The classic Moscow Mule wasn’t invented anywhere near the former Soviet Union. But it was, in fact first concocted in 1941 in the “Little Moscow” district of New York City, at the Chatham Hotel to be precise. The cocktail derived its name in part as an homage to the Smirnoff Vodka that was one of its main ingredients. The ‘Mule’ part of the name comes from the spicy kick provided by the Cock’n Bull Ginger Beer that provided the other main ingredient.
There are plenty of variations on this classic drink, but there still something to be said for the original, which was always served in a copper mug.
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces ginger beer
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 lime
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge
How-to:
Squeeze the lime half into the bottom of copper mug, then drop the lime in. Add two or three ice cubes. Pour in vodka, top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.