The Moscow Mule: Mugs, Recipes

[ThinkingBartender]

Hi All,

Can anyone verify the authenticity of Copper Mugs as part of the Moscow Mule Legend?

My suspicion has been raised by seeing an advert in a Reno, Nevada Newspaper from 1947.

The Piccadilly Bar.

What a kick --- The Moscow Mule

The "Moscow Mule" is now in Reno!

Originating at the Cock 'N Bull, Hollywood's most famous English type tavern, this unusual refreshment has become so popular it has even been featured in LIFE.

To do justice to its unusual and tantalizing taste a special 12 ounce copper mug was created.

An exclusive feature with THE PICCADILLY.

(photograph of copper mug)

Exclusive feature means unique feature right? And the wording of the "To do justice..." part is interesting.

I know that Oscar Heimo (1945) stated that the Moscow Mule was served in a mug, but did anyone actually state a copper mug before?

Does anyone have access to this LIFE magazine? circa. 1947.

Cheers!

George

[slkinsey]

Yes, I am given to understand that a copper mug was part of the original schtick. Since this drink was, for all intents and purposes, an advertising gambit, I'm sure there is a fairly unequivoical record and I don't see any reason to doubt the official story.

[Music]

I first encountered the Moscow Mule at the Cock 'N Bull in Hollywood probably in the sixties sometime. It was always served in a copper mug. Unfortunately, some years ago the Cock 'N Bull was demolished and there is now an automobile dealer there.

[mizducky]

They taste pretty darned fine without the copper mug, too.

[Dan Ryan]

Not as fine as the dark 'n' stormy though...

[ThinkingBartender]

Admin: threads merged.

From the NYHT, 28 July 1948:

Experiment With Vodka Lead to Moscow Mule.

Lime Juice, Ginger Beer and Ice Cubes Are Added to Give Potent New Drink.

By Clementine Paddleford

TEAM WORK--The mule was born in Manhattan but "stalled" on the West Coast for the duration. The birthplace of "Little Moscow" was in New York's Chatham Hotel. That was back in 1941 when the first carload of Jack Morgan's Cock 'n' Bull ginger beer was railing over the plains to give New Yorkers a happy surprise. Here was ginger beer in crockery bottles tasting exactly like that of old England.

Cheers!

George

[ThinkingBartender]

From what I have been able to gather J. G. Martin was the Grandson of Gilbert F. Heublein, and attained the Presidency of G. F. Heublein & Bro. upon the death of his Grandfather in 1937.

Can anyone tell me if Martin acquired Smirnoff for $1 or for $14,000; accounts differ.

Also does anyone know who "Jack", John A. Morgan, was? Other than being the owner of the Cock N' Bull products and the Cock N' Bull pub, what is his background?

Does anyone have any tidbits of information about the people behind the Moscow Mule, not just the drink itself?

Cheers!

George

p.s. today was the 10th anniversary of the Webtender Forums.

[Forest]

Have to agree with Dan Ryan - I think the dark 'n' stormy is better than a moscow mule. The rum over the vodka really makes a difference!

[ThinkingBartender]

Have to agree with Dan Ryan - I think the dark 'n' stormy is better than a moscow mule.  The rum over the vodka really makes a difference!

←

If you want to go on about what tastes better, then a mention for the original Moscow Mule, the Mamie Taylor, must be made. Scotch, Lime, Ginger Beer.

[violetfox]

I've recently inherited a set of copper Smirnoff Mule mugs. I have had and enjoyed a Mosocw Mule in a glass, and I've always thought the mugs really cute, but are they safe? Thanks!

While I'm on the subject, favorite recipes for Moscow Mules would be welcome - whether I serve them in mugs OR glasses!

[slkinsey]

There should be no safety issue. After all, the best water pipes are made of copper.

As for a recipe, there doesn't seem to be much need to deviate from the original: 1.5 ounces of vodka and half a lime (plus shell) in an ice-filled 10 ounce copper mug topped with ginger beer. The main variable is going to be the brand of ginger beer (or you could do it with ginger syrup and seltzer or ginger juice , simple syrup and seltzer).

[violetfox]

Thank you!

[Shamanjoe]

The problem is finding the right ginger beer. Anybody have any suggestions?

[Shalmanese]

I like the cock & bull ginger beer and I did not like whatever one was flavored with Stevia. Reeds is ok and widely available.

[Dan Perrigan]

The problem is finding the right ginger beer. Anybody have any suggestions?

If you like a serious ginger kick, try Blenheim's. They have their original extra spicy (pink bottlecap) and a newer less-spicy one. The original spicy is fantastic in a Moscow Mule. They're hard to find in stores but I've seen them on the Kegworks website.

Dan

[haresfur]

The problem is finding the right ginger beer. Anybody have any suggestions?

In the USA I like "Natural Brew" ginger beer.

In Australia I like Cascade.

[Shamanjoe]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've tried nearly every brand that they carry at my local Bevmo! and the majority of them are just average, with a couple that could rightly be called ginger ale instead..

[KD1191]

One that hasn't been mentioned that I like is Maine Root Ginger Brew (found at Whole Foods). It's not the spiciest out there (it's much better than a Ginger Ale, but I still add a dash or two of habanero bitters), but it has great flavor.

Edited December 30, 2009 by KD1191 (log)

[lindag]

I saw some program on television lately that showed people drinking these.

I got some ginger beer and made myself one.  It was okay but a little heavy on the ginger flavor which I'm not super in love with. 

I liked the drink but I'd like to cut the ginger taste with something else.

Can you suggest something?  I've got to use up that ginger beer in the fridge.

 

[Alex]

What amounts of ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice did you use? Which brand of ginger beer?

 

Have you ever tried a Dark and Stormy?

[blue_dolphin]

I like a splash of ginger beer and a squeeze of lime in a tall glass of sparkling water.  You could probably use half ginger beer and half club soda or sparkling water if the ginger is too much. 

[lindag]

What amounts of ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice did you use? Which brand of ginger?

I used equal amounts of vodka and lime juice (2-1/2 ozs.) and about 5 ozs. ginger beer.

Is there something unique about Goslings rum? Or can I just use any light rum?

[Alex]

What amounts of ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice did you use? Which brand of ginger?

I used equal amounts of vodka and lime juice (2-1/2 ozs.) and about 5 ozs. ginger beer.

Is there something unique about Goslings rum? Or can I just use any light rum?

 

Goslings Black Seal is a dark rum. It's the traditional choice for a D&S, so I haven't tried any others.

 

Those Dark & Stormy popsicles in blue_dolphin's recent post look awfully good.

 

Re the MM, I'd recommend 1½ oz of vodka (I use Tito's), ¾ oz of fresh lime juice, and about 4 oz of ginger beer, with lots of ice. I asked about the brand of ginger beer because some are more sharply ginger-y than others.

[haresfur]

What amounts of ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice did you use? Which brand of ginger?

I used equal amounts of vodka and lime juice (2-1/2 ozs.) and about 5 ozs. ginger beer.

Is there something unique about Goslings rum? Or can I just use any light rum?

 

Gosling has a trademark on the "Dark and Stormy". Since I'm not bartending for money, I make a point of calling it a Dark and Stormy no matter which rum I use. I like about any dark Jamaican or Cuban rum for these. And I find that the rum cuts the ginger sharpness.

 

Under no circumstances try Bundaberg rum - at least the yellow label.

[lindag]

. I asked about the brand of ginger beer because some are more sharply ginger-y than others.

 

I forgot you asked about the brand of ginger beer.  My store had two different brands, I bought the Stoli.  The other I don't remember the brand but it was in a dark bottle.