The Moscow Mule is a refreshing and zesty cocktail, defined by the fiery kick of ginger and the crisp tang of lime, all rounded out by the clean taste of vodka. Despite its name, this drink has nothing to do with the Russian capital—it is, in fact, an American creation born in Hollywood. Especially popular during the summer months, the Moscow Mule is wonderfully cooling and invigorating.
Story
The story of the Moscow Mule begins in 1940s America. The cocktail was created by John G. Martin, a spirits distributor, and Jack Morgan, the owner of the Cock ’n’ Bull pub in Los Angeles. Martin needed to promote a massive stock of Smirnoff vodka—still unfamiliar to most Americans at the time—while Morgan had a cellar full of unsold ginger beer. Together, they started experimenting, adding a squeeze of lime to the mix. The result was a sensation. Although other legends exist, every version mentions the surplus ginger beer that eventually found its perfect match in vodka.
Ingredients
2 oz (60 ml) vodka
3 oz (90 ml) ginger beer
½ oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon natural sugar syrup (optional)
How to Make a Moscow Mule Cocktail
You won’t need a shaker for this drink. Instead, grab a copper mug—or, if you don’t have one, a highball glass—and fill it halfway with ice. Pour in the vodka and freshly squeezed lime juice, then top with ginger beer. Stirring isn’t essential, but if you prefer, give it a quick, gentle stir to blend the flavors.
Serving and Garnish
The Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug, which helps keep the drink frosty cold. For garnish, place a lime wedge or slice on the rim. To make it even more appealing, you can also tuck in a sprig of fresh mint.
Calorie Content
A single serving of the Moscow Mule cocktail contains around 160–180 calories. The exact number depends on the vodka and ginger beer you choose, and whether you add sugar syrup.