Moscow Mule

Let’s be honest, the best part about a Moscow Mule is the copper mug.

Without the mug, the Mule is just vodka, fresh lime juice, a bit of mint, and ginger beer.

With the mug, the Mule is the most refreshing drink on a hot day. It almost makes it worth it to be sweaty in the summer … almost.  It has become the “it” drink in recent years.

I became interested in Moscow Mules when I purchased this serving set at Sweet Salvage last year at about this time.

The Mule was introduced in 1941 as a way to promote Smirnoff vodka. For the full history of the drink and a recipe that is slightly sweeter than mine, check THIS out.

Since I’m lucky enough to have the copper pitcher and serving tray, I love to make a batch of the lime juice and vodka mixed together and then leave instructions for guests to add a 1/3 cup of the vodka mixture to an ice-filled mug, then top off with 1/2 bottle of ginger beer. Finish with a stir, a garnish, and drink with a straw.

The recipe below is for one drink. To make a batch, just multiply the ingredients by the number of mugs you have, set out a tub of chilled bottles of ginger beer, write out the directions and let your guests have fun making their own.

Moscow Mule

• Ice
• 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 cup premium vodka, I prefer Belvedere
• 6 ounces (1/2 bottle) ginger beer, I prefer Reed’s brand – found at Trader Joe’s
• Lime wheel and mint sprig, for garnish
• Straw

Fill a copper mug to the top with ice. Add the lime juice and vodka and stir. Add ginger beer, stir again and garnish with lime and mint.

Best served with a straw so that your lips don’t stick to the ice-cold mug like a kid’s tongue stuck to a flag pole in the winter!

~ I speak from experience~

Serves 1