National Moscow Mule Day

Welcome to National Moscow Mule Day, where we celebrate this delightful cocktail that has captured the hearts (and tastebuds) of people around the world. Get ready to sip in style and learn some fascinating tidbits about the history and popularity of the Moscow Mule.

When is Moscow Mule Day?

It's national moscow mule day on the 3rd March.

The Birth and Rise of the Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule, crafted with vodka, ginger beer, and a squeeze of lime, had a humble beginning back in the 1940s. Legend has it that a vodka distributor, John Martin, was struggling to sell his Russian spirit in America. Meanwhile, Jack Morgan, the owner of the Cock 'n' Bull pub in Los Angeles, was trying to promote his line of ginger beer. Desperate times call for creative measures, so these two business owners came up with an ingenious plan.

They mixed Martin's vodka with Morgan's ginger beer, added a splash of lime, and served it all in a shiny copper mug. The Moscow Mule was born! They started serving this refreshing cocktail in their signature copper mugs, which not only kept the drink cold but also became a signature visual element of the cocktail.

The Rise of the Copper Mug Craze

The cocktail itself was delicious, but it was the copper mug that took the Moscow Mule to new heights. It gave the drink a unique and eye-catching presentation, making it instantly Instagrammable (even before Instagram existed). People couldn't resist sharing photos of themselves sipping from these shiny vessels, and the Moscow Mule became a viral sensation before viral was even a thing.

The copper mug craze took off, and soon, bars and restaurants everywhere were serving Moscow Mules in those distinctive mugs. The drink became synonymous with elegance, style, and a touch of nostalgia. People would clink their copper mugs together, enjoying the refreshing cocktail while basking in its timeless charm. It's no wonder the Moscow Mule still holds a special place in the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts today.

Did You Know?

The Moscow Mule is not only a delicious drink but also a social lubricant. Sharing a round of Moscow Mules with friends can help break the ice and create memorable moments. So, next time you're out with your loved ones, why not order a round of Moscow Mules and let the good times flow?

History behind the term 'Moscow Mule'

1941

The birth of the Moscow Mule

In 1941, three friends with a shared love for spirits and a desire to promote their brands came together to create the Moscow Mule. John Martin, a spirits distributor, was struggling to sell his Smirnoff vodka, which was relatively unknown in the United States. Jack Morgan, owner of the Cock 'n' Bull restaurant in Hollywood, was facing a similar problem with his ginger beer. The third friend, Rudolph Kunett, president of Pierre Smirnoff, provided the vodka. Together, they combined their products to invent the Moscow Mule.

1946

The copper mug phenomenon

The Moscow Mule gained popularity in 1946 with the introduction of the iconic copper mug. Sophie Berezinski, a Russian immigrant, visited the Cock 'n' Bull restaurant and suggested that the drink be served in a copper mug to enhance the experience. The unique presentation and the enhanced taste that the copper mug provided made the Moscow Mule stand out from other cocktails. The craze for the copper mug became so strong that it solidified the association between the Moscow Mule and the vessel, becoming a symbol of the cocktail.

1950s

The Hollywood connection

The Moscow Mule gained further popularity in the 1950s, partly due to its association with Hollywood celebrities. The Cock 'n' Bull restaurant, where the cocktail was first created, became a hangout spot for movie stars, who often drank Moscow Mules. This celebrity endorsement led to the cocktail being featured in various movies, further propelling its popularity. The Hollywood connection helped the Moscow Mule cement its position as a trendy and fashionable cocktail.

2003

Rediscovering the Moscow Mule

After a period of decline in popularity, the Moscow Mule experienced a revival in the early 2000s. A key turning point was in 2003 when the rights to Smirnoff vodka were acquired by Diageo, a multinational alcoholic beverages company. Diageo embarked on a marketing campaign to rejuvenate the Moscow Mule and reintroduced it to a new generation of cocktail enthusiasts. The drink once again gained recognition as a classic and became a staple in many bars and restaurants.

Did you know?

Did you know that the first Moscow Mule was actually made with American vodka, not Russian? The name "Moscow" was added to make it sound more exotic and increase its appeal.