What To Look For When Buying Moscow Mule Mugs?

The Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a solid copper mug. But it is sometimes served in a highball or cocktail glass on rare occasions. Copper mugs are preferred by many fans of this drink, who believe that the classic cocktail tastes better when served in its traditional vessel.

The Moscow Mule recipe, like the authentic moscow mule mugs, has evolved. Today, there are numerous recipe variations and copper mug styles to choose from. Some options are solid unlined copper mugs, but others are copper-plated or lined.

Read on to learn more about these different types of Moscow mule mugs and how to choose one that best suits your needs!

Things to Consider When You Buy Moscow Mule Copper Mugs

When searching for a Moscow mule mug, it can be difficult to narrow down your options because they all look similar. But we have outlined some of the most important qualities to help make your decision easier.

Material

The materials are the first thing to consider when purchasing a Moscow Mule mug. When it comes to copper, there are both low-gauge and high-gauge options. Low-gauge copper mugs are thicker and heavier, whereas high-gauge mugs are thinner.

Most pure copper mugs are safe to drink due to food-grade lacquer coatings. However, lined mugs give an extra layer of safety, adding to the strength and longevity of copper-plated mugs. Below is a full explanation to help you decide which material to choose.

Why Choose Unlined Mugs?

High-quality copper mugs have the distinction of being the most conductive of all copper cup variations. They keep your drinks arctic cold and transfer that crisp icy feeling to your hands and lips beautifully since they are made of 100% solid copper with no interior lining.

No wonder they generated quite a stir when the Moscow Mule first appeared in the 1940s Los Angeles scene. There is absolutely no better temperature conductor than a traditional moscow mule mug made of copper.

Requires Proper Care

When pure copper is exposed to liquids and moisture in the air, it produces a rich patina. In other words, it deteriorates. This may be avoided by washing and drying the cups immediately after use.

Even so, some spots may form everywhere. While these blemishes are simple to remove, only some are ready to put in the time and effort. And only some people are aware of this copper property.

Why Choose Lined Copper Mugs?

When looking for a beautiful copper Moscow Mule mug, you might be surprised that some come with a tin lining while most do not. The reason is that lined mugs are made from a variety of materials. Additionally, some people prefer lined mugs over unlined because for these two reasons:

Personal Preference

Although a large body of scientific research indicates that drinking from an unlined solid copper mug has no health risk, some prefer a liner between the copper and their drink. It all comes down to a simple matter of personal preference in this scenario.

Durability

Copper is soft, which means it can dent if you drop a mug from the counter to the floor. While dents can usually be repaired with little effort, some people prefer the look of an aged copper mug. A tin or nickel lining will add structural support, making the cup more durable in the kitchen or bar.

Kinds of Lined Copper Mugs

Nickel

Nickel is well known as a metal used in coins. However, it has a long history of use as an alloy metal in domestic items such as faucets and steel cookware.

Nickel is a lining material in Mule mugs to keep copper from leaching into drinks. It is also a good temperature conductor, so that you will lose little of the sweaty atmosphere of a copper mug with a nickel liner. However, some people are allergic to nickel, so if copper does not bother you, nickel might.

Stainless

A copper mug with a stainless steel lining is an attractive, durable option. However, the biggest disadvantage of using stainless steel to line a copper cup is its poor thermal conductivity. It is, in fact, the worst of all metals regularly used today.

While this metal is great at keeping the copper mug from getting cold, it also means that the outside of the mug never gets cold and doesn't give the desired icy-cold effect or condensation droplets. Because The Mule's image is so important, removing that dripping mug is a bummer for some.

Tin

Tin has the same properties as copper: both are excellent thermal conductors. Using a tin-lined mug will sweat like pure copper and have the same cold feeling that most Mule drinkers prefer. Tin is also non-toxic and does not leach into drinks, so drinking from tin-lined cups is safe.

Hence, with this alternative, you get the aesthetic attractiveness of pure copper without the risk of metal leaching. Tin is the recommended lining metal for copper Moscow Mule mugs.

Finish

When looking for a copper mug, select one with a food lacquer or finish to prevent any harmful leaching into your drink.

