Zesty Cooler (Non-Alcoholic)

You almost don't miss the vodka from a Moscow Mule when you have the non-alcoholic version, the Zesty Cooler. And why would you? Vodka doesn't add flavor like lime juice and ginger beer.

The trick to this cocktail is the crushed ice in a Mule Cup or metal mug. After all, that's all that the Moscow Mule had going for it when it was introduced in the 1950s. The cup makes the drink.

• 1 oz. lime juice
• ginger beer (Fever Tree used)
• lime wedge

Build drink with lime juice in metal mug or Mule Cup and top with crushed ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime slice. 

Moscow Mule

This isn't a drink invented in Russia, but that's true of most Russian-themed cocktails. Rather it is a marketing tool for Smirnoff back in the 1950s. Back then no one drank vodka in the U.S. The newly re-settled company came up with this great ploy to have a great drink served in a noticeable mug, a copper Mule Mug so that everyone knew you were having a vodka drink.

It's funny to think there was a time when drinking vodka made you seem exotic or an individual among many who drank only beer or whiskey. This simple recipe still stands and still requires a copper mug.

• 2 oz. vodka (Sobieski used)
• 1 tbsp. lime juice
• ginger beer
• lime wedge

Pour vodka and lime juice in a Mule Mug full of ice. Top with ginger beer, stir gently, and garnish with a lime wedge.