Classic Summer Cocktail - Moscow Mule
What’s in a Moscow mule?
A Moscow mule is a classic cocktail born in the 1940’s, made with vodka and ginger beer. It’s actually part of a family of cocktails called a buck: a cocktail made with liquor, ginger ale or ginger beer, and citrus juice. So, it can also be called a vodka buck! This classic cocktail is on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. The official definition of a Moscow mule is:
- Vodka
- Ginger beer
- Lime juice
How to make a mule？
Because a Moscow mule is all about the carbonation in the ginger beer, this drink is not mixed in a cocktail shaker. To preserve the carbonation, it’s simply mixed right in the mug and served over ice. You don’t even need a cocktail shaker! This makes it one of the easiest cocktail recipes you can find. Here’s what to do:
1.Pour the ingredients into a copper mug. (Why a copper mug? Keep reading… )
2.Add ice cubes, and garnish with lime. It’s that simple!
Why are Moscow mules served in copper mugs?
As you may know, Moscow mules are traditionally served in a copper cup or copped mug. But does it have to be served in copper? Why are mules even served in copper? There are a few reasons:
- Copper keeps the drink cool in a different way than glass. The copper immediately takes on the temperature of the drink. And there’s something about taking a sip of the drink with a cool copper rim: it feels even colder!
- Tradition! According to this source, the Moscow mule was invented as a marketing scheme in the 1940’s to sell more vodka, ginger beer, and copper mugs. People in Hollywood fell in love with it, and there were lots of images at the time of celebs drinking mules in copper mugs. It caught on, and it’s still the traditional way to drink this cocktail.
Where to find copper mugs for Moscow mules？
If you’re going to use copper mugs for your mule: you’ve got to go with solid copper! This is the only way to get that perfect refreshing cold sip. The mugs we used in these photos are out of stock, but here are some more we recommend. Moscow mule copper mugs make great gifts, especially as wedding gifts for couples who love to make great cocktails!