In this series, we take a closer look at well-known cocktails. Get to know the history behind these classic drinks as well as where you can find them in the DMV area. This week’s Drinks Decoded takes on the Moscow Mule.

The Background
The creation of the the Moscow Mule is widely attributed to two businessmen and friends: John A. Morgan and John G. Martin. Morgan was the president of Cock ‘n’ Bull Products (ginger beer being one of the goods the company produced) as well as the owner of Cock ‘n’ Bull Restaurant. Martin, on the other hand was an executive for a spirits and food distributor, G.F. Heublein Brothers, Inc., whose brand of distributed vodka was Smirnoff. Story has it, the two men were sitting at the bar of Morgan’s Cock ‘n’ Bull restaurant when they decided to mix their respective products together with a squeeze of lime and pour it over ice, the end result being the invention of the Moscow Mule. The cocktail took off, and the popularity of the drink was used to push vodka during a time when that particular liquor was not widely consumed around the country.

The Bars

801 Restaurant & Bar
Bring your pals to Shaw’s newest outdoor bar and be ready to share your drink, because 801 Restaurant & Bar serves up a Mega Mule meant to be split among friends. The group cocktail comes in at $40 and is made with Owen’s Mule mix, vodka, mint, lime and is served in a colossal copper cup. (801 Florida Ave, NW; 202-332-0207)

Rhodeside Grill
Head to Rhodeside Grill in Arlington for their version of the cocktail made with ginger beer produced in-house. Order the classic or build your own with the liquor of your choice: vodka, gin, tequila, or bourbon. (1836 Wilson, Blvd, Arlington; 703-243-0145)

Russia House
For a fun twist on the original cocktail, Russia House offers a Moscow Mule Martini made with Smirnoff Vodka, ginger ale, Triple Sec and fresh lime juice. (1800 Connecticut Ave, NW; 202-234-9433)

Photo via Flickr user Edsel L