Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing and easy vodka highball that uses ginger beer. It is one of the drinks that was designed to sell vodka to U.S. drinkers.
There are a couple of claims to the creation of the drink. One dates to 1939 at the Cock'n Bull pub in Hollywood where owner Jack Morgan paired up with Smirnoff owner, John Martin, to promote that vodka and the bar's house ginger beer. Another story jumps to 1941 at the same bar when head bartender, Wes Price, needed to unload stock that wasn't selling. This was enhanced by a marketing campaign in which the Moscow Mule made with Smirnoff was served in copper mugs, which became a trademark vessel for the drink. The campaign was a success and the drink has been popular ever since.