The Moscow Mule is making its comeback
The old-fashioned Moscow Mule is a cocktail topping menus again after decades. A delicious blend of vodka, ginger ale, and lime juice served in a copper mug, it is now urging bartenders to experiment with the classic version to thrill clients. Even if it is very popular right now, there are certain facts and risks that you need to know about it before doing your own spin on it for your guests.
First of all, what is Moscow Mule?
The Moscow Mule was concocted for the first time in the early 50s in the United States (U.S.). At that time, vodka and ginger ale were being imported in the U.S. but were not being sold much on their own. Two entrepreneurs, John Martin and Jack Morgan, then got a crazy idea: they thought they could mix the two beverages to see what kind of cocktail that would yield. After multiple taste tests, they came up with a successfully tasty recipe.
Quite simple, it can be prepared without any hassle home: all you need to do is mix 2 fl oz vodka, 3 fl oz ginger beer, and the juice of a half lime in a tumbler. The beverage is then to be served in a copper mug.
With this recipe, the two entrepreneurs were sure they could make Americans who were only interested in drinking beer, whiskey, and a few other cocktails, become passionate about a completely new cocktail. The Moscow Mule enjoyed a great success, especially in Los Angeles. Nowadays, the old cocktail has made a comeback and is traveling the world, ready to position itself higher than the much-loved Mojito and Spritz!
Why is Moscow Mule served in a copper mug?
If the Moscow Mule came to marry the copper mug, it was because of Sophie Berezinski, a Russian woman who had immigrated to the U.S. in 1941 with 2,000 copper mugs. Back in Russia, her father had a factory manufacturing copper mugs that she designed. It was almost impossible to sell them in Russia and the young woman decided to try to sell them in America, the land of opportunities. However, the copper mug encountered the same fate initially. After her husband issued her an ultimatum, Sophie Berezinski had to find a buyer for the ton of mugs cluttering her house in America. One day, as she was looking for a buyer, she walked into the Cock ’n’ Bull pub, owned by Jack Morgan. Martin and Morgan came to the conclusion that the solid copper mug would be perfect to serve their new cocktail by keeping it cold and enhancing its flavour.
Serving Moscow Mule in a copper mug can be risky
Serving a Moscow Mule in copper mugs may pose some health risks. The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division affirms that pure copper vessels should not be used to serve such beverages as it can lead to intoxication. As the Moscow Mule has a pH well below 6.0, it is highly recommended to use a nickel or stainless-steel tumbler. If you really want to follow the tradition and drink your Moscow Mule in a copper mug like in the early 50s, make sure it is lined on the interior with another metal.
