2 simple ingredients, 1 perfect mocktail (part 4)
By Dana Peck
Moscow Mules are a great cocktail that almost everyone has tried. They have a unique flavor with a little kick of ginger that makes it just spicy enough to make you want to take another sip. Moscow Mules are a pretty easy cocktail to make, and an even easier mocktail. Sometimes I'm craving something just a little more bitter than a ginger ale, but I don't always want the alcohol with it. This Moscow Mule mocktail does the trick.
Moscow Mules have a fun history, being created by three entrepreneurs who had all gotten themselves into a pickle. The first person had purchased a vodka brand. At the time, vodka was not very popular in the United States. Therefore, he was not making nearly as much money as he needed.
The second person was a bar owner who had created a ginger beer company. He found himself having a lot of trouble selling it. The third person was a woman who had just immigrated from Russia with 2,000 copper mugs. She was also having a lot of trouble selling her inventory. The three individuals combined their failing business ventures and formed a very successful one with the Moscow Mule.
Moscow Mules aren't just an easy drink to make solely because they require very few ingredients. They're also an easy drink to make because they require very little equipment. You don't need any fancy bar equipment to make this drink. The only thing that would spice up this drink is having a copper mug - they're traditionally served in a copper mug because of those three entrepreneurs all those years ago.
This Moscow Mule mocktail is just as easy to make in a cocktail. Like all other cocktails and mocktails they are personal to taste. Use this recipe as a guideline and make it however you like it best!
Recipe:
1 oz lime juice
1 12 oz can ginger beer
Directions:
Add lime juice to a copper mug.
Add ice to the top.
Pour in can of ginger beer and stir.
Garnish with lime wedge if desired.
To further celebrate the adaptability of the Moscow Mule, let’s explore how variations of this classic can suit any season or occasion. For instance, adding a splash of cranberry juice and a sprig of rosemary transforms this drink into a festive winter delight, perfect for holiday gatherings. In the summertime, a few fresh mint leaves and a squeeze of lime can make it a refreshing cooler to beat the heat.
This versatility makes the Moscow Mule a favorite among bartenders and party hosts alike. It also illustrates how a simple cocktail can be the foundation for creativity in mixology. Whether you’re hosting a large party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, the Moscow Mule’s simple base invites you to experiment and tailor your drink to your personal taste and the occasion at hand.