Moscow Mule

Revision as of 23:14, 5 December 2006

History of the Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule was created sometime before the end of 1942. Who exactly created the Moscow Mule is unknown, as proof is yet to be found.

Previously the Official story was that the Moscow Mule was created after the second world war, which ended in 1945, and has been disproven.

Historical Recipes

"Inside Hollywood" by Eith Gwynn, December 27, 1942

"There is a new drink that is a craze in the movie colony now. It is called "Moscow Mule." Recipe: equal parts Vodka, lime juice and ginger beer!..."

"Nevada State Journal," 12th October, 1943

"In Los Angeles, USA, the Moscow Mule was born, it combines Smirnoff Vodka, Cock 'n Bull Ginger Beer and lime. Already the Mule is climbing up into the exclusive handful of most-popular mixed drinks"

BUCKEYE TAVERN, "Patrick Murphy's The Barman's Corner," 11 May 1944

"Since the primary purpose of this column is to keep the trade informed of mixtro news in particular and beverage lore in general, we hasten to report that a drink is being promoted in the Southwest. It's a brand promotion, but undoubtedly will click since it has a snappy name and its number one ingredient, vodka, is bought more easily in many areas than is gin or whiskey. The drink is a cooler built along Tom Collins lines, and here is the recipe as advertised:

MOSCOW MULE

1 oz. vodka, 10 oz. glass and chipped ice, a twist of lemon peel.

Note (GS): The absence of ginger beer in this recipe may just be a typo.

COCKTAIL AND WINE DIGEST, by Oscar Haimo

1945 edition

• 2 oz Vodka
• 1 split Ginger Beer
• Crushed Ice
• Serve in mug
• Decorate with sprigs of mint

1950 edition

• 1/2 Lime Squeezed and Dropped in
• 2 oz Volka (sic)
• 1 split Ginger Beer or Canada Dry Ginger Ale.
• 2 Cubes Ice. Serve in mug. Stir

Reno Evening Gazette, 23rd May 1947

"Originating at the COCK BULL, Hollywood's most famous English type tavern, this unusual refreshment has become so popular it has even been featured in LIFE."

Time Magazine, 12th January, 1948

Moscow Mules* in copper souvenir cups.

• Recipe: half a lime, jigger of vodka, add ginger beer to taste.

Smirnoff Advert 1948 (anecdote)

"Their recipe called for a generous 1 oz. shot of Smirnoff vodka in a 10 oz. copper mug, chipped ice, ginger beer, and a twist of lemon peel."

Berkshire Evening Eagle, 25th July 1949

"A Moscow mule is served in a copper mug, or vase, and is made of vodka and ginger- beer. I met it first in Hollywood"

Common Recipes

Joy of Mixology, Gary Regan

• Build
• 2 oz vodka (60ml)
• 3 oz ginger beer (90ml)
• 2 lime wedges, for garnish

Serve in a copper mug

Craft of the Cocktail, Dale DeGroff

• Build
• 1 1/2oz vodka
• 4 to 5oz ginger beer
• Lime wedge, for garnish

Serve in an iced glass

Contentious Issues Regarding This Cocktail

Is the Moscow Mule served with Cucumber?

Ted Haigh Enlightens us

"Some time in the mid 50s a Palm Springs hotel bar began making this drink with the cucumber garnish. But why? Well, for a different twist, yes.... but it still occurs today and in old bars which have made it that way for years. Here's why: Moscow Mules are consumed as refreshers. What else, traditionally, would the sort of bar that served Moscow Mules serve as a refresher? Pimm's Cup. I've even seen Pimm's served in metal beer mugs and -wait for it- Mule mugs."

Links of Interest

CocktailTimes
Hotwired Cocktail Index, Paul Harrington - Defunct Link
Craft of the Cocktail, Dale DeGroff, Clarkson Potter Publishers, New York, USA, 2002

• Webtender - Was the Moscow Mule invented in New York?