Moscow Mule

This post contains affiliate links. See our disclosure policy here.

Cocktail History

The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail that was created by John Martin and Jack Morgan in the 1940s at Cock ‘n’ Bull in Los Angeles, California.

According to cocktail historians, Martin purchased the company Smirnoff Vodka with the idea that he could make the brand as popular in the United States as it was in Russia at the time, but he quickly found that no one wanted to buy it. Dismayed, he ended up at the bar where bartender Jack Morgan worked and learned that Morgan was having a similar problem with his own beverage—ginger beer. Since they were both at risk of losing all of their money on their investments, they decided to mix the two ingredients and started marketing it as a cocktail served in a snazzy copper mug, which soon took off and became one of the most popular drinks in America.

Although it’s unknown exactly how it originated, the name “Moscow Mule” is believed to have been randomly selected. At the time, Americans associated vodka with Russia, hence the word “Moscow.” And then “Mule” was added to the name because the ginger beer gives the drink a “kick” of flavor.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Vodka: This is a spirit made with grains, vegetables or fruits, and alcohol. We used Smirnoff Vodka because it’s high quality and affordable. For a mocktail version of this drink, try STRYKK Not V*dka in place of the vodka.

Lime Juice: This is the liquid juice of a lime. We used freshly squeezed lime juice.

Ginger Beer: This is a carbonated beverage made with ginger root, pineapple juice, citrus juice, honey, spices, cane sugar, and sparkling water. We used Reed’s Extra Ginger Beer because it has a classic spicy ginger flavor and is made with all-natural ingredients.

Lime Wheel: This is a lime slice that has been cut into a circular shape.

Mint Sprig: This is an herb. We used fresh Mojito mint.

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. We used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.

Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. We used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.

Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. We used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.

Recipe

This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Art of Vintage Cocktails by Stephanie Rosenbaum.

The Art of Vintage Cocktails

Hardcover Book; Rosenbaum, Stephanie (Author); English (Publication Language); 108 Pages – 01/07/2014 (Publication Date) – Egg & Dart (Publisher)

$39.00

AuthorThe Art of Vintage Cocktails

Make It a Mocktail: Use STRYKK Not V*dka in place of the vodka to try a booze-free version of this drink.

Shop Glassware & Tools

Find collections of cocktail glassware and bartending tools we recommend for your home bar in our Amazon shop.

AVADOR Handcrafted Cylindrical Shape Straight 100% Pure Copper Moscow Mule Mugs Hammered Finish 16 Oz. Gift Set (Set of 4)

100% Copper Mug for Moscow Mule – 12oz Hammered Pure Copper Thick Straight Wall

12oz

$19.50

Moscow Mule Mugs Set of 4-18 oz, [Gift Set] Hammered Copper Mugs | Stainless Steel Lining, Copper Plating Cups with Gold Brass Handles for Making Classic Moscow Mule, 3.4” (Diameter) x 4 ”(Tall)

PG Copper/Rose Gold Plated Stainless Steel Moscow Mule Mug – Bar Gift Set 4 – Factory Direct (19.5 oz) – Authentic Modern Design – Dimple Finish Hollow Handle!

STUNNING, SHATTERPROOF and DURABLE. GREAT for indoor, outdoor and everyday use!; To protect the delicate copper surface, please hand-wash only ! No abrasive detergents!

$24.99

Sale

A Bar Above 14-Piece Professional Bartender Kit – Premium Barware Accessories for The Home Bar Set – Bartending Set Includes Boston Shaker, Jigger, Spoon, Strainers & Picks

$99.98

A Bar Above Bar Spoon Set – Drink Mixing Spoons for Mixing Glass or Shaker – Stainless Steel Cocktail Stirrer Set – Heavyweight Drink Stirrers – Professional-Quality Mixing Spoon Set (12”, Set of 2)

$17.99

A Bar Above Premium Japanese Jigger with 8 Measurements Inside – Rolled Lip, Double Jigger for Bartending & Measuring Cocktails – Professional & Heavy-Duty 304 Stainless Steel Cocktail Jigger 1oz/ 2oz

$15.99

OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Pairing Knife,Black/Silver,3-1/2-Inch

Sturdy, stainless steel blade; Soft, comfortable, non-slip handle ensures a safe grip; Hand wash with warm, soapy water and promptly dry

$9.95

More Vodka Cocktails

If you like this vodka-based cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:

Lemon Drop: A vodka cocktail made with triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a lemon twist

Mountaintop Meadow: A vodka cocktail made with elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, lavender bitters, dry sparkling wine, a pineapple wedge, and mint

Paradise Lost: A vodka and sherry cocktail made with coconut water, lime juice, orgeat syrup, Angostura aromatic bitters, and mint

Vesper Martini: A gin and vodka cocktail made with Lillet Blanc and a lemon twist

This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2023-10-02.