As promised-Danielle will tackle a drink a day every day this year. By the end of this, there will be no shame in your mixing game. We continue with this slavic treat:
photo courtesy of:artofdrink
I think I first became truly enamored with Russia and all things Slavic when I was 9. I grew up with my mother's stories about her Ukrainian upbringing but this sealed the deal for me. A new kid had just moved into the neighborhood with his mother (a mail order bride. I am not kidding.) from Stalingrad and he had brought some movies with him from the motherland. I couldn't understand a word but I was hooked. I still have no idea what the plot was, but it featured this idiot of a man who ferried around his donkey all over town and got into some general mischief and Russkie tomfoolery. I loved the words and loved the funny movie. One scene in particular stuck out; in it a couple in a beat up car pulls over to the side of the road when a rainstorm hits because they need to attach the windshield wipers. I laughed and thought "How silly! They removed their windshield wipers and now need to put them back on again! Morons!"
It wasn't until later that I learned that was common practice because otherwise the wipers would be stolen when not in use.
When I saw this drink at Russia House I had to have it. And it was good. Very good. Despite my allergy and general aversion to ginger and all things related to ginger this went down easy (no throat constriction! sweet!). Nota bene, I think this also has some promise if made with Fresca.
Moscow Mule
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- Ginger ale (or ginger beer)
- spiral lemon peel
Pour vodka over ice cubes in a collins glass and fill with ginger beer. Sitr, add spiral lemon peel. That's it.
God loves a cheerful giver.
i always thought the moscow mule was sposed to be served in a pewter mug.
copper, chad. pewter in a pinch.
danielle has balls because this column will be under constant scrutiny by a lush readership.
keep it up, danielle.
p.s. chad - i really owe you
Love these. Thanks for reminding me.
I don't think I'd like this one with Ginger Beer. I really can't get down with Ginger Beer.
I haven't heard anything about these mugs. It makes me think of something out of Medieval Times, which would be quite awesome. (anyone else know about these moscow mules in mugs?)
and yes. I have massive balls. one day they will have a cocktail named after them. until now, these posts shall suffice.
If that is all it takes, i'd like to recommend the tsf, named after your's truly's balls (Grammar check that!!)
6 oz Glenlivet. (Archive 21 year, or XXV 25 year, if possible)
some air.
Swirl to mix. Drink.
The Moscow Mule is always served in a copper mug. According to Dale DeGroff, who is among the finest cocktail historians on the planet, it was invented by the owner of Smirnoff in the 40s. "He did promotions with the owner of the Cock and Bull, a big star hangout on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. It was served in a copper mug engraved with two mules kicking up their heels. Many of the stars had mugs with their names inscribed hanging over the bar. Smirnoff thus became the first real commercial brand of vodka in this country, built on Hollywood star power."
Didn't hurt that Smirnoff cut a deal to be featured in Bond films, starting with Dr. No.
Best damn Moscow Mule in the area is at PX, and yes, it comes in a mug.
I <3 PX. Haven't tried the Moscow Mule but I do love the Grog and that does come in a pewter mug
very nice, Fritz.
makes me wonder why Russia House doesn't put theirs in a mug as well....regardless, I am now coveting a copper mug.
Danielle - do an ebay search for Moscow Mule. There's quite a few copper mug (and copper mug sets) up for bidding. They 'spensive though.
A slight correction.... I was taught to make these by an old Russian bartender in a Russian biker bar....
3 dashes bitters
2 shots vodka (Preferably Russian potato vodka)
Squeeze half a lime juice
Top with GINGER BEER (NO FRESCA!!! NO SODA!!!)
Layer this over ice in A COPPER MUG. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon peel.
Embrace the tradition--- everything else is just pretending.
yes. awesome. can we make one drink a week russian? i'm sure there's enough drinks to last 52 posts.
For whatever reason, there's also very popular in Japan, but not served in copper mugs.
i was wondering when you'd chime in, rachel.