Relax with a Moscow Mule

Tonight I was feeling like having something a little different, so I made a Moscow Mule!

The Moscow Mule was “invented” in the 1940s, at a time when Vodka was considered a commoner’s drink, less prestigious than Gin.  The story goes that the owner of Smirnoff Vodka, a Ginger Beer manufacturer and a copper mug maker all got together and dreamed up a cocktail that would help all of them offload their unpopular products.

A marketing campaign traveled around the United States, showing bartenders how to whip up the concoction consisting of vodka, ginger beer and lime juice (some recipes call for simple syrup and mint sprigs as well).

The salesman would take two Polaroid pictures of the bartender with the Moscow Mule in the copper mug and the bottle of Smirnoff Vodka.  He would leave one picture with the bartender and took one with him, to show the next bartender that others were making the drink.

The Moscow Mule was quite popular in the 1950s, but gradually fell out of favor in the 1960s.  The drink is enjoying a resurgence today.

So, here’s to the weekend – make yourself a Moscow Mule!  Here’s my recipe, but you can substitute other brands.

• 1 oz. vodka – I used New Amsterdam (a American brand that launched its vodka in 2011)
• 1 bottle Fever Tree Ginger Beer – Each bottle is 6.8 oz, so if you use a 12 oz ginger beer, you may want to use 2 oz. of vodka.  Reed’s Ginger Beer will make for a sweeter drink.
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Serve in a copper mug – or if you don’t have one, use any old glass you’ve got, like I did!

My Moscow Mule – Delicious!

Simple and easy – enjoy!