Is Copper Required?

Created in Los Angeles in the early 1940s, the Moscow Mule has nothing directly to do with Russia though its moniker obviously comes from the traditionally Russian spirit, vodka. Though other versions exist, such as the Kentucky Mule, the Mexican Mule (burro?), and a plethora of fruit-forward styles, the Moscow Mule has a truly American background and was the impetus behind the whole slew of knockoffs. 

Like many creative ventures, the inspiration for one of our favorite spirited concoctions comes from slight desperation. Legend has it, when John Martin purchased Smirnoff in the 1930s, it wasn’t a slam dunk of a success. Most Americans just weren’t all that into clear liquors, preferring home-grown whiskeys and beer instead. John hoped to expand their palates but initially struggled to gain any ground. 

His buddy, Jack Morgan, out in Los Angeles could unfortunately relate. Apparently, he had a ginger beer that nobody was all that keen on trying either. He had loads of it that he needed to get out of the back storage room at his local bar. Imagine the two of them, taking up room on the bar stools, lamenting about their dumb luck, when in walks an heiress of a Russian copper mug company (or Morgan’s girlfriend who also inherited some valuable drinkware — depends on who you ask). After commiserating with the bartender (because there is always a friendly and understanding bartender in these stories, is there not?), the inspired trio set out to create a signature cocktail that would feature their products and launch them toward success. And it worked — deliciously.   

But the question remains:

Is it really a mule if it’s not in a copper mug?  

Tradition aside, there is reason to request your mule, Moscow or otherwise, to be served in the mug the cocktail was created for. Unlike glass or plastic, copper is said to actually enhance the flavors of both the vodka and the ginger beer, amping the refreshment level to extraordinary. 

So, though a copper mug is not required, it is preferred and many fans simply won’t order a mule if the metallic mug is not available.