Vodka is a popular liquor, and if you fancy vodka drinks you've probably tasted the Moscow Mule. Also referred to as a Vodka Buck, this cocktail is a refreshing mix of vodka, spiced ginger beer, and lime. The name "Moscow Mule" is in reference to the fact that vodka is a Russian spirit. However, the drink was created in America by three friends in the 1950s: the owner of a vodka brand named John Martin, Jack Morgan, who produced homemade ginger beer, and another man who happened to inherit a large staple of copper mugs. They combined their wares and the Moscow Mule was born, along with its attachment to being served in copper cups.

It can be a bit pricey to order this drink when you go out, but it's easy and less expensive to make your own cocktails at home -- even the copper mugs are fairly easy to find online or at stores that sell home goods. If you want to know how to make a Moscow Mule grab the best quality ingredients you can find and mix up a batch by following this recipe.

You'll need a Moscow Mule copper mug or highball glass to hold the drink, plus ice, 2 ounces of good vodka, 3 ounces of quality ginger beer -- the spicier the better -- and the juice of half a lime, which equals one tablespoon. Make sure you use actual ginger beer, not ginger ale, which is ginger flavored soda. It's also important to remember that the better the brands of liquor you use, the better flavored your drink will be. Using a lime wedge as a garnish is optional, but it definitely gives this cocktail its signature look.

Put two or three ice cubes into the glass or mug and squeeze the lime juice over it. Pour in the vodka, followed by the ginger beer. Stir everything for a few seconds, add the garnish, and then enjoy your Moscow Mule.