The Moscow Mule, America’s most Googled cocktail, turned 75 this year. In honor, SMIRNOFF vodka, the creator of this iconic cocktail, hosted an exclusive event on Sunset Strip, where 75 years’ prior, the brand debuted a slice of American history. In what could only be described an incredible and immersive experience, I joined influencers for a night of reminiscing, card-playing, and Prohibition celebrations, as we sipped Moscow Mules and experienced first-hand what makes this cocktail so iconic.
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 19: Charissa Thompson celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Moscow Mule by serving the original mule created with SMIRNOFF vodka in 1941 at an event on October 19, 2016 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for SMIRNOFF)When the Moscow Mule was created, the world was a different place. For one night only, I was taken back in time, to 75 years ago, and was greeted by characters in Prohibition Era costumes. The SMIRNOFF vodka characters walked and talked their respective parts, and told me as I entered to go on and look for Ginger, the lady in red, who took us on a tour of the vintage speakeasy. Ginger, of course, honoring the featured ingredient in a Moscow Mule.
Celebrating 75 Years of The Moscow Mule
Inside the location, each of the rooms were themed to showcase different hobbies and interests of the first people who enjoyed the Moscow Mule. Moving through secret doors and passageways, we were launched into an immersive experience where characters brought me into their world. From handing me a Moscow Mule and sipping along with me, discussing politics and other worldly affairs, to being invited to dance and play cards gallantly; I truly felt caught up in the moment.
on October 19, 2016 at Mack Sennett Studios in Los Angeles, CA.At one point, a trumpeter began playing the “Saints Go Marching In,” and we marched to a new room where Moscow Mules were being served in the background. It was as close to replicating the original launch night as I could imagine. No details were left behind; SMIRNOFF vodka is all about authenticity. I wondered if people knew then what a historic and memorable night they were enjoying, and if they could imagine us honoring them 75 years later. It was a cool connection.
The highlight of the night was a subtle affair; a lady singing under a spotlight in a room with a wooden floor caught my attention; the room was as entranced by her as I, and as her set came to a close, two actors joined her on the makeshift stage to play out the story of the Moscow Mule.
The History of the Moscow Mule
That night, learned how back in 1941, dark spirits were king and it was extremely rare for anyone to order vodka. It’s hard to believe now, but the world truly was a different place. John G. Martin, the President of Heublein (now The Smirnoff Co.), was frustrated that he couldn’t sell his product and expressed his frustration with Jack Morgan (the owner of a popular LA pub), and Morgan’s girlfriend, Ozeline Schmidt.
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 19: SMIRNOFF brings it back to the 1940s with an experiential dinner to tell the story of its invention of the iconic cocktail, the Moscow Mule, on October 19, 2016 at Mack Sennett Studios in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for SMIRNOFF)Together, the trio came up with the idea of combining SMIRNOFF No. 21 vodka with Morgan’s ginger beer to create what’s now one of the most loved cocktails in the U.S. 2016 marks 75 years of America’s most Googled cocktail – The Moscow Mule. With menu placements of the Mule increasing by 60% (GuestMetrics, 2015), it’s clear that the cocktail’s allure is ever increasing and the brand has a strong history ahead of them.
To further commemorate the Moscow Mule’s history, SMIRNOFF announced the official introduction of Moscow Mule Day which will be celebrated for the first time on March 3rd. To make the day official, SMIRNOFF partnered with Foodimentary, the official source for all food holidays, and chose the date March 3rd or “3-3” to tie back to the fact that there are three ingredients in #TheOriginalMule and there were three people involved in the cocktail’s history.
The SMIRNOFF™ brand, the world’s number-one selling vodka, traces its heritage back to 19th century Russia. Products from the SMIRNOFF™ brand have always been known for quality and are enjoyed responsibly in 130 countries around the world. For more information, log on to www.smirnoff.com.
