Just as yogilates is the new pilates, Joe Lieberman is the new Ralph Nader and turquoise is the new pink, there's a new libation that's rapidly becoming the Mixed Drink of the Moment. It's the Moscow Mule, and it is to summer 2006 what the Mojito was to the summer of 2004.

Contrary to its name, the Moscow Mule hails neither from Russia nor a Midwest horse farm. It is a pure LA concoction, reportedly invented in the 1950s by a liquor distributor, a restaurateur and a cup manufacturer. John G. Martin of Heublein Inc. wanted to sell more vodka, Jack Morgan who owned the legendary Cock 'n' Bull on the Sunset Strip wanted to sell more ginger beer and a friend of his who owned a copper factory wanted to offload some 5-ounce copper mugs embossed with a kicking mule. An unholy trinity was formed, and the Moscow Mule was born, reportedly because it had the kick of a mule, which it does.

Whether you're trying to impress snobbish foodies, satisfy thirsty soccer hooligans, or intoxicate innocent sorority girls, you can count on the Moscow Mule to win friends and influence people. I've used the Moscow Mule in all these situations, and it's worked (almost) every time. It's super tasty and easy to make, but watch out. It's stronger than it looks.

Moscow Mule Recipe
1 ounce lime juice
3 ounces vodka
9 ounces ginger beer (NOT ginger ale!)*

If you feel like being fancy, thinly slice a few lime rounds and float them on top of a pitcher of Moscow Mules. Throw in a few sprigs of mint if you're feeling kicky.

*Ginger beer is non-alcoholic. It is basically ginger ale the way god intended it to be. There are many mediocre brands of ginger beer available, but Reed's makes a great ginger beer that is readily available at most Trader Joe's and Whole Foods markets.