Moscow Mules, Explained
If you guessed that Moscow mule was a name for some cocktail, then you guessed right (or you already knew what it was). The Moscow mule is made out of three main components - vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. They’re mixed together and served with a lime slice and a lot of ice. The reason why Moscow mule is such a popular cocktail is because of two things - its unique taste profile and how easy it is to drink. Mix all of the ingredients together and you’ve got something that’s sweet, spicy, and strong all at the same time. Moscow mules are also incredibly easy to drink, even deceptively so. You can drink an entire glass and not even know it's alcoholic, depending on how the cocktail was mixed, which is why many mistake this for a non-alcoholic drink or non-alcoholic spirit at first taste. This is largely thanks to both the sweetness and the spice of the drink hiding the bitter flavors of alcohol that would otherwise be very easy to spot with a single sip. The name “Moscow mule”, like many other cocktail names, is shrouded in mystery, but one popular theory was that Americans often associate vodka with Russia, hence the “Moscow”. The “mule” portion came from the drink having a strong flavor or “kick” that is attributed to the presence of ginger beer.
The Best Material for Moscow Mule Kits
One unique aspect of the Moscow mule compared to other cocktails is that it’s almost always served in a copper mug. You do see copper mugs used every now and then in drinks, with some of them being used on request. However, whenever you think of copper mugs, it’s almost always associated with the Moscow mule. But why? There’s no real answer for this, as you can technically use any glass for a Moscow mule, and any other drink would work well in a copper mug. However, what we can answer is why the Moscow mule and copper mugs work so well, and it has to do with thermodynamics. The Moscow mule is served ice-cold, and copper is great at matching the temperature of its surroundings. The copper mug becomes just as cold as the drink, giving your mouth a chilly feel as you take a sip. Combine this with the plethora of flavors you experience in a sip of a Moscow mule, and you can see the appeal behind it.
Everything You Need in a Moscow Mule Kit
Moscow mules are a very simple cocktail to make, but you do need a few things to make the perfect glass.
Mixing and measuring tools
To make the perfect Moscow mule, you’ll need some tools to measure the right proportion of the ingredients, as well as a mixing tool to get the flavors together. Now, you may think that this requires buying some expensive bartending tools, but you don’t have to get those to make a good Moscow mule. As long as you have something to measure the drinks with and something to stir with, you’re basically good to go.
Copper mug
A copper mug is what really gives the Moscow mule some life. It presents the drink beautifully, as everything in the drink contrasts very well with the copper’s color. There’s also, of course, the temperature-conducting aspect, which adds even more to the drinking experience.
Ingredients
Of course, you can’t make the drink at all without the right ingredients. The Moscow mule is traditionally made using vodka, ginger beer, and lime or lime juice. You can spice things up by adding a few extra ingredients here and there, but those three ingredients mentioned are all you really need.
Ice
Some cocktails are served hot, while others are served cold, and the Moscow mule is served with large helpings of ice to really give that chilly feel. The ice also takes full advantage of the copper mug. You don’t have to go overboard on the ice if you want more drink in your glass, but more ice means a colder drink and closer to freezing temperature, and that’s where the drink really shines.
Moscow Mule vs. Smirnoff Mule
In recent years, a popular alcoholic beverage known as the Smirnoff mule has gained a lot of popularity. The drink is made by the brand Smirnoff, and it’s actually heavily inspired by the Moscow mule, being made out of Smirnoff’s own vodka, ginger beer, and lime. It’s basically a more accessible and affordable version of the Moscow mule. In essence, both the Moscow mule and Smirnoff mule are the same, but the mixed aspect of the Moscow mule, combined with the ability to choose any brand of vodka or ginger beer you choose, makes the Moscow mule the more refined choice for experienced cocktail enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you just want to kick back and drink a cold one without having to mix anything, the Smirnoff mule is a great option.
