Picture two strapping gents: one, a spirits distributor out of Connecticut; the other, restaurant owner with a substantial supply of unsold ginger beer. Start with some conversation, add just a dash of commiseration, and mix with a combination of creativity and making the most of a dry situation – the Moscow Mule was born.
The Moscow Mule, sometimes referred to as a Vodka Buck, is a refreshing cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer and lime juice, poured into a copper mug and garnished with a mint sprig. Invented in 1941 by John G. Martin and Jack Morgan, and popularized in the vodka swell of the 1950s, the Moscow Mule has been a long-standing Russian standard for refreshing vodka-based beverages. But it wasn’t until recently that it made a full resurgence back into the limelight, sparking the attention of social drinkers all across the globe. It could be due to its inherent deliciousness, but we like to think it has something to do with the highly regarded copper mug.
It’s no accident the Moscow Mule is almost always served in a copper mug. When Martin was traveling the nation and lifting people’s spirits, he would ask bartenders to pose with the specialty mug and a bottle of his vodka so he may photograph them. He would take two photos: one for them, and one for him to show to the next bar, touting the popularity of his and Morgan’s concoction. Because of this, the popular copper cup still remains, if not just for aesthetic purposes and to pay homage to tradition.
If you’re looking to stir things up at home, we recommend following our recipe:
Sullivan’s Moscow Mule
Pour 1.5 oz. of vodka and ½ oz. of fresh lime juice into a shaking tin. Briefly shake to mix things up.
Fill a copper mug with ice, and pour the shaken ingredients over the ice.
Add 4 oz. of ginger beer.
Squeeze a lime and drop it in.
Place mint sprig on top, for garnish.
Enjoy.
Of course, you’re always welcome to come on in and let us take care of the dirty work, so you can take care of the flirty work.
What do you say? Let’s get your night started.
Cheers.
