The Moscow Mule is a timeless cocktail that combines vodka, spicy ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. While known for its iconic copper mug, the drink has been a staple in bars since the mid-20th century. Despite its Russian-sounding name, the Moscow Mule was actually invented in Los Angeles in 1941 during a creative marketing effort to boost the popularity of vodka in America. The cocktail is part of the Buck family, which traditionally includes a spirit, citrus, and ginger beer.
With its refreshing yet simple blend, the Moscow Mule remains a favorite for its crisp, zesty flavor and cool presentation.
Preparation: 2 minutes
Skill level: Beginner
Serving: For 1 person
Preparation: 2 minutes
Skill level: Beginner
Serving: For 1 person
2 oz (60 ml) Vodka
1/2 oz (15 ml) Fresh Lime Juice
3 oz (90 ml) Chilled Ginger Beer
Lime Wheel and Mint Spring
Copper Mug
Built
Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
Add the vodka and lime juice directly into the glass.
Top with chilled ginger beer.
Stir briefly to combine.
Garnish with a lime wheel and serve.
The Moscow Mule, created in 1941 in Los Angeles, is an iconic cocktail that marries the crispness of vodka, the zing of ginger beer, and the brightness of fresh lime juice. Traditionally served in a copper mug, this cocktail quickly became a hit thanks to its refreshing taste and eye-catching presentation. Whether served in the traditional mug or a regular glass, the Moscow Mule remains a perfect drink for any season.
The story behind the Moscow Mule’s creation is one of marketing genius. In 1941, John Martin, who had recently purchased Smirnoff Vodka, was struggling to introduce the relatively unknown spirit to the American market. Around the same time, Jack Morgan, the owner of the Cock ‘n’ Bull pub in Los Angeles, was trying to promote his ginger beer. The two men decided to combine their products, and with a squeeze of lime, the Moscow Mule was born.
Meanwhile, Sophie Berezinski, a Russian woman, had come to the U.S. with a surplus of copper mugs from her father’s factory, the Moscow Copper Co.. She had been trying to sell the mugs but was having little success—until she crossed paths with Martin and Morgan. The trio decided to use the copper mugs to serve their new cocktail, creating a drink that not only tasted great but looked striking as well.
John Martin, ever the marketer, took Polaroid pictures of bartenders holding the copper mugs with bottles of Smirnoffand distributed them, creating an early form of viral marketing. The cocktail quickly spread across Los Angeles and eventually the country, helping to popularize both vodka and the Moscow Mule.
In recent years, the Moscow Mule has experienced a resurgence in popularity, often seen with creative twists. Today, bartenders are experimenting with different spirits like mezcal or bourbon, as well as flavored ginger beers to add complexity. Despite the variations, the Moscow Mule remains a firm favorite for its refreshing simplicity, with or without a copper mug. Keep it classic, or explore the many modern variations available on our blog.
Variations
Follow these recipes and discover all the different Mule variations on our site.
The Moscow Mule, created in 1941 in Los Angeles, is an iconic cocktail that marries the crispness of vodka, the zing of ginger beer, and the brightness of fresh lime juice. Traditionally served in a copper mug, this cocktail quickly became a hit thanks to its refreshing taste and eye-catching presentation. Whether served in the traditional mug or a regular glass, the Moscow Mule remains a perfect drink for any season.
The story behind the Moscow Mule’s creation is one of marketing genius. In 1941, John Martin, who had recently purchased Smirnoff Vodka, was struggling to introduce the relatively unknown spirit to the American market. Around the same time, Jack Morgan, the owner of the Cock ‘n’ Bull pub in Los Angeles, was trying to promote his ginger beer. The two men decided to combine their products, and with a squeeze of lime, the Moscow Mule was born.
Meanwhile, Sophie Berezinski, a Russian woman, had come to the U.S. with a surplus of copper mugs from her father’s factory, the Moscow Copper Co.. She had been trying to sell the mugs but was having little success—until she crossed paths with Martin and Morgan. The trio decided to use the copper mugs to serve their new cocktail, creating a drink that not only tasted great but looked striking as well.
John Martin, ever the marketer, took Polaroid pictures of bartenders holding the copper mugs with bottles of Smirnoffand distributed them, creating an early form of viral marketing. The cocktail quickly spread across Los Angeles and eventually the country, helping to popularize both vodka and the Moscow Mule.
In recent years, the Moscow Mule has experienced a resurgence in popularity, often seen with creative twists. Today, bartenders are experimenting with different spirits like mezcal or bourbon, as well as flavored ginger beers to add complexity. Despite the variations, the Moscow Mule remains a firm favorite for its refreshing simplicity, with or without a copper mug. Keep it classic, or explore the many modern variations available on our blog.
Variations
Follow these recipes and discover all the different Mule variations on our site.
Shop our recommended products for a top-quality cocktail experience!
Prepara comodamente questo cocktail a casa tua!
There are items in your cart
There is one item in your cart
Total amount: