15 Best Drinks Served In Copper Mugs That You Shouldn't Miss

by Jonny Zhamat April 15, 2021

Drinks served in copper mugs give an ultimate cocktail experience because copper attracts an oxidation process that enhances the aroma and taste of the drink. This is especially true when it comes to Moscow mule mugs.

Moscow Mule is considered the signature drink served in copper cups . This also applies to Moscow Mule variations and other cold cocktails, especially those with lime or vodka ingredients.

Copper mugs are stylish and are the perfect drinkware for most ice-cold concoctions because they can efficiently maintain a drink’s temperature. Here are some great-tasting cocktail recipes that perfectly match with copper mugs.

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The Best Drinks Served in Copper Cup

1. Moscow Mule

Copper mugs are known as the perfect vessel for an ice-cold Moscow mule. The insulating properties of copper as a metal keeps Moscow mule icy cool even during scorching summer days. Try this recipe with a gorgeous set of hammered copper mugs for a more refreshing drinking experience.

Ingredients

How to Make

  1. Combine vodka and lime juice into your favorite iced copper mug.
  2. Top with ginger beer.
  3. Garnish with a lime wheel for the perfect cocktail finish.

2. Whiskey Ginger Mule

Try this recipe from bartender Molly Wellman, owner of Wellmann’s Brands in Cincinnati. Made from fresh homemade ingredients, this awesome cocktail recipe is sure to tickle your taste buds even if you’re not much of a whiskey drinker.

Ingredients

  • 8 sprigs fresh mint
  • 1 small piece candied ginger (about 1 inch in diameter), thinly sliced
  • 1/2 oz. simple syrup
  • 1 oz. fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 2 oz. bourbon whiskey
  • 1 oz. ginger beer

How to Make

  1. Mix bourbon whiskey, simple syrup, lime juice, and ginger beer.
  2. Garnish with a mint sprig or candied ginger slice.

3. Classic Margarita

If you think margaritas are only served in typically stemmed glassware, think again. Copper mugs are perfect for margaritas because they can hold their cold temperature and showcase their natural look. One of the go-to margarita recipes is the Classic Margarita which is pretty easy to prepare.

Ingredients

  • Ice
  • Blanco Tequila
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Cointreau

How to Make

  1. Combine ice, Blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and Cointreau. Shake well.
  2. Make the salt stick to the rim of the glass by dipping the rim first in some water or lime juice.
  3. Garnish with a lime wedge.

4. Sweet Surrender Copper Cup Cocktail

The sweet surrender cocktail was inspired by the classic “Martinez” recipe. The only difference is that this one tastes smoother because of the lack of gin and vermouth. Nonetheless, the sweet surrender gives off that same citrusy, dry, and floral flavors you’ll find in the classic Martinez. Do you know what is even better? Pair this spirit with your ultimate jazz and soul music.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 oz. Peach Brandy
  • 1 oz. Orange Juice
  • Champagne

How to Make

  1. Rub the rim of a copper mug with an orange slice and dip it into sugar.
  2. Pour peach brandy and orange juice.
  3. Fill it with champagne.

5. Mint Julep

A mint julep is a bourbon-based cocktail that is often considered the signature drink at Kentucky derby. Mint julep was created during the 18th century in the southern United States. Though the drink is served in a highball glass or silver julep cup , it is very much suited to be enjoyed in a copper mug. Since this drink’s taste is heavily reliant on bourbon, make sure to use a top-quality bourbon whiskey and enjoy the concoction.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 8 Mint leaves
  • ¼ oz simple syrup

How to Make

  1. In your copper mug, lightly muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup.
  2. Add the bourbon then fill the glass tightly with crushed ice.
  3. Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside.
  4. Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome.

6. Dark N Stormy

One of the reasons why copper is suitable for many drinks is because it is known to enhance the flavor of key ingredients like lime and ginger beer. Since popular drinks like Dark N Stormy have these ingredients, copper metal becomes the perfect container.

This cocktail is very simple to make as it only needs dark rum and some ginger beer. To give that extra kick and design, you can use some lime wedge to top it off.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Gosling Black Seal Rum
  • Ginger beer
  • Lime wedge to garnish

How to Make

  1. Fill the copper mug with ice cubes. Add rum.
  2. Pour in and mix ginger beer and lime juice.
  3. Garnish with a lime wedge.

