March 3rd marks Moscow Mule Day, a celebration of the refreshing, effervescent, and iconic cocktail that arguably launched the American vodka craze. While the classic recipe—vodka, lime, and ginger beer—is a timeless staple, the modern mixologist knows that the Mule is actually a versatile template ripe for innovation.
Although the cocktail's exact origin is disputed, everyone agrees the Moscow Mule wasn't born in Russia. As the story goes, in the early 1940s, a sales rep trying to popularize Smirnoff vodka in the US joined forces with the owner of Los Angeles' Cock 'n' Bull pub, who was trying to increase sales of his house-brand ginger beer. It was a perfect storm of marketing necessity that led to this cocktail sensation, popularized by the frosty copper vessel and the ginger beer's spicy kick.
New Deal Moscow Mule
the classic with a PNW twist
A bright reinterpretation of the original, this version swaps traditional ginger beer for our New Deal Ginger Liqueur paired with Portland 90 Vodka and finished with club soda and lime in a chilled mug. The Ginger Liqueur creates a grown-up, more sophisticated spice profile. It’s smooth, zesty, and utterly refreshing—all while nodding to the cocktail’s roots.
Willamette Mule
a nod to oregon wine country
This brandy-based mule brings Wine Country vibes to the party. Distiller’s Workshop Brandy meets Ginger Liqueur & a dash of Angostura bitters, topped with bubbly water & lemon for a bright, aromatic profile that swaps vodka for brandy's rich, fruit-forward notes. Named after the heart of Oregon wine country, this mule adds depth & oaky warmth that plays beautifully with the Ginger Liqueur.
Cranberry Mule
the festive pour
Perfect for winter or any moment you want a touch of tart red festivity, this mule blends Portland 90 Vodka & Ginger Liqueur with housemade Tart Cranberry Syrup, then tops it with soda and garnishes it with cranberries and lime. The syrup provides a vibrant color and a sharp, refreshing acidity that cuts through the heat. Perfect for those who enjoy a tart, fruit-forward finish.
Kentucky Mule
the southern kick
For the whiskey lovers, the Kentucky Mule brings the bold character of the Bluegrass State to the copper mug. Swap vodka for our Distiller’s Reserve Bourbon to create a bolder, whiskey-kissed mule. A splash of simple syrup and soda water smooths the edges, while lime adds quintessential mule brightness. It’s Southern warmth with mule kick.
Tropical Mock Mule
the mindful sip
Celebrating without the alcohol? You don’t have to settle for plain soda. This alcohol-free take marries our Tropical Pineapple Syrup with ginger beer & lime, complete with cocktail umbrella flair. The pineapple syrup adds a lush, vacation-ready sweetness, making this zero-proof option feel like a true craft cocktail. Simple, fun, & endlessly refreshing.
Kadbak Mule
the agave innovation
A seasonal favorite, this fall-leaning mule, featuring pomegranate juice, bridges myth and flavor with deeper aromatic notes that play beautifully against The Ginger Beer's zing. This is a Mule for the adventurous palate, featuring Kadbak Vodka, uniquely distilled from tequila. The recipe honors the cocktail's history while introducing floral agave notes & the antioxidant brightness of pomegranate.
Cheers to Creativity
What began as a simple trio of spirits and soda has become a canvas for professional and home bartenders alike. Whether you stick close to tradition or let your imagination run wild with seasonal syrups and craft spirits from New Deal, Moscow Mule Day is the perfect excuse to raise a copper mug and savor every spicy, gingery sip.