The best cocktails are not only about combining alcohol with the mixer of your choice. They are also about savoring the aromas and flavors while appreciating the beautiful presentation. Cocktails should have their own story and personality and none is more distinctive than the Moscow Mule. This standout drink mixes vodka with lime juice and ginger beer and should always be served in a stylish copper mug as its signature characteristic. This cocktail first appeared on the drinking scene during the 1940s and from its earliest days, the distinctive copper Moscow Mule cup was essential for proper appreciation of this drink. Here, we look at the best Moscow Mule mugs on sale today so that you can make an informed choice.
16-Ounce Set of 2 Moscow Mule Copper Mugs
When it comes to choosing copper mugs for a Moscow Mule, this fantastic Moscow Mule set is an ideal choice. Each individual mugs is heavyweight, weighing a minimum of half a pound and they are pure copper with no metal lining or filler metals. Each mug has undergone a rigorous quality check to ensure its high quality and the set is protected by a lifetime warranty for the purchaser’s peace of mind.
These solid copper mugs have been crafted ny hand by skilled and experienced craftsmen in a 72 hour long process, making them a perfect, high quality gift for any cocktail enthusiast. Designed to the exact size specifications of the original 1940s style copper drinking cups, they are coated with a food-grade lacquer for improved shine retention, although this coating can be rubbed away if you prefer an antique appearance.
Morken Barware Moscow Mule Mugs
These solid copper Moscow Mule mugs are produced by the well known Morken brand which specializes in producing fine quality drinkware at affordable prices. Cutting no corners, these mugs will endure for a lifetime, weighing over half a pound each and made without any nickel or other metals. Even the handle is made from pure copper and there is no lacquer on the interior of the mug. Made by hand in India by skilled artisans, each mug is entirely unique, highly detailed and sturdy making this set a perfect gift for any occasion.
The Original 100% Pure Copper Moscow Mule Mug
When it comes to serving copper mug drinks, there is no finer way to do it than in this beautiful solid copper mug from the Moscow Copper Company. Designed to the original 1941 specifications, this set comes with a reusable box made from solid pine and featuring a latch lid, a copper polishing cloth, an outline of the Moscow Mule’s history and a recipe book.
This mug is made entirely from copper without any tin, nickel or lacquer and the craftsmanship is 100% guaranteed to be the highest quality. This mug is an ideal gift for any cocktail lover, holding a total capacity of 16.9 oz, and each mug is entirely unique as it is made by hand.
Moscow Mule Copper Mug
The perfect addition to any cocktail party, these Celehome Moscow Mug mugs are solidly built to the highest quality. With their comfortable and sturdy handles, these cups hold a total of 20 oz of your favorite cocktail for a more satisfying measure. Simple to clean, these lightweight yet robust mugs are manufactured from solid stainless steel coated with copper plating, and its beautifully hammered finish adds a touch of class.
Moscow Mule Copper Mug, Set of 4 with BONUS Shot Glass and Free Recipe Booklet
This set of four replica 1940s style Moscow Mule mugs is made from 100% food grade embossed copper, with each mug holding 16 ounces of your favorite cocktail. With its hygienic, seamless interior, this beautifully designed cup contains no nickel or stainless steel but has been produced with great authenticity and attention to detail.
These cups ensure that you can enjoy your beverage ice cold and the shiny exterior adds a touch of radiance to any occasion. The smooth lip allows the drinker to sip in comfort and this set even comes with a free copper shot glass as an added bonus.
Engraved Moscow Mule Mugs
Copper HAPPY ANNIVERSARY engraved Moscow Mule Mug
Produced by the well known Old Dutch International brand, this Original Moscow Mule Mug has an entirely solid copper consutrction with a nickel lining, smooth fiinish and cast brass handle. Holding a capacity of 16 oz, this mug comes pre-engraved with a Happy Anniversary message, making it an ideal present for loved ones or friends.
This mug has been produced to the original Moscow Mule design and is protected by a coating of tarnish resistant lacquer, to preserve its luster for a lifetime. Each mug comes packed in its own attractive gift box, covered by a manufacturer’s guarantee.
