Also known as the vodka buck, the Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail developed in America sometime in the 20th century. Over the last several decades, many variations of this cocktail made from vodka, lime juice and ginger beer have been popularised across pubs and bars. One such premium cocktail which is a refreshing variant of the Moscow Mule is the Cucumber Mule, infused with the cooling and hydrating properties of the lush green fruit. Cucumber slices are often added to gin and vodka based cocktails for their distinct taste which strikingly compliments the slightly bitter but quite subtle flavour profiles of the spirits.

It can well be noted that the Moscow Mule became instrumental in popularising vodka in America, which was a rather struggling spirit in the early 1900s. The cocktail is said to have been developed as a collaboration between the president of Heublein Spirits, John G Martin, the owner of the Los Angeles Cock ’n’ Bull pub Jack Morgan and the Russian ginger beer producer, Rudolph Kunett. They birthed the Moscow Mule by mixing ginger beer and vodka to create a refreshing cocktail and promoting the two dying beverages. The reference to a ‘mule’ is claimed to have been derived from the kick of ginger beer which is rather like a mule!

As the drink began to be promoted widely, it came to be served in copper mugs, not only to distinguish it from other cocktails but to also keep it cool for longer. With a simple recipe, the trio actually went bar hopping to market the cocktail whose popularity as an iconic concoction has endured decades later.

Mixologists have been dabbling with different ingredients and flavours to put their own spins on such stellar classic recipes. Introducing cucumber into the Moscow Mule is a way of offering a twist because of its green colour, refreshing crunch and cooling element. A cucumber mule can then be enjoyed during warmer months as a delightful spirit to combat rising heat.

If you plan on home hosting this season, you can pick a bottle of Ketel One Premium Distilled Vodka to stir up a delicious cucumber mule for your guests. Ketel One’s slight notes and effervescent profile renders itself beautifully as a cocktail spirit and mixed with ginger beer, you can enjoy the warmth of the spirit spiked by the sharp notes of ginger. You can serve the cocktail in copper mugs or a classic cocktail class with a cucumber slice wedged into the rim.

Read on below for a recipe to make a Cucumber Mule at home: