginger beer mogul, Jack Morgan, were there at Jack’s bar, trying to figure out how to sell more of their respective products when Sophie came in and joined the conversation.
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The result of this meeting was the creation of one of the most recognized drinks in many craft bars around the world: the Moscow mule.
Speaking of copper mugs, this is the traditional container for mules based on the origin story above (and supposedly they make your drink colder, but this theory has actually been debunked). However, a Collins glass will also be just fine if you don’t have a copper cup.
Note: For choice of vodka, we’re using Kettle One, but obviously grab your favorite 2 ounces of vodka and make it. Also, we’ve seen this drink made with ginger ale and fresh mint sprigs– neither are traditional, and the ginger ale won’t offer quite the same spicy ginger bite of the ginger beer, but hey… As always, drink what you like.
Photo copyright A Bar Above
MOSCOW MULE INGREDIENTS AND VARIATIONS
Also worth noting, there are different spirit variations on traditional Moscow Mules, using different types of alcohol: For example, a Mexican Mule brings a very different taste with tequila, the Kentucky Mule is made with bourbon whiskey, and the Gin Gin Mule is… Well, you guessed it: Made with gin.
One of Chris’ favorites is also the Joaxacon Mule with mezcal and hibiscus ginger beer (which isn’t traditional but is a fun twist). And of course, two very easy additions to a traditional Moscow Mule are a sprig of mint or two and a few drops of Angostura bitters.
Anyway, there isn’t much to the classic Moscow Mule recipe: 2 ounces vodka of your choice, 6-8 ounces ginger beer, and a half ounce lime juice bring together some sharp and bright flavors. It really is that simple! Enjoy!
Moscow Mule
Equipment
- 1 Wine Opener if using a bottle of ginger beer
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 4-6 oz Ginger Beer
- 1/2 oz Lime Juice
- 1 Slice of Lime (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add vodka and lime juice.
- Stir well.
- Top your glass with ginger beer, and garnish with a lime wedge.