7. Greyhound


Greyhound is a drink that has elements like vodka, grapefruit, and basil. These ingredients are quite strong, which is why serving it in a copper vessel reduces the tartness of the whole mixture. This drink is a perfect balance between citrus and bitter tastes.

Ingredients

How to Make

  1. Add salt to the rim of the copper mug.
  2. Add 3-4 ice cubes to a cocktail shaker.
  3. Pour in 2 oz of vodka.
  4. Add 4 oz of grapefruit juice.
  5. Shake well and strain any residue.

8. Mezcal Cocktail in Copper Mug

Mezcal is a straight sipper which means you will have to sip it through a straw. An important point to note here is that “all tequila is mezcal but not all mezcal is tequila”. The beauty of sipping a mezcal from a copper mug is that it allows the drink to develop layers of new flavors. The drink warms up due to the heat from the palm of your hand as you hold the copper cup by the waist.

Ingredients

  • Tequila
  • Ice
  • Mint for garnish

How to Make

  1. Run a lime wedge on the rim of the copper mug and add salt.
  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and tequila. Shake well.
  3. Pour in the mug and add mint for garnish.

9. Gin and Tonic

The gin and tonic cocktail was like tonic water for the British officers because of its smoothness. It also contains an acceptable amount of quinine which has been found out to aid in diseases such as malaria.

Not only is this mix unique but it also has a taste that is hard to beat. Get rolling with some gin, tonic water, and lime juice. You can also use some lime wedge to garnish and sip it like a British officer.

Ingredients

  • 4 cubes of ice
  • 2 oz gin
  • 4 oz of tonic water
  • 1 spoon on lime juice
  • 1 lime wedge to garnish

How to Make

  1. In a copper mug filled with ice cubes, pour the gin, then top with tonic water.
  2. Gently stir to combine.
  3. Garnish with a lime wedge.

10. Cuba Libre

You can figure out by the name that Cuba Libre originated from Cuba. This drink is made using rum and cola such as Coke. The fun fact is that in Havana, Coca-Cola used to be made with real sugar. Compared to the Coke made in America where the soda is made with glucose and fructose, people believe it doesn’t deliver the true taste. This drink is served in a highball glass but can be enjoyed in a copper mug.

Ingredients

  • Rum
  • Coke
  • Lime

How to Make

  1. Squeeze the juice of half a lime into your copper mug.
  2. Add ice cubes and pour the rum into the mug.
  3. Fill with the cola and stir well.

11. Pimm’s Copper Cup Drink

The Pimm’s Cup is a perfect mix for anyone who wants to have something refreshing but doesn’t want too much of an alcoholic kick. This drink should only contain 25% ABV. When you use gin as its base, you can include some lemon and spices to balance the flavors out.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Pimm
  • 3 oz sprite or ginger ale
  • 1 cucumber slice
  • 1 strawberry
  • ½ orange
  • 1 lemon slice
  • 6 mint leaves

How to Make

  1. Add all ingredients into a copper mug.
  2. Fill with ice. Stir slightly to combine.
  3. Garnish with a cucumber slice, mint leaves, skewered strawberry, and a lemon wheel.

12. Mint Ginger Ale

The minty and earthy taste of mint ginger ale create that light and refreshing drink perfect for distressing. This cocktail can be given a great twist if you serve it in a copper mug. Not only will it look great but even enhance the flavors of the drink. If you wish to go one step ahead, add some tonic water and lemon zest.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. packed fresh mint leaves, julienned
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • Ice cubes as needed
  • 2 bottles (each 1 quart) ginger ale or tonic water
  • Bourbon, to taste (optional)

How to Make

  1. In a small container, crush the mint with the sugar. Let it stay for 10 minutes.
  2. For every copper mug, place 1/2 tsp of the crushed sugared mint.
  3. Add a good amount of ice cubes and pour in the ginger ale.
  4. Add a splash of bourbon to each mug.

13. Parker Punch

Parker punch is a go-to party drink for many. Just like a classic punch, you can mix this drink with your favorite fruits and serve it, well, in a punch. Another tip is to use cranberry juice to add a vibrant color similar to a favorite cocktail, Red Mary. In terms of the spices, you can make use of star anise, cinnamon, orange zest, and cloves.

