Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule was born in America in 1941 — not Russia. The drink is the product of three people with inventory problems: John G. Martin needed to sell Smirnoff vodka, which was virtually unknown in the United States at the time. Jack Morgan, owner of the Cock 'n' Bull pub on Sunset Strip in Hollywood, had an overstock of house-made ginger beer. Sophie Berezinski, a Russian immigrant, had copper mugs she couldn't sell. The three combined their problems into one cocktail and the Moscow Mule was born. The name was pure marketing — Moscow nodded to vodka's Russian roots, Mule referred to the kick of the ginger beer. The drink is credited with making vodka mainstream in America. Use ginger beer, not ginger ale — the difference is significant. Ginger beer is fermented and has real spice; ginger ale is carbonated sugar water with ginger flavoring. The copper mug is traditional and functional — copper conducts temperature and keeps the drink colder for longer. If using solid copper mugs, ensure they are lined with stainless steel; unlined copper reacts with acidic drinks and is a health risk. The IBA official spec is 45ml vodka, 120ml ginger beer, 10ml lime juice. Variations: London Mule uses gin, Kentucky Mule uses bourbon, Mexican Mule uses tequila — all valid riffs on the same Buck formula.