Revealed! 3 Vodka Cocktails With Intriguing Origins
When you sip your favorite drinks, are you curious about their seemingly mysterious beginnings? Although the details remain murky about the roots of some cocktails, others are more clear.
Read on to discover the juicy details of some of your favorite classic cocktails made with NOËL Vodka.
1. MOSCOW MULE
The genesis of this drink launched a targeted advertising campaign in the 1940s to reverse America’s chilly response to vodka.
Back then, the spirit was associated mainly with Russia, hence the drink’s name. But the first Moscow Mule was poured far away in Hollywood, CA.
Legend has it that three friends each sold an integral part of the recipe; a copper mug, vodka, and ginger beer.
The problem? On their own these components didn’t sell, so they packaged them together and poured the first Moscow Mule at the famous Cock n’ Bull Pub on Sunset Blvd.
“Mule” was added to the name to celebrate the “kick” of flavor from the ginger beer and this unique drink was a runaway hit with celebrities. Word spread and the Moscow Mule’s enduring popularity continues today.
The pairing of citrus and refreshing ginger beer makes this one a crowd-pleaser, especially in the hot summer weather.
2. SCREWDRIVER
Historians are conflicted about the true origins of one of the first vodka-based cocktails.
Some credit the delightful tall citrus drink to American marines during WW II. While others tie its roots to Mid-20th-century American oil workers in the Persian Gulf who snuck vodka into their orange juice while on duty. They had only screwdrivers to stir it with–and just like that, the Screwdriver was born.
No matter which version you believe, the combo of vodka and orange juice is the very essence of beauty and simplicity. It works, even if you don’t stir it with an actual screwdriver.
INGREDIENTS
- 1.5 oz NOËL Vodka
- 3.5 oz fresh orange juice
PREPARATION
Fill a highball glass with fresh ice and pour the vodka and orange juice. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
3. VODKA GIMLET
Originally made with gin, this time-honored cocktail was born out of medical necessity in the 19th century. British sailors (“limeys”) drank Vitamin C-rich lime juice to ward off scurvy. They soon discovered that mixing it with gin masked the sour-tasting limes-and viola- the Vodka Gimlet was invented!
When vodka gained popularity in the 1970s it replaced gin. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy this easy and timeless cocktail.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz NOËL Vodka
- 3/4 lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
PREPARATION
Mix the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously (about 15-30 seconds) until chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Come see us!
We hope you enjoyed uncovering the origins of some of your favorite vodka cocktails.
If you’d like to learn more about how NOËL Vodka and our other unique small-batch craft spirits are made, we invite you to book a tour and tasting here.
If you’re not local, all of our premium spirits are available for purchase and delivery in all 50 states online.
See you soon!
