The Moscow Mule is a popular cocktail that has its roots in America, rather than in Russia as its name might suggest. The name itself is actually a clever play on words, referencing the two main ingredients of the drink – vodka and ginger beer.
The first part of the name, “Moscow,” is a nod to the fact that vodka, a clear distilled spirit, is often associated with Russia. Vodka has a long and storied history in Russian culture, and is often considered the country's national drink. So by including “Moscow” in the name, it immediately evokes a sense of Russian influence and adds a touch of exoticism to the cocktail.
The second part of the name, “Mule,” is a reference to the ginger beer that is used as a mixer in the drink. Ginger beer is a carbonated beverage that has a distinct spicy flavor, thanks to the addition of ginger. It is known for having a bit of a kick, similar to that of a mule, which is a stubborn and strong-willed animal known for its powerful kicks. By naming the drink a “Mule,” it highlights the bold and fiery nature of the ginger beer.
Interestingly, the Moscow Mule is also sometimes referred to as a “vodka buck.” The term “buck” is a classic cocktail term that refers to a mixed drink made with ginger ale or ginger beer, and a spirit such as vodka. So essentially, the Moscow Mule can be seen as a specific variation of the vodka buck, with its own unique name and identity.
The story behind the creation of the Moscow Mule is also worth mentioning. It is said that the cocktail was first concocted in the 1940s by three individuals – John G. Martin, Jack Morgan, and Rudolph Kunett. Martin, a spirits distributor, was struggling to sell his supply of vodka, while Morgan, the owner of the Cock ‘n' Bull tavern in Los Angeles, was looking for a way to popularize his ginger beer. Kunett, the president of the Smirnoff vodka company, joined forces with Martin and Morgan to create a drink that would help promote both their products. And thus, the Moscow Mule was born.
The Moscow Mule gained popularity quickly, thanks in part to a clever marketing campaign. The trio would go from bar to bar, giving away copper mugs engraved with the Moscow Mule logo, along with a recipe card for the drink. This not only helped to spread the word about the cocktail, but also created a signature serving vessel that has become synonymous with the Moscow Mule to this day.
The Moscow Mule gets its name from the combination of vodka, associated with Russia, and the ginger beer, which has a kick like a mule. The clever wordplay and marketing efforts helped to make the cocktail a sensation, and it has remained a beloved classic ever since. So the next time you enjoy a Moscow Mule, raise your copper mug and toast to the ingenuity and creativity that went into its creation. Cheers!