SO WE JUST CALL IT A MULE – BUT HERE IS THE STORY OF A FAVORITE.
Back in the 1940s, it was hard to get Americans to drink Vodka, but today, Vodka is the most consumed liquor in the country but back in the days during WWII, it was a novelty but not one that was really catching on. And then came the Moscow Mule and with that little drink, everything changed.
So what’s the story?
The story of the Moscow Mule is one of marketing, consumerism, Madison Avenue, necessity and a whole heap of luck.
Basically, the Heublein drinks company has bought the right to Smirnoff Vodka in the1930s but they were having trouble moving the spirit. One of their executive, John G. Martin, was having a drink one afternoon with a friend John A. Morgan, who owned Cock ‘n’ Bull Products and the Hollywood Cock ‘n’ Bull Restaurant. It seems the Cock & Bull were making Ginger Beer and also couldn’t move it.
The story goes that the men wondered what would happen if a two-ounce shot of Martin’s Vodka joined with Morgan’s ginger beer and the squeeze of lemon. So ice was ordered, lemons procured, mugs ushered in and the concoction put together. Cups were raised, the men counted five and down went the first taste. It was good and then several days later the mixture was christened the Moscow Mule…
Now to that copper Mug that is a Mule. It seems that Morgan had a girlfriend who owned a company that made copper products, including the mug that would become synonymous with the Moscow Mule.
THAT’S THE STORY AND NOW YOU KNOW.