Ingredients

  • 2 oranges and 2 lemons
  • 1 lime
  • ½ pint raspberries
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple
  • 1 bottle gin
  • 1 ¾ cups lemon juice
  • 1 cup Framboise liqueur
  • 1 bottle Prosecco
  • 1 block of ice

How to Make

  1. In a large bowl, combine the fruits, gin, lemon and orange juice, simple syrup, and framboise liqueur.
  2. Refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours.
  3. Before serving, stir in the chilled Prosecco and add a good-sized ice cube.

14. Winter Sangria Drink in Copper Cup

A holiday and winter season staple spirit, winter sangria will surely make any festive occasion a hit. You can enjoy sangria in a copper mug which is not only a unique touch but enhances its bright and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

  • ¼ agave nectar
  • ¼ cup Grand Marnier
  • ¼ cup brandy
  • 1 orange, halved and then sliced
  • 1 lime sliced
  • 1 pear sliced
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds
  • 2 sticks of cinnamon
  • 1 bottle of dry red wine
  • ¾ cup ginger ale

How to Make

  1. Take a large pitcher and mix the agave nectar, brandy, and some syrup.
  2. Add the rest of the ingredients and let it refrigerate well for 4 hours.
  3. Serve with ice and mixed spices.

15. Virgin Moscow Mule

If you want to savor your relaxation time with a delicious beverage without getting drunk, Virgin Moscow Mule is for you! This version of the Mule replaces vodka with club soda or tonic water but keeps the great flavor found in your classic Moscow Mule.

Ingredients

  • Ginger beer
  • Club Soda or Tonic Water
  • 1 tbsp simple syrup
  • 1 Lime

How to Make

  1. Use a lime squeezer to juice the lime and pour it into a copper mug.
  2. Add the simple syrup and a splash of club soda.
  3. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge.

Other Uses of Copper Mugs

Copper mugs are not just intended to keep drinks cool. These cups are also used for the following reasons:

  • Decorations

    • If you're looking for something to decorate your home bar with, then the bronze color of copper mugs are great for adding that classy aesthetic appeal.

  • Gifts

    • Not only are copper mugs carefully crafted but they are also beautifully packaged, so they are great gift choices for any occasion.

  • Mementos

    • You don't have to go home empty-handed after your vacation or attending events such as the Kentucky Derby, as copper mugs and cups are also excellent souvenirs.

    Copper Mug Drinks FAQ

    1. What is the Russian drink that is served in a copper mug?

    Vodka, the Russian spirit, is the drink mainly served in a copper mug. But the Moscow Mule itself isn't Russian-made. Moscow Mule's history tells of how the said cocktail was made in America, as a result of a successful collaboration of three entrepreneurs.

    2. Is it safe to drink out of copper mugs?

    Drinks in copper mugs are safe. Copper poisoning can only happen if the acidic level of the drink is high enough to result in the corrosion of the copper lining inside. Thankfully, the Moscow Mule is not acidic enough to break down the copper. There are still several safety measures that should be observed for a worry-free drinking experience.

    3. Why are Moscow mules and other cocktails served in copper mugs?

    The Moscow Mule and the other cocktails are served in copper mugs because of the natural acidic element of vodka, lime, and ginger. Vodka and lime react to copper. This material makes ginger fizzier, which greatly enhances the taste of the drinks. Also, the insulating properties of copper metal play a vital role in maintaining the temperature of the drinks.

    4. Can hot drinks be served in copper mugs?

    No. Copper metal is a good conductor of heat so serving and sipping hot drinks in copper cups may burn your lip or tongue.

    5. What are the different types of copper mugs?

    There are a lot of copper mugs to choose from which are perfect for cocktails, coffee, tea, gin and tonic, ginger beer, and even mint juleps. Here are some of the best pure copper mugs and cups:

    6. What are some of the best copper mugs for a Moscow Mule?

    The best copper mugs for Moscow Mules are those that are of great quality, safe, long-lasting, and, most importantly, made of 100% copper. Our top picks are:

    1. Advanced Mixology Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Set of 4
    2. A29 Moscow Mule Solid Pure Copper Unlined Mug
    3. KoolBrew Moscow Mule Copper Mugs
    4. Crafts Cocktails Moscow Mule Cups
    5. Handmade Hammered Copper Moscow Mule Mug

    Conclusion

    Since you are well-oriented on the best copper mug drinks, it’s time to prepare the ingredients and shop for a set of high-quality copper mugs. Explore all choices available and decide for yourself which copper mug is best suited for your drinks.

    For comments, suggestions, and recipes, give us a quick message below. We would love to know your go-to drinks for copper mugs.

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