Size / Capacity

When you drink a Moscow Mule out of a copper mule mug, you want to make sure the mug is big enough to hold your drink without leaving the extra room. The traditional recipe for this cocktail requires the following ingredients:

• 1/4 oz. Lime juice (one lime wedge squeezed)
• 2 oz. Vodka
• 4 to 6 oz. Ginger beer

Now, the right amount of each ingredient and ice will make a Moscow Mule taste just right. Your solid copper mug should be big enough to hold the standard ingredients and ice to make a Moscow Mule that stays true to its roots.

A Moscow Mule requires 14 to 16 ounces of space in a copper mug, including the ice. The perfect mug holds between 16 and 20 ounces of liquid.

Sturdy Handle

Copper Moscow mule mugs are known for keeping drinks cold, making them ideal for keeping your hands cold. To avoid chilling your hands, choose mugs with welded handles.

Design

Moscow mule mugs are available in a variety of styles and shapes. Some mugs have textured and dented surfaces, while others are considerably plainer. There is much to select from, so choose something that matches your taste and flair.

Ease of Cleaning

You probably won't find a Moscow Mule mug that can go into the dishwasher. Almost all pure copper and lacquered mugs should be hand-washed to preserve their finish .

Price and Warranty

In addition to looking at the product's build quality and aesthetics, you should check to see if it includes a money-back guarantee. This ensures that the seller is confident in their goods and not just peddling low-quality mugs for a quick buck. Not only that, but think about how much money you have before making any purchases.

Included Bar Tools & Accessories

You can purchase a single copper mug, though most will come in two, four, six, or more sets. Moscow Mule mug sets are more likely to include extras like a shot glass , reusable straws, coasters, and even handy recipe books.

Reliable Seller

Although Moscow mule mugs are widely available, you should only purchase them from trusted sellers. It is a good idea to read reviews about the seller and the company before purchasing to avoid disappointment.

Top 6 Best Moscow Mule Mugs

For your convenience, we've listed some of the best copper mugs for Moscow Mule . Some brands offer free bar accessories with each mug, including straws, shot glasses, coasters, and more.

• Mule Science Copper Mugs - Set of 4 - Package Includes 4 pure copper mugs, 4 coasters, 4 pure copper straws, 1 pure copper shot glass, 1 stirring spoon, and 1 cleaning brush
• Moscow Copper Co. Original Moscow Mule Mugs -Package Includes 2 copper mugs, microfiber storage bags, recipe booklet, personal engraving, and finishes option.
• Advanced Mixology Mule Science Moscow Mule Mugs Set of 4 - Package Includes 4 pure copper mugs, 4 coasters, 4 pure copper straws, 1 pure copper shot glass, 1 stirring spoon, and 1 cleaning brush.
• Kitchen Science Stainless Steel Lined Copper Mugs Set of 8 - Package Includes 8 mugs, 8 straws, 1 jigger, 1 spoon & 1 brush
• Cocktail Kingdom Moscow Mule Mug - Package Includes 1 copper mug
• Crate & Barrel Moscow Mule Mug - Package Includes 1 copper mug

Buying Moscow Mule Mugs FAQ

How do you pick a Moscow Mule mug?

When buying a Moscow Mule mug, you first want to consider the quality of the product. The mug should be 100% copper and pass all applicable food safety tests. So, invest in a copper mug to maintain the ideal temperature for your cocktails.

What is the best material for a Moscow Mule mug?

Copper mugs are the traditional vessels for drinking mules. Copper helps keep the drink at an ideal temperature for maximum flavor expression.

What is so special about Moscow Mule mugs?

The copper mug, which acts as an insulator for ginger beer, helps keep the Moscow Mule drink cold. Some experts claim the Moscow Mule tastes better in a copper mug than any other cocktail glass.

Why are Moscow Mule mugs hammered?

The original copper cups are handcrafted with a hammered finish, providing greater heat transfer and airflow around the liquid. This improves flavor and keeps your drink at the right temperature.

What size should a Moscow Mule mug be?

The proper Moscow Mule is served in a sturdy copper mug with enough room for the standard ingredients and ice to create a well-balanced cocktail. The average mule requires 14–16 ounces of liquid in a copper mug, not including the ice. Between 16 and 20 ounces is the sweet spot for cup size.

Conclusion

It's important to feel good about your purchase, so make sure that you take your time shopping around before buying a Moscule Mule mug. That way, you'll end up with the one that keeps your beverages icy cold, impresses friends and family, and adorns your home bar as elegantly as possible.