Drinks are called “Mules” because the term “Mule” is used to describe a specific type of cocktail that typically includes ginger beer as one of its main ingredients. The name “Mule” is believed to have originated from the popular cocktail, the Moscow Mule.
Now, you might be wondering why the Moscow Mule is called a “Mule” in the first place. Well, the story behind it is quite interesting. The Moscow Mule was created in the United States during the 1940s, not in Moscow, Russia as the name might suggest. The cocktail was the brainchild of three individuals: John G. Martin, John Morgan, and Rudolph Kunett.
At the time, Martin was trying to promote his newly acquired vodka brand, Smirnoff, which was struggling to gain popularity in America. Morgan, the owner of the Cock ‘n' Bull pub in Los Angeles, was facing a similar challenge with his ginger beer. The two men decided to team up and create a cocktail that would help boost sales for both their products.
They mixed Smirnoff vodka with Morgan's ginger beer and added a squeeze of lime juice. To make the drink more appealing, they served it in a copper mug. This combination of ingredients resulted in a refreshing and zesty cocktail that became an instant hit. However, they needed a catchy name to market the drink effectively.
Legend has it that one evening, Martin and Morgan were discussing potential names for their creation at the Cock ‘n' Bull pub. As they brainstormed, they noticed a picture of a mule on the wall. The discussion turned to the ginger beer's kick, which was said to be as strong as a mule's. This inspired them to name their new cocktail the Moscow Mule, combining the association of vodka with Russia and the “kick” of the ginger beer.
The Moscow Mule's success paved the way for other cocktails to adopt the “Mule” moniker. Today, you can find a variety of Mule cocktails, each with its own unique twist. Some popular examples include the Kentucky Mule (made with bourbon), the Mexican Mule (made with tequila), and the Irish Mule (made with Irish whiskey). These variations typically substitute the vodka in the original recipe with a different spirit, while still retaining the ginger beer and lime components.
The term “Mule” has become synonymous with a cocktail that features ginger beer as a key ingredient. It has become a popular naming convention for similar concoctions that follow the Moscow Mule's formula but incorporate different spirits. The Mule family of cocktails is loved for its refreshing and tangy flavors, making it a favorite choice for many cocktail enthusiasts.
Drinks are called Mules because of the Moscow Mule, a cocktail that gained popularity in the 1940s. The name “Mule” was chosen to highlight the strong kick of the ginger beer, which is a prominent ingredient in the cocktail. This drink's success led to the creation of various Mule cocktails, each with its own twist on the original formula. The Mule name has become synonymous with cocktails that incorporate ginger beer and offer a refreshing and zesty flavor profile. So, the next time you order a Mule, you'll know the story behind its name!