A Brief History of Copper Mugs & The Moscow Mule
There are a few origin stories of the Moscow Mule, but each story involves John and Jack, a bar and a woman…..
Hollywood, California, 1941. It’s smack in the middle of the Golden Age of Hollywood, on the Sunset Strip in sunny Los Angeles. One day, in his friend Jack Morgan’s Hollywood bar, the Cock’n Bull, successful importer John G. Martin was in the mood to complain. He’d purchased a then-unknown vodka distillery (a little company called Smirnoff), and he was lamenting his inability to unload the vodka. It just wasn’t selling, he said.
Still smarting from Prohibition, Americans were dearly devoted to their beer and whiskey. Vodka? Not so much.
Morgan, it turned out, was having the same issue trying to sell his ginger beer. Over hours of drinks, the two came up with a strategy: combine their beverages and sell it as one cocktail.
But what about the distinctive Moscow Mule copper mug the cocktail would become famous for?
That’s where the woman comes in.
Depending on which story you’re telling, it’s either Morgan’s girlfriend, Osalene Schmitt, whose family owned a copper mine, or Sophie Berenzinski, a Russian woman who had traveled to America expressly to offload the two thousand copper mugs her father’s copper factory had manufactured and couldn’t sell.
Each story ends the same, inside the smoky Cock’n Bull pub. Three people, three different problems, one solution: the dawn of a new cocktail that would incorporate all three elements: ginger beer, vodka, and the copper mug.
And the Moscow Mule was born.
Not Just Moscow
Although the Moscow is the traditional mule, variations on the cocktail are endless. The base of the drink remains the same: lime and ginger beer. Creative bartenders substitute vodka with the spirit of their choice. From rum to tequila to gin to bourbon, a mule can be crafted to suit every taste.
ABOUT US – COMPANY HISTORY
Copper Mug Co. has handcrafted genuine Copper Mugs since it’s inception in 2014 in Ventura, California. The company was started by a couple who were in search for the proper Copper Mug to serve their favorite beverage. In looking for something in solid copper, beautiful, and yet, affordable, they realized there was a huge demand and no one to fill it.
Today the company relocated to Denver, Colorado and has grown tremendously with the support of fellow mule lovers and copper fans. With the growing popularity of copper for it’s beneficial properties and beauty in home accents, we continue to grow our product line. We also specialize in Bulk Copper Mugs, as well as Wholesale cups, and Custom Copper Mugs for all retailers, bars & restaurants, and special events.
Our commitment to great design, quality product, and excellent customer service has contributed to our success, and with our lowest price guarantee, there is no better place to get you custom copper mugs today.
Handcrafted Promise/ Customer Satisfaction
We take pride in what we do. We strive to handcraft each piece to our brand standards. Every bulk copper mug order receives the same undivided attention and will be subjected to the highest quality standards in the industry. If you receive an item that is not up to our standards, please contact us and we promise to make it right. We place a huge value on our customers and we always want to make sure they are happy and enjoy our product the way it should be. Cheers!
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