Many cocktails have interesting backstories, but one that has a particularly entertaining history is the Moscow Mule. Tasting a Moscow Mule drink may actually give you an inkling that it’s not an ordinary cocktail. That crisp, yet spicy flavor is so unique that you have to wonder where it came from and who came up with it. Here’s a little bit of history about the drink with a misleading name that has an amazing taste.
The Mystery and Mischief of the Moscow Mule
What makes this cocktail a bit mysterious and amusingly mischievous? A lot of it has to do with its name. Moscow is traditionally associated with being the capital of Russia. As this drink is made with vodka, it would be easy to deduce that Moscow equates to Russian vodka. However, the city of Moscow has nothing to do with its name. Hence, the mystery of the Moscow Mule.
That mystery is quickly solved by understanding that the drink is named for the copper cups, also known as Moscow cups, that it is traditionally served in. This is also where mischief comes into play. Those cups are also known as mule cups. The drink almost had to be named the Moscow Mule. It's a literal naming of a drink that is also a bit of a red herring.
The Moscow Mule Was Born in Manhattan
Another interesting thing about this cocktail that shares a name with a city in another country is that it was conceived in New York City and popularized in Los Angeles. Sometime in the early 1940s, three friends got together and decided to develop a unique drink that could appeal to the masses. The Moscow Mule was born from that brainstorm.
At first, this spicy drink was widely associated with famous people, particularly movie stars of the time. In the decades since then, the Moscow Mule has become a commonly requested cocktail that continues to entice the taste buds of drinkers all over the world.
Making Perfect Moscow Mules On Your Own
One of the greatest things about having access to high-quality vodkas and other ingredients is that you can make a fantastic Moscow Mule all by yourself. You don’t need to go to a fancy place to get what you can perfect at home. However, you will need a few things to make the drink.
Obviously, you need great vodka. However, you will also need a good ginger beer and fresh lime juice. If you have copper cups, that’s great. However, you can also use stainless steel cups. Make sure to have an ample amount of ice at your disposal before you pour.
Putting It Together
Fill those copper or stainless steel cups with ice. You want the drink to stay cold for as long as possible because the fizz from the ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka will stick around for a while. Pour the vodka first. Next, add your layer of lime juice. The last thing you want to pour is ginger beer. Layering the drink that way will give you the optimal tasting experience of the deliciousness also known as the Moscow Mule. Enjoy!