Day 6- #30for30 The Moscow Mule and a special review of Exclusiv Vodka

In the 1950s, Vodka took over!!! Before that most cocktails were made with Whisky or Gin. One of the most popular drinks during this time was the Moscow Mule. Doesn't sound too appetizing, but the name refers to the notion that Vodka is a Russian product.

The cocktail was invented in 1941 by John G. Martin of G.F. Heublien Brothers Inc, a spirits and food distributor, and John Morgan of Cock and Bull products(which made Ginger Beer). It consists of Vodka, Lime, and Ginger Beer. An article in the New York Herald Tribune explains the origin of the drink...

"The mule was born in Manhattan but "stalled" on the West Coast for the duration. The birthplace of "Little Moscow" was in New York's Chatham Hotel. That was back in 1941 when the first carload of Jack Morgan's Cock 'n' Bull ginger beer was railing over the plains to give New Yorkers a happy surprise... Three friends were in the Chatham bar, one John A. Morgan, known as Jack, president of Cock 'n' Bull Products and owner of the Hollywood Cock 'n' Bull Restaurant; one was John G. Martin, president of G.F. Heublein Brothers Inc. of Hartford, Conn., and the third was Rudolph Kunett, president of the Pierre Smirnoff, Heublein's vodka division. As Jack Morgan tells it, "We three were quaffing a slug, nibbling an hors d'oeuvre and shoving toward inventive genius". Martin and Kunett had their minds on their vodka and wondered what would happen if a two-ounce shot joined with Morgan's ginger beer and the squeeze of a lime. Ice was ordered, limes procured, mugs ushered in and the concoction put together. Cups were raised, the men counted five and down went the first taste. It was good. It lifted the spirit to adventure. Four or five later the mixture was christened the Moscow Mule..."

Now on to my favorite part of the 30 for 30.. Making and Tasting the drinks I'm learning about.. So... Here is my version of the Moscow mule.. Oh and I changed the name to fit the product I used...

The "Exclusive Ass"(Play on the Mule.. lol)

1 freshly squeezed Lime
2oz Exclusiv Vodka
Dash of Angostura Bitters
Regatta Ginger Beer
Build in a Collins glass, the freshly squeezed lime, add the Vodka, maybe 2 or 3 dashes of the Bitters, then Ice and Top with Ginger Beer. Garnish with the leftover lime..


So a couple weeks ago I got an email to check out and review some Exclusiv Vodka. I jumped at the chance as my personal bar is filling up with hard to find products. So I got it and immediately oped the bottle and took a good whiff of the product. Was blown away...  You can almost smell the wheat, as the vodkas Origins take it back to the fields in Moldova, that's near the shores of the Black Sea. So the Russian imprint is definitely there. The one thing I enjoyed most about this vodka was that it was no burn in it as well. Went down smooth, and had a distinct taste, almost like it was "Exclusive"....(Get it, heh heh).

So I didn't want to just have it in a basic Cran and Vodka or OJ and vodka so I paired the old with new and got myself a new take on a classic cocktail!! The "Exclusiv Ass" will be a constant drink at my home bar and as we get Exclusiv here in Chicago, Ill start making them behind the bar.

So the Moscow Mule is def a drink that can be enjoyed by all, esp Vodka Lovers.. So get yourself one next time you are out and about. And when you get to pick up that bottle of Exclusiv try it at home and get yourself a piece of "Exclusiv Ass".Play on the Mule, not literally... well If you like..lol


Until Next time
Mr.Mixologist