3 Moscow Mule Recipes That Put a Twist on the Old Classic

What is a Moscow Mule?

Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail recipe that may seem to have Russian origins, but is actually a product of the United States through and through. This refreshing cocktail is made by mixing vodka with ginger beer in copper mugs. You may think this a strange combination of ingredients, and wonder why a copper mug of all things! Well, there's a very interesting backstory to this classic cocktail, which we will delve into shortly.

Deconstructed, the Moscow Mule recipe essentially calls for vodka, ginger beer and lime wedges. It is usually served in a copper mug, which helps keep the drink cold, and also stays true to the original version of the recipe. Let us now look at the story behind this famous cocktail that has stood the test of time, making it one of the most popular drinks across bars around the world.

History of the Moscow Mule

While the name may have you believe the Moscow Mule came all the way from Russia (perhaps on the back of spies), there could be nothing more American about this beverage. The Moscow Mule recipe came into existence thanks to the marketing chops of two canny American businessmen.

In 1939, John Martin, a food and alcohol distributor, bought the rights to Smirnoff vodka, which was not the bestselling spirit it is today. Americans preferred gin over other clear spirits, but Martin believed he could turn American tastebuds around and get his vodka to sell. He was wrong.

Across the fence sat Jack Morgan, a friend of Martin and president of Cock n Bull Products, whose ginger beer was also not doing well in the market.

One night in 1941, Martin and Morgan got together to think of a way to sell their products in the market. Sitting at Morgan's restaurant in Hollywood, they ended up combining both their waresthe Smirnoff vodka and the ginger beer. This was a sheer stroke of genius, as Martin would later recall. And this is how the Moscow Mule cocktail came into being, with a few lime wedges for added flavor.

Later, Morgan suggested that the cocktail have a serving style of its own. His girlfriend's company was then producing copper mugs, and he came up with the idea of serving the Moscow Mule in these mugs to give it a signature style. Soon, this new recipe became a hit in Hollywood. As photographs of bartenders with their copper mugs and Smirnoff bottles spread, both drinks started flying off the shelves. In time, every bar in the United States introduced this new recipe, making it an instant hit.

How To Make a Classic Moscow Mule

If you're in the bar or Restaurant Business, you must have this cocktail on your menu. But if you don't, we'll show you how to make a Moscow Mule that stays true to the classic cocktail recipe.

The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail that has been around for years and has withstood dozens of beverage trends. Made with vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer, the Moscow mule is known for its refreshing, flavorful taste and is perfect for any occasion.

If you want to serve a Moscow Mule, you need vodka, lime juice or lime wedges, ginger beer and ice. (Two parts ginger beer to one part vodka.) Simply combine all of the ingredients in a copper mug and stir well. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired, and enjoy!

Moscow Mule with Cherry

That was the classic Moscow Mule recipe. But there are a number of variations you can try if you want your Alcoholic Beverage to step off the straight and narrow. Here's one way to put a spin on it.

Ingredients for 1 serving-

• 1 oz cherry flavored vodka
  
• 1 tbsp lime juice
  
• 4 oz ginger beer
  
• 1 tsp cherry juice
  
• 4-5 cherries (for garnishing)
  

1. Take a copper mug and fill it with ice cubes.
   
2. Pour the lime juice, vodka, 2 ounces of ginger beer and cherries into the mug. Stir gently.
   
3. Now pour the remaining ginger beer from the top and let it percolate through the copper mug.
   
4. Serve after garnishing with more cherries.
   

Moscow Mule with a Mexican Twist

Ingredients for 1 serving-

• 1.5 ounces vodka
  
• 3 oz ginger beer
  
• 0.5 oz lime juice
  
• 0.5 oz Cointreau
  
• 0.5 oz ginger liqeur
  
• 1 oz cilantro
  
• 1 slice of jalapeno
  

1. Mix the jalapeno and cilantro in a cocktail shaker. You can add ice while doing this.
   
2. Add the vodka, ginger beer, Cointreau, ginger liquer, lemon juice, and ice to the shaker. Shake well.
   
3. Strain the cocktail mix into a copper mug filled with ice cubes. Top it up with ginger beer. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve.
   

Cider Moscow Mule

Ingredients for 1 serving-

• 4 oz apple cider
  
• 1.5 oz vodka
  
• 2.5 oz ginger beer
  
• Ice cubes
  

1. Take a copper mug, fill it up with ice cubes.
   
2. Add the apple cider, vodka and ginger beer portions. Stir well.
   
3. Serve immediately with a garnishing of your choice.
   

Moscow Mule- Tips and Tricks

A Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail and it's ideal for summer sipping! Here are some tips to help you mix the perfect Mule.

- Use good quality vodka. A smooth Russian vodka is best.

- Look for ginger beer that is not too sweet. Ginger should be the dominant flavor in the drink.

- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Squeeze the limes yourself or buy bottled lime juice.

- Serve in a copper mug if you want to stay true to tradition. When you're in the Food Wine business, it's critically important that you use the right cutlery and methods of presentation. Copper mugs will make sure your Moscow Mule is as authentic as they come.