OLD FASHIONED COCKTAILS-Moscow Mule Cocktail:
When was the Moscow Mule Cocktail Invented?
The cocktail was invented in the United States in 1941. It was created by John G. Martin, who was trying to market his brand of Smirnoff vodka, and Jack Morgan, who owned the Cock ‘n’ Bull restaurant in Hollywood.
They combined Smirnoff vodka with ginger beer and lime juice, and served it in a copper mug, which became an iconic part of the drink’s presentation. It became popular, and helped to popularize vodka in the United States.
What You Need:
- vodka
- lime juice
- ice cubes
- ginger beer
- lime wedge and mint leaves
How to Make this Cocktail?
- Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
- Add 2 oz of vodka to the glass using a jigger.
- Squeeze 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice into the glass.
- Pour 4-6 oz of ginger beer into the glass, depending on your preference. You can adjust the amount of ginger beer to your liking, but the traditional recipe uses a ratio of about 1 part vodka to 2-3 parts ginger beer.
- Stir the mixture gently using a stirrer or spoon.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Note: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add a splash of simple syrup to the mixture. You can also experiment with different types of ginger beer to find your preferred level of ginger flavor and spiciness. Some variations of the Moscow Mule may also include other ingredients like bitters or fruit juices.
Tip For Making it:
- Use a high-quality vodka: It is a simple cocktail that relies heavily on the quality of the vodka used. Choose a high-quality vodka with a smooth and clean taste, as it will be the predominant flavor in the drink.
- Use fresh lime juice: The lime juice adds a refreshing citrusy note to the cocktail, so it’s important to use fresh lime juice rather than bottled lime juice. Squeeze the lime juice just before making the cocktail for the best flavor.
- Use real ginger beer: For the best flavor, use a high-quality ginger beer that contains real ginger. Avoid using ginger ale, which has a milder ginger flavor and is sweeter than ginger beer.
- Serve in a copper mug: The traditional way to serve it in a copper mug. The copper helps to keep the drink cold and gives it a distinctive appearance. If you don’t have a copper mug, you can use a highball glass instead.
- Garnish with a lime wedge: A lime wedge is the classic garnish for it. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink before adding it to the glass to release the lime oils and enhance the citrusy aroma.
- Experiment with variations: It is a versatile cocktail that can be easily customized to your taste. Experiment with different types of ginger beer, add a splash of simple syrup for sweetness, or use a flavored vodka to add extra flavor.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it served in a copper mug?
It is traditionally served in a copper mug because it helps to keep the drink cold for longer. The copper also enhances the flavor of the ginger beer and adds a unique appearance to the cocktail.
Can I substitute the vodka in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the vodka with another spirit like rum or tequila to create a variation of the cocktail. However, keep in mind that the classic method is made with vodka.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail by substituting the vodka with ginger ale or club soda. You can also add a splash of lime juice and garnish with a lime wedge for added flavor.
What is the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale?
Ginger beer is a carbonated beverage that is flavored with ginger, while ginger ale is a carbonated beverage that is sweetened and flavored with ginger. Ginger beer has a stronger and spicier ginger flavor than ginger ale.
What are some variations of it?
There are many variations of the it, including the Kentucky Mule, which uses bourbon instead of vodka, and the Mexican Mule, which uses tequila instead of vodka. Some variations also include additional ingredients like fruit juices or bitters.
Moscow Mule Cocktail
"The Moscow Mule" was born in the 1941s in Los Angeles' Hollywood. Jack Morgan, a bar owner who was worried about the poor sales of his homemade ginger ale, ran into John Martin, a vodka distributor who wanted to expand the market, and a salesman who was scratching his head trying to sell copper cups. The three of them, like a mule kicked in the head, came up with the formula "Ginger ale + vodka + copper cup = cool Moscow mule". The classic cocktail that has been popular for decades was created.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- ½ oz lime juice
- ice cubes
- ½ cup of ginger beer
- decorate with 1 lime wedge and mint leaves
Instructions
Pour vodka and lime juice into a glass; add ice cubes and ginger beer. Stir to combine.Drop a lime wedge into the glass for garnish.
Notes
It is important to use a high-quality ginger beer with real ginger for the best flavor. Avoid using ginger ale, which is a different type of carbonated beverage and has a milder ginger flavor.
