The Moscow Mule is a cocktail that has largely faded into obscurity, but it's a cocktail that vodka lovers should praise. Without it, today's multitude of martinis might never have come into being.
John G. Martin Changed Vodka History
Once upon a time, vodka was little known in the United States. As recently as the 1930s, America was largely a whiskey nation. When it came to clear spirits, gin reigned supreme, and vodka was basically written off as peasant drink. A gentleman by the name of John G. Martin had a wild notion that he could change that.
Martin was president of G.F. Hueblein Brothers, Inc., a wine and spirit importer. The company had survived the prohibition era thanks largely due to another product still well-loved in the United States, A-1 Steak Sauce. But with Prohibition over, Martin was looking for a new project and a new product, and he was ready to gamble.
He bought a vodka distiller, and acquired a vodka recipe from a Russian immigrant for a mere $14,000 dollars. That recipe had originally belonged to a Russian family named Smirnov, and was marketed under the brand name Smirnoff. Martin was sure everyone would love it. Critics weren't so sure, and referred to the purchase as 'Martin's folly.'
How America Learned to Love Vodka
At first, it seemed that the critics were right. Martin was a man ahead of his time. Vodka not only wasn't a smash hit, he had a hard time giving the stuff away. In an effort to change the hearts and minds of American drinkers, he hit the road on a sales trip. He made it to Hollywood, where he stopped at a local bar and grill called the Cock 'n' Bull. He struck up a conversation with the owner, Jack Morgan, and learned that Morgan had a white elephant of his own, the ginger beer he made on the side.
The final ingredient in their marketing scheme involved a friend of Morgan's. She had inherited a copper factory, and had an abundance of copper cups to offload. They decided to sell and serve a new cocktail in one of the copper cups, engraved with the picture of a kicking mule.
And the Moscow Mule was born.
Moscow Mule Recipe
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 4 ounces ginger beer
Fill a collins glass with cracked ice. Add vodka and lime juice, and top off with ginger beer. Give it a quick stir, and serve with a lime twist.
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