The Moscow Mule

A Moscow Mule is a cocktail made with Smirnoff Vodka, ginger Ale, and lime. Served in a high ball glass with 4 or 5 cubes of ice. Garnish can consist of a sprig of mint (for decoration not flavour) but usually the drink is only served with a swizzle stick. The name gets its origins from the classic combination of Russian vodka, Lime and the intense flavour of ginger beer, which first served in a brass tumbler baring the emblem of a kicking mule (Hollywood circa 1941). The drink was invented by John Martin. The story goes...

In 1941 when the first carload of Jack Morgan's Cock 'n' Bull ginger beer arrived in New York. 3 friends were in the Chatham bar (Jack Morgan, owner of Cock 'n' Bull Restaurant, John Martin, president of G.F. Heublein Brothers Inc., and the third was Rudolph Kunett, president of the Pierre Smirnoff). Jack Morgan is quoted as saying, "We three were quaffing a slug, nibbling an hors d'oeuvre and shoving toward inventive genius". Martin and Kunett came up with the plan that vodka and ginger beer with a squeeze of a lime, over ice, would make a suitable nightcap. The concoction was made. Glasses were raised. The men drank., Several drinks later, the Moscow Mule was born.

Thanks to the good people at Smirnoff, and with help from Suzanne in WHPR, my eyes were opened yesterday evening to this fabulous drink. I was lucky enough to be invited to an excellent evening of entertainment and education, learning the history and heritage of the Moscow Mule while watching a skilled performer, dazzle me with his juggling and balance. Hosted in Pygmalion, a blogger event was held to usher in the return of this rather tasty beverage, bringing together a number of Social Media types (you know who you are!).

The official, media, launch is next Thursday (17th July) and, from all accounts, should be a fantastic follow up to last night. Stay tuned for photos and videos of last night (pending them coming off my phone) and a follow up next week, for the official launch.