The Copper Mug Club
Posted by Katie D'Amato on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011Tags for this Article: cocktail, Ginger Beer, recipe, Seattle, vodka
A Seattle Favorite - The Walrus and Carpenter's Moscow Mule
Today, I’m feeling very official. It’s officially my first post as a Foodist contributor, it’s officially summer, and I’ve officially declared the Moscow Mule my new drink of choice!
While it’s flavors certainly get me excited – refreshing, just-sweet-enough with a fresh bite of ginger – it’s the “packaging” that I find myself drawn to. That copper mug.
The history of the Moscow Mule dates back to the early 40’s when John G. Martin of East Coast Spirits acquired the right to sell vodka in the US and Jack Morgan, owner of LA’s Sunset Strip bar Cock n’ Bull Tavern, had a surplus of ginger beer. A little bit of this and a little bit of that and a new cocktail was born, popularizing vodka and giving gin the ol’ second place. The copper mug was added as a marketing ploy, helping the drink stand out in a bar and prompting patrons to ask: “What’s that drink? What is he drinking?” It was as if the men with the mug knew something the others didn’t and the sales grew.
Nearly 70 years later, that ploy still works – at least on me. Drinks were delivered to the table next to me at Seattle’s Tavern Law and there it was – a sturdy yet well-worn copper mug. It had some heft, a little bit of frost and its owner gripped the handle like he was shaking the hand of an old friend. Just as John and Jack predicted, I leaned over and asked: “What’s that drink?”
Years later and particularly in the summer months, I reach for the cool touch of that cocktail. If it’s on the menu somewhere, I’ll order it. If it doesn’t come in that mug, it just doesn’t taste the same.
So who does it best? The Walrus and the Carpenter. It’s become a ritual – and one that I’m proud to keep. Every other Sunday my friend Sarah and I belly up to the bar of The Walrus and the Carpenter. Bartendress Kiara anticipates our on-time arrival and cracks open a fresh Fever Tree Ginger Beer and those old familiar mugs are front and center. Undoubtedly and repeatedly, someone leans in: “What are you drinking? And a new Moscow Mule fan is welcomed into the club.
Other worthy Seattle contenders with that copper mug:
Can’t make it to Seattle anytime soon? Mix one for yourself:
- Vodka
- Ginger Beer
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Garnish w/ a Slice of Fresh Ginger
- Copper Mug
Have a favorite Moscow Mule-serving spot to add to the list? Or perhaps your official summer cocktail recipe to share? Let’s hear it!
Posted on June 22nd, 2011
Ben Garfinkel says:
Katie, welcome! Great first post. Moscow Mules rule.
Posted on June 22nd, 2011
Katie D'Amato says:
Thanks Ben! Cheers!
Posted on June 22nd, 2011
Amanda says:
I used to be a bartender and I had a small group of customers that would bring their own mugs and ginger beer so that I would make these for them. It’s probably not a coincidence that they were some of my favorite customers.
Posted on June 22nd, 2011
Natalie Bowman says:
Trendsetter. Love it.
Posted on June 22nd, 2011
Miles Harrison says:
Nothing quite as refreshing as a Moscow Mule! Except perhaps a fresh Foodist. Welcome!
Posted on June 23rd, 2011
Camille Carette says:
GREAT post, Katie — love it (and love Moscow Mules) :)
I have to share…BlueAcre Seafood near Pacific Place has a delicious adorned-in-copper version on their happy hour menu…yum!
Posted on June 23rd, 2011
Katie D'Amato says:
Good to know Camille! I’ll have to add it to my must-try list. (Join me?)
Posted on April 26th, 2013
Albertha Bustillo says:
Ginger produces a hot, fragrant kitchen spice.[5] Young ginger rhizomes are juicy and fleshy with a very mild taste. They are often pickled in vinegar or sherry as a snack or just cooked as an ingredient in many dishes. They can also be steeped in boiling water to make ginger tea, to which honey is often added; sliced orange or lemon fruit may also be added. Ginger can also be made into candy, or ginger wine which has been made commercially since 1740.:
With best thoughts
<http://www.caramoan.ph/
Posted on December 2nd, 2013
Bree says:
Great first post! You’re a pro. The moscow mule is indeed an eye catcher at any bar. Check out this tutorial by Grey Goose, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zM4uTrwUuc
Posted on January 4th, 2014
John Michaud says:
I do like to make Moscow Mule in a copper mug,It’s helpful to make it wonderful
Posted on March 26th, 2017
Kennedy says:
I am happy to read your article.
Thanks for share the article.
Thank you so much.