Oxford Social Club: A Guide to Mule Cocktails.
(Source: Flickr)
Mules rule! We’re talking, of course, about the Moscow Mule cocktail and the many cocktail creations it has inspired. In fact, at the Oxford Social Club, we love this unique cocktail so much that we have a specific part of our menu dedicated to it!
Never heard of a Moscow Mule? Or perhaps you’ve heard the name, but aren’t quite sure what the cocktail contains? You’re in the right place. Here, we’re going to explain the magic that is the Mule and the many ways to enjoy it at the Oxford Social Club.
What is a traditional Moscow Mule? Before you enjoy cocktail creations inspired by the Moscow Mule, it’s helpful to understand the makeup of the original cocktail. And in the case of this cocktail, it’s also important to understand its story. Here, we’ll delve into both:
What it is: Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail. It’s typically made with vodka, ginger beer (not to be confused with ginger ale, which is more mild; ginger beer is quite spicy), and lime juice. It’s often served in a copper mug. The combination of bright flavors and this signature presentation truly make it a memorable cocktail.
(Source: Oxford Social Club Facebook page)
Where it comes from: Many cocktails are the result of evolution or regional availability of certain liquors and ingredients. The Moscow Mule is an exception to that rule. As it turns out, that heady mix of vodka, lime, and ginger beer was a completely intentional creation. Actually, its popularity is the result of clever branding and calculated marketing.
As the story goes, the cocktail was created in 1941 through a collaboration between a liquor and food distributor and the proprietor of the Cock and Bull Restaurant a Sunset Boulevard hotspot of the era, and its subsidiary food product company. The idea was simple: sell more vodka and ginger beer. Their promotion efforts were relentless, and in time the drink–and the products in it–became part of the everyday cocktail palette. At the Oxford Social Club, we’ve used the traditional Moscow Mule as inspiration to create new and innovative cocktail creations. See for yourself the many creations we’ve made using the traditional Moscow Mule as our muse!
(Source: Oxford Social Club Facebook page)
The many Mules of Oxford Social Club. As you can see by reading the above story of the Moscow Mule, this drink is more than just a cocktail: it’s a legend. At the Oxford Social Club, we honor this drinkable legend with an eclectic menu of creative takes on the Mule. There’s something for every drinker’s discernment on our menu, where we feature a number of different takes on the Moscow Mule, including:
Golden Goose: You’ll feel like you’ve found the golden ticket when you try our Golden Goose version of the Moscow Mule. This cocktail contains Grey Goose vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, lime, and ginger beer. The complexity and earthy undertones imparted by the St. Germain elderflower liqueur make this a sophisticated slow sipper of a cocktail delight.
Razberri Mule: Nope, that’s not a spelling error. The “Razberri” in question is Stoli Razberri vodka, which is combined with lime and ginger beer to create this memorable, sweet-and-tangy version of the Moscow Mule. You won’t forget this flavor sensation any time soon!
Sun-Ray: Does a ray of sunshine have a flavor? Let this cocktail be your answer. Crafted using Tanqueray London Dry Gin, lime, and ginger beer, this cocktail offers a bright flavor but delivers an intoxicating effect!
Obi-Juan: Why not try something a little different? Our Obi-Juan version of the Mule contains Hornitas Plata tequila, lime, and ginger beer. It makes for a delicious fusion drink, combining a classic Mexican spirit with a Los Angeles-created cocktail!
Kentucky Mule: Another fusion version of the Moscow Mule. This one contains Wild Turkey 81 Bourbon Whiskey, Wild Turkey American Honey, lime, and ginger beer. It’s a little sweet, plenty feisty, and completely unforgettable.
Fighting Irish: Feeling lucky? If so, great! Keep the good vibes going with our Fighting Irish version of the Moscow Mule. Not feeling lucky? Change that lickety-split with the same cocktail! This intoxicating creation is made with Jameson Irish Whiskey, lime, and ginger beer. And it’s amazing.
What should you try next? You came, you tried cocktails, and you’ve conquered the Moscow Mule and its many delicious variants. While it seems impossible to consider a day that you’d grow tired of these creations, sometimes you’re curious about trying something else. If you’re curious about trying something new after branching out and trying our Mules, what should you try next? Here are a few suggestions:
Social Fizz: If you’re addicted to the buoyant bubbles in our Mule cocktails, you’ll love this fizzy cocktail featuring Belvedere Vodka, Rothman & Winter Orchard Apricot, lime, seltzer, and Peychaud’s bitters.
Sweet-Tai o’ Mine: If you love the fascinating flavor of the Moscow Mule and its variants on our menu, you’ll be smitten with our Sweet-Tai o’ Mine cocktail, which includes Bacardi 8 Year Rum, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, Orgeat, lime, and pomegranate.
The Moscow Mule is a cocktail legend. Come sample its legacy for yourself at the Oxford Social Club, where we have an entire section of our menu dedicated to this intoxicating potable! We think you’ll agree that this cocktail’s legend has persisted with good reason, and urge you to enjoy another round!
Have you ever sampled any of our Mule cocktails?