LIQUORMASTERY

MOSCOW MULE COCKTAIL RECIPE

Created on July 27, 2023
Table of Contents
  1. Ingredients
  2. Method
  3. Tips For Making A Moscow Mule
  4. Moscow Mule Ingredients
  5. Moscow Mule History
  6. FAQ's

Saddle up and say hello to the Moscow Mule! This zesty cocktail, often served in a distinctive copper mug, has been pleasing crowds since the 1940s. Also known as a Vodka Buck, it's a refreshing mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime.

Moscow mule cocktail in a copper mug, with ice, lime, and a mint sprig garnish.

Ingredients

  • 2 Ounces Vodka
  • 1 Ounce Lime Juice
  • 6 Ounces Ginger Beer
  • 1 Lime Wedge (garnish)

Method

  1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
  2. Pour in your Vodka and Lime Juice.
  3. Top up with the Ginger Beer.
  4. Stir gently for about 30 seconds, or until mixed.
  5. Garnish with a Lime Wedge.
  6. Enjoy!

Tips For Making A Moscow Mule

  • Fresh lime juice keeps the natural flavor so much better than preserved, so please squeeze your own for the best Moscow Mule!

  • Usually, this drink is served in a copper mug, but it's not a deal breaker. You can enjoy your Moscow Mule in any glass.

  • If you want to shake it up a bit, you could add a dash of Angostura Bitters, or using chili-infused Vodka.

  • Another garnish regularly used on the Moscow Mule is a mint sprig.

Moscow Mule Ingredients

The Moscow Mule is a spirited mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime. The vodka provides the backbone, best when it's smooth and neutral. Ginger beer brings a spicy-sweet element, and it's always best to choose a brand with a strong ginger flavor. Fresh lime juice balances everything out, adding a burst of citrus.

Best Vodka For A Moscow Mule

A neutral, smooth vodka works best in a Moscow Mule. Something like Smirnoff No. 21 is a great choice. Its clean flavor profile lets the ginger and lime shine, while its affordability makes it a crowd-pleaser.

Moscow Mule History

The Moscow Mule was born in the 1940s in Los Angeles, a creation of bar owner Jack Morgan and Smirnoff vodka distributor John Martin.

It was part of a campaign to make vodka popular in America, and it worked! Today, the Moscow Mule remains a beloved cocktail, recognized by its signature copper mug and enjoyed by vodka lovers worldwide.

FAQ's

What Does A Moscow Mule Taste Like?

This cocktail is a beautiful harmony of zingy, fresh, and sweet. The vodka provides a smooth base, while the ginger beer adds a spicy kick. The lime juice cuts through the sweetness and adds a tangy freshness.

How Did The Moscow Mule Get Its Name?

The Moscow Mule's name is an interesting mix of history and marketing. The "Moscow" part comes from the popular association of vodka with Russia, even though the drink itself was actually created in the United States.

The "Mule" part of the name is a bit more complicated. It's widely believed to derive from the term "cocktail mule", which was a phrase used for mixed drinks made with ginger beer or ginger ale.

"Mule" was also used in the names of other cocktails using ginger, like the Kentucky Mule (bourbon instead of vodka) or the Mexican Mule (tequila instead of vodka).

So, while neither Moscow nor mules had anything directly to do with the creation of this drink, their combined name has definitely made a lasting impression in cocktail history!