Moscow Mule

Despite what the flavored vodka craze might make you think, vodka is actually a fairly recent addition to the American liquor market. As recently as the 1930s, Americans hardly even touched the stuff. The Moscow Mule is the cocktail that single-handedly changed that fact forever. John G. Martin bought the rights to Smirnoff vodka for Heublein Spirits in the late 30s. He had a difficult time selling it though, and decided to partner up with Jack Morgan, owner of the British pub Cock ‘n' Bull in Los Angeles, who, incidentally, was having trouble selling off the large stock of ginger beer he had recently purchased. The two collaborated and came up with this simple, yet refreshing recipe, which ignited the vodka craze of the 50s and would later lead bartenders to create every kind of “Mule” imaginable.