Custom Engraved Pure Copper Barrel Moscow Mule Mug
This stylish Barrel mug made from pure copper can be customized with your own personal message, logo or graphic design. Protected by a food safe lacquer that is resistant to tarnishing, this mug also has a hygienic, seamless interior with no nickel or stainless steel in its lining. This attractive and authentic mug is sturdy and robust while being appealing enough to give as a gift to any lover of cocktails.
Premium Quality Custom Engraved Copper Moscow Mule Mug
The ideal gift for any cocktail connoisseur, this attractive, tarnish free Moscow Mule mug is made from 100% pure copper to the highest possible standards. With its beautiful luster, every mug is protected by a food grade lacquer coating for a longer lifespan and has no zinc, stainless steel or nickel in its construction. The handle is seamlessly welded to the mug for extra sturdiness and a better appearance and each mug is protected by the manufacturer’s 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Personalized Moscow Mule Copper Mug – 16 oz
A Moscow Mule mug is a perfect gift for any occasion and is even better when it is personalized for the recipient. This stainless steel mug with a stylish copper plated exterior and pewter trim holds a capacity of 16 ounces and can be personalized with up to 15 characters and 2 lines of your own personal text. Ideal for drinking either cold or hot beverages, this mug os the perfect addition to any connoisseur’s collection.
100% Pure Copper Moscow Mule Mugs – Choose From 6 Different Engraved Timeless Quotes
Made from 100% pure food grade copper, these functional yet beautiful Moscow Mule cups are crafted by hand and have no inferior metal inner lining. The unique design features a choice of six timeless poetic quotations, making this a perfect gift for any special occasion. Holding a capacity of 18 ounces of your favorite cocktail, these mugs are ideal for serving cold drinks and make a wonderful conversation piece at any event.
Copper Glasses
Indian Copper Tumbler Hammered Glasses
This stylish set of two hammered water glasses is perfect for enjoying the health benefits of drinking water from copper. The Hindu Ayurveda system states that sipping water from a copper tumbler can cure piles and skin inflammation as well as disorders of the respiratory system, spleen and gynecological system and preventing premature aging.
These copper glasses inhibit the growth of fungi, viruses and bacteria while keeping the stomach free from disease, regulating cardiac disorders and helping to contribute to the drinker’s wellbeing since the antimicrobial properties of copper help to guard against the spread of disease. This beautifully crafted tumblers hold a capacity of 250 ml of water and highly polished, having been made from high quality copper by traditional artisans in Northern India.
Handmade Copper Tumblers, Set of 2
This set of two attractive water tumblers are made with an exterior of stainless steel and an interior of fine copper. Holding a capacity of 8.1 oz, each tumbler weighs 60 grams and comes proteced by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Copperware has been used for centuries thanks to the therapeutic benefits that it brings to water, purifying it to regulate cardiac disorders and digestion as well as inhibiting the growth of fungi, viruses and bacteria.
Classic 2 Piece Copper Coffee Glass
This contemporary and sleek set of 2 coffee glasses is made from tempered glass and features a mirror finish copper plated stainless steel lid frame. The plastic handles are in stylish matte black and are made from sturdy and rugged plastic for extra durability and the beaker itself is safe to clean in the dishwasher for the user’s convenience.
The glass holds a capacity of 10 oz and is made in the Bodum factory in Portugal, where for more than 30 years the iconic Chambord French Press has been crafted with care. The Bodum Copper Classic Collection embodies the craftsmanship and heritage of this brand and is perfect for giving as a gift or for using on special occasions.
Premium Quality Hammered Copper Wine Chalice
There can be no more stylish way to serve wine than in this beautiful hammered copper wine chalice which holds 12 oz of your favorite drink. Enhancing the drink’s flavor while keeping it cold for longer, this chalice is a great gift idea for any occasion and is made from lustrous 100% pure copper with brass accents. Every cup is coated with a food grade lacquer coating for a long lifespan without tarnishing and comes protected by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Why is a Moscow Mule Served in a Copper Cup?
The Moscow Mule cocktail is a classic and is also very easy to make, especially in large volumes as it only requires 3 ingredients. Thanks to its low alcohol content it can also be served in a large glass, although traditionally it is served in a copper mug. This is because a copper mug is able to keep the drink much colder for a longer period of time without the need to add a lot of ice and also because the lime juice content has a more crisp and sharp flavor when drunk from a metal cup than when drunk from a pint glass.
