Fifty years ago, a mixture of vodka, ginger ale and lime juice in a copper mug captivated Americans. Now the Moscow Mule cocktail is also made in Russia. A simple composition along with quick preparation contributes to the popularization of the drink in the “historical homeland”.
In the classic serving, the cocktail is poured into a copper mug, not a glass. Vodka should not be flavored. At home, lime can be replaced with lemon, but the taste will deteriorate slightly. Ginger ale is a highly carbonated lemonade sold in stores; in some variations of the recipe, ginger beer is used instead of ale.
Composition and proportions:
- vodka – 50 ml;
- ginger ale – 100 ml;
- lime (lemon) juice – 10 ml;
- lime (lemon) – 20 grams;
- ice cubes – 200 grams.
According to one version, the name “Mule” appeared due to the persistence of entrepreneurs promoting the cocktail. According to another version – due to the rapid intoxicating effect. Americans compared one serving to the blow of a mule’s hoof. The prefix “Moscow” is a tribute to the Smirnov vodka produced in Moscow.
Moscow Mule Recipe
1. Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.
2. Add juice squeezed from two lime slices and vodka.
3. Pour ginger ale to the top, gently mix the cocktail with a bar spoon.
4. Top with a lime wedge.
Historical information
In the late 30s, businessman John Martin acquired a patent for the production of Moscow Smirnov vodka in the United States. But the Americans did not like the tasteless strong vodka, things were going badly. In turn, due to the crisis, another businessman, Jack Morgan, had problems selling low-alcohol sugary ginger beer.
Entrepreneurs decided to join forces. Thanks to their collaboration, in 1941, the Moscow Mule cocktail appeared, in which one part vodka was mixed with three parts ginger beer. Since 1942, the cocktail began to be sold in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and then in other states. Later, the bartenders improved the recipe by replacing the ginger beer with lemonade and adding lime juice to stabilize the taste.
The drink was appreciated by bar customers; in the 50s, the Moscow Mule was one of the most popular cocktails in the United States, associated with Russian culture, accustoming Americans to vodka. This was facilitated by the original serving in a copper mug (in military photos, front-line “one hundred grams” Russian soldiers often drink from mugs) and the advertising slogan “He will knock the spirit out of you.”