National Moscow Mule Day is celebrated on March 3 every year. It is the perfect day to pause your busy life and enjoy a refreshing cup of cocktail. Did you know that the date 3-3 (i.e, March 3) symbolizes the cocktail’s three primary ingredients? Yes, it also represents the trifecta responsible for its creation. This quick and iconic drink just needs three ingredients — vodka, lime, and ginger beer — and it is to be served only in copper cups. Let’s learn about the history of this fantastic cocktail that remains popular year-round.
History of National Moscow Mule Day
Moscow Mule, made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, is ranked the fifth most popular cocktail in the U.S., falling just behind the margarita, the martini, the old-fashioned, and mimosa. An interesting thing to note about the Moscow mule is that, contrary to popular belief, it was not created in Moscow or anywhere in Russia. Moscow mule was created at a bar called Cock ‘n’ Bull, in Los Angeles, in the 1940s.
As the story goes, during that period when brown spirits were ruling the liquor sales, a man named John G. Martin had trouble selling his Smirnoff vodka at a time. There was another man called Jack Morgan who owned a popular pub on the Sunset Strip and could not persuade his patrons to try his ginger beer. The last member of the trio was a woman named Sophie Berezinski who wanted to sell a few thousand copper cups. So, technically, the Moscow Mule was created by a bartender called Wes Price, who just combined two ingredients that wouldn’t sell on their own, and served it in a copper cup that he just bought.
The original Moscow mule has Smirnoff No. 21 vodka as its primary ingredient. In fact, the Moscow mule saved Smirnoff from going out of business, as, after the hit of the cocktail, the sales and demand for the vodka rose dramatically. To commemorate the significance of the Moscow mule in the history of cocktails, Smirnoff vodka declared March 3 as National Moscow Mule Day. To date, the Moscow mule continues to be one of the most beloved and popular cocktails in the U.S. because it’s simple to make, tastes great, is refreshing, and is everybody’s go-to cocktail.
National Moscow Mule Day timeline
Smirnoff vodka is on the verge of bankruptcy because of low sales.
Sophie Berezinski comes to America with 2,000 copper cups.
Wes Price creates an iconic cocktail with vodka, lime, and ginger beer.
Moscow Mule becomes an instant hit among people in the U.S.
National Moscow Mule Day FAQs
Why does the Moscow mule have to be in a copper mug?
Copper is a very good conductor of heat and cold. This can enhance the flavor of the Moscow mule and keep the drink colder for a longer time.
Is Moscow Mule a girly drink?
Moscow Mule does not discriminate. Anyone can enjoy the refreshing taste of ginger, lime, and vodka.
Do you drink Moscow Mule with a straw?
Not necessarily. You can just take a plain sip right from the copper cup or you can use a straw if you want to.
National Moscow Mule Day Activities
Visit Cock ‘n’ Bulls
Visit the iconic Cock ‘n’ Bulls pub in Los Angeles. Enjoy this timeless drink at its birthplace.
Make one yourself
Can’t visit L.A.? Don’t worry. You can always make your own Moscow mule in the comfort of your home. All you need are three simple ingredients and a copper cup.
Try something new
There are a lot more variations of the cocktail available, including Sicilian mule, Mexican mule, Jeweled mule, and Ginger ale. Be creative and try any of these.
5 Interesting Facts About Moscow Mule
The copper cup enhances flavor
Many people believe that copper cups enhance the flavor of cold Moscow mules.
There are many taste variations
There are several variations of the cocktail.
The copper cups were surplus
The copper cups were the result of surplus production bought by Cock ‘n’ Bull.
The cocktail was almost discontinued
During the cold war era of McCarthyism, the Moscow Mule was almost blacklisted.
The bizarre lizard
In 1947, four individuals claimed that they saw a live lizard crawl out of a Moscow mule bottle.
Why We Love National Moscow Mule Day
It’s a great day to chill
Most people live busy lives and don’t even get any time for self-care. National Moscow Mule Day is an amazing opportunity to take a break and enjoy a refreshing sip of a cocktail.
It brings people together
It is the whole experience of enjoying the Moscow Mule that is significant. Drinking and having fun with your friends, family, or even strangers fosters a healthy relationship.
It teaches a great lesson about life
One thing we can take home from National Moscow Mule Day is this: "it is never over until it's over." If three people can create an iconic drink out of ingredients that were low on sales, you can do anything.
National Moscow Mule Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | March 3 | Monday |
2026 | March 3 | Tuesday |
2027 | March 3 | Wednesday |
2028 | March 3 | Friday |
2029 | March 3 | Saturday |