Moscow Mule

First up, the Moscow Mule. The Mule originated in downtown Hollywood in the 1940s, the brainchild of Jack Morgan (owner of the Los Angeles bar Cock and Bull Tavern), John Martin (president of Heublein spirits distribution company), and Ralph Kunett (owner of the Smirnoff Vodka company). Vodka wasn't an American favorite, and these three created this drink one night while "shoving toward inventive genius". The drink was a hit and still remains most popular in LA.

As far as my favorite cocktails go, the Moscow Mule is the reining champion. I came up with this version on my own. Make sure to use a ginger beer with some integrity, like Cock 'n Bull or, even better, Fentiman's. The bamboo/ginger combination is a nice and luxurious touch, but by no means required.

Ingredients

• 2 oz ginger beer
• 1 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• Glassware: Copper mug (ideal) or old-fashioned glass.
• Garnish: lime wedge and small bamboo skewer piercing a piece of candied ginger (optional).

Instructions

1. Mix ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Shake well.
2. Pour into mug or glass and garnish with lime.

Serves 1. Drink up you lucky bastard.