The Moscow mule is the oldest and most popular vodka-based cocktail in the U.S. It accidentally developed on Los Angeles Boulevard, and its only tie to Russia is the name. This drink comprises only three ingredients: Vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. It is a popular drink in modern clubs and functions.
It is refreshing, unique, and highly recommended due to its great taste. We know very little about the Moscow mule and its origins. There are several theories on how it developed and where. This article aims to clarify some common misconceptions about this iconic drink.
Little-Known Facts About the Moscow Mule
Everything about this drink happened by chance. The copper mug, the ingredients-none of the original development procedures was deliberate.
First, the two main ingredients, vodka, and ginger beer were low-selling commodities in the U.S. in the early 1990s. In 1939, John Martin tried to penetrate the market with Smirnoff vodka. No one liked it at the time, so John had stacks of vodka sitting on his shelf. The ginger beer had a similar plight, as many Americans at the time preferred ginger ale.
Hollywood, a bar owner named Jack Morgan had a ginger beer that no one was purchasing. By pure chance, the two liquor sellers mixed the two ingredients and came up with the Moscow mule recipe you know and love today. This drink developing by pure chance is an admission by the two gentlemen. All they wanted to do was get rid of alcohol that no one was buying.
Another interesting fact is that the famous copper mug tied to this cocktail does not contribute to its refreshing taste. Another case of pure chance is that the copper mugs were due for disposal. The pioneers of the drink only used the copper mug as a selling point for their discovery. It was a perfect case of the right place at the right time.
The drink has no ties to Russia. While Moscow has a Soviet connotation, the Moscow mule is pure of American descent. While John Martin bought the rights to Smirnoff vodka in 1939, the name Moscow Mule was random. Moscow came from vodka’s link to Russia, while the mule came from the kick felt after drinking the cocktail.
The popularity of the Moscow mule would not be achievable without Hollywood. Famous actors and musicians made rounds in elitist ranks, and many celebrities loved it. This exposure created a chain reaction that led to many people joining the fray. The famous copper mug provided a selling point as many A-list stars took pictures drinking the Moscow mule.
A jingle that made the drink a fan favorite also aided this growing popularity. It quickly transformed into the Smirnoff mule and became the talk of the town. Smirnoff vodka as a brand was a small company struggling to make sales. The mule elevated it into one of the most sought-after companies in the 1940s and beyond. Were it not for this drink-this vodka would not be the industry giant it is today.
It is critical to note that a version of the Moscow mule originated from Russia a while ago, but no one knew about it, and the recipe never saw the light of day. While there are debates on the recipe origins, it is clear that the Moscow mule didn’t happen until 1941.
The Moscow mule almost came to an end. In the 1950s, Joseph McCarthy came up with a vicious campaign against communism. He claimed that Smirnoff was involved in several communism-related, Anti-American campaigns. McCarthyism sought to boycott everything with Russian ties. This feature meant that bar owners would stop stocking vodka. The campaign didn’t work because none of the allegations were false. The mule survived this onslaught and is still a revered drink today.
The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail and one of the few to withstand the test of time. It is still a fan favorite today.
0 Comments