In short, the Moscow Mule has a better feel and taste when served from a copper mug. While many copper mugs have a nickel lining, this does not produce quite the same effect as an unlined mug which really has a striking effect on the drink. Originally, in the 1940s when this cocktail was invented, the copper mug was part of the marketing campaign, generating a buzz around the drink, however it was discovered that the copper cup also had extra benefits in making the drink taste crisp and extra cold.
Are Copper Mugs Really Better?
Anyone equipping their home bar may be wondering whether a copper mug is really necessary to serve a Moscow Mule, and while it is perfectly possible to enjoy this cocktail in any style of glass, a copper mug really is the best way to get maximum enjoyment out of this drink. This is because of the following reasons:
Temperature – there is a scientific reason behind using a copper mug for a Moscow Mule and this relates to its temperature. A chilled drink served in a copper cup gives an extra colling sensation since the metal rapidly takes on the cocktail’s icy temperature. The mug’s rim chills almost instantly, giving the lips a frozen sensation and the metal insulates the cold temperature of the liquid making it an especially effective solution on hot and sunny days. The mug’s handle is also effective at reducing the temperature of the drink as the hand’s body heat is kept away from the mug’s walls.
Taste – it is generally believed that copper mugs enhance the unique flavors of the ingredients of the Moscow Mule – the lime, vodka and ginger beer. It has even been suggested that the vodka touching the mug’s walls causes the copper to oxidize which boosts its aroma and taste. The coldness of the copper also increases the number of bubbles in the ginger beer to make the drink much fizzier than when served in a glass or plastic cup. The cold copper also makes the lime juice come to life, heightening the citrus notes and cutting the amount of acidity to make it a better complement to the ginger beer.
Experience – a copper mug is a much better way to present a Moscow Mule, with its distinctive and authentic appearance that dates back to the 1940s origins of the drink. All cocktails taste better when served in their traditional way and the Moscow Mule is no exception.
How to Clean Copper Mugs?
Cleaning a copper mug can sometimes prove to be a challenge as over time, copper tarnishes naturally and loses its original shine. Reacting with oxygen in the air, a patina will appear on the surface of the mug in varying shapes and colors and although this cannot be prevented, it can be kept to an acceptable level if you care for your cup properly. Part of this is knowing how to clean it properly in order to keep it looking good as new. Here are some of the best cleaning solutions for copper mugs:
Vinegar and salt – these work to clean copper as the acidic content in the vinegar strips away tarnishing while the abrasive effect of the salt removes any built-up debris.
Baking soda and lemon juice – the acid in the lemon juice is effective at removing tarnishing while the abrasive baking soda works to remove debris.
Ketchup -an odd solution but surprisingly powerful as the tomato paste found in ketchip has a high acidity content and this iscombined with two of its other ingredients, salt and vinegar.
These natural solutions can be used to clean a copper mug by simply rubbing the solution onto the item, leaving it to stand for a few minutes and then washing off. You could use a lacquer or wax finish to keep your mug in a shiny state, however you must reapply it every time you use your cup.
There are also some specialist copper cleaners which can be used to clean Moscow Mule mugs effectively. These products remove stains and tarnishes leaving the copper clean after just 15 seconds of rubbing and then wiping away the residue.
Once your mug is clean, you should rinse it and then dry thoroughly. Make sure that there is no moisture left on its surface as this can result in oxidation and darkening of the copper, especially on hammered copper cups. Drying your cup twice with two different cloths is one way of ensuring that it is perfectly dry.
Copper Cup Drinks
While copper mugs are ideal for serving the famous Moscow Mule cocktail, they are also perfect for serving any cold beverage since they are able to keep the liquid cooler for longer while enhancing the drinking experience. Copper has been used for centuries to make drinking vessels as the malleable metal is an excellent thermal conductor, keeping cold drinks chilled and warm drinks at the optimal temperature for an extended period.
The minerals found in copper also have health benefits as an added bonus. The cold metal of the copper cup may bring out the flavors of the ginger beer and lime in the Moscow Mule but it is also versatile enough to serve a range of other favorite vodka containing beverages. You can even drink hot beverages from a copper cup, however the drinker must take care not to burn their lips. Drinks like coffee, tea and hot chocolate can be easily sipped from a copper mug since the handle reduces the chance of spillage.