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The Spruce Eats / Photo Illustration by Chloe Jeong / Retailers below
When it comes to classic cocktails, the Moscow Mule is among the most iconic, perhaps because it’s so simple, calling for just vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. But for the most authentic experience, you’re missing the most important ingredient: the signature copper mug.
Why does the traditional mug matter so much? The copper material takes on the temperature of the drink, keeping your libation ice-cold—even on the hottest of summer days. Some say the copper also intensifies the fizziness of the spicy ginger beer, creating aromatic fragrances and flavorful sips. A standard copper Moscow Mule mug is made entirely of copper with a round bowl and handle to keep your hand from freezing. If that’s not your style, there are many contemporary and quirky options available.
We've researched the best Moscow Mule mugs available, and chose our favorites. Read on to find yours!
Best Overall
Advanced Mixology Moscow Mule Copper Mugs
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Amazon
Crafted by hand
Includes straws, coasters, and shot glasses
Requires care
Will tarnish over time
One of the most authentic Moscow Mule mugs available is Advanced Mixology's Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Set, which includes everything you need to craft excellent cocktails: four hammered mugs, a matching hammered copper shot glass for measuring, four copper straws that double as stir sticks, and four wooden coasters.
The mugs hold a generous 16 ounces—more than enough room for a double Moscow Mule if you so please—and each is crafted from 100 percent food-grade copper that's heated, tempered, formed, hammered, and polished by hand, and then finished with a tarnish-resistant coating on both the inside and outside. Hand wash the mugs to protect the finish. In general, copper cups like these will begin to tarnish over time. That said, it’s easy to buff them up at home with a little bit of metal polish.
Price at time of publish: $45 for copper
Capacity: 16 ounces | Material: 100 percent copper | Glasses Included: 4
Runner-Up, Best Overall
Cocktail Kingdom Engraved Moscow Mule Mug
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Amazon
Top quality
Bartender-approved
Unusual design
Looking for something fun? Barware giant Cocktail Kingdom riffs off the traditional Moscow Mule design for a cheeky, nostalgic-leaning mug. The bucking donkey logo is actually a reproduction of the first official Moscow Mule mug crafted in 1946.
Aesthetics aside, this mug is heavy-duty. It’s made with 100 percent copper and coated with a food-safe finish that prolongs the life of the mug and prevents direct copper contact, meaning it won't patina, tarnish, or fade after many washes. The mugs are hand-wash only and hold 12 ounces of liquor each. Trust Cocktail Kingdom to make an excellent copper mug. The barware producer is known as the go-to for high-quality bar tools for bartenders everywhere.
Price at time of publish: $17
Capacity: 12 ounces | Material: 100 percent copper | Glasses Included: 1
“The great thing about a Moscow Mule is how easy it is to make and enjoy. It's just three ingredients—vodka, lime, ginger beer." — Harry Jamison, General Manager of a.kitchen+bar
Best Solid Copper
B. Weiss Set of 4 Moscow Mule Copper Mugs
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Amazon
No polishing required
Thin lip
Elegant gift box
Not as high-quality as other options
Every one of these beautiful copper mugs is carefully crafted by hand. The set includes four hand-hammered copper mugs, four straws that double as stir sticks, a shot glass, and a spoon with a spiral-twisted handle for stirring. The generously sized handles are welded to the body for extra sturdiness. All of this is packed up in an elegant gift box, too, so you can rest assured it looks nice when you send it to your favorite home bartender.
The mugs hold 16 ounces each. The thin rolled lip is a nice touch, as well, as it gives the mug an elevated look and is easy to sip from when you’re not drinking from a straw. The mugs have a durable coating, so you won’t have to worry about corrosion or having to polish them after every use.
Price at time of publish: $60
Capacity: 16 ounce | Material: 100 percent copper | Glasses Included: 4
“The most important ingredient in a Moscow Mule is ginger beer,” says Jamison. “You want to get something that has a good kick of gingery spice to it (we use Fever-Tree at our bar).”
Best Set
Sertodo Copper Set of 4 Copper Moscow Mule Mugs
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Amazon
Handmade by artisans in Texas and Mexico
Trendy shape
Made from recycled sources
Expensive
Requires upkeep
When it comes to quality, Sertodo’s copper Moscow Mule mugs are as top-notch as you get. Each Sertodo product is carefully made from recycled sources by a team of artisans led by founder Jonathan Beall in the brand’s Austin, Texas, workshop and Michoacán, Mexico. While the mugs undergo traditional copper welding and hammering, they have a modern appearance. Sertodo skips the usual rounded cup for a more angular, Southwestern take on a Moscow Mule cup. The handles are carefully welded on, making them incredibly durable, and the brand uses high-quality copper, so there's no need for chemical linings and lacquers.
Each mug holds a hearty 18 ounces of liquid. You can get them in singles or sets of two or four. They are on the pricier side but keep in mind the brand employs highly skilled Mexican artisans, so that money is going towards exceptional materials, hours of craftsmanship, and the employees' quality of life.
Price at time of publish: $46 for one 18 oz mug
Capacity: 18 ounces | Material: 100 percent copper | Glasses Included: 1, 2, or 4
“The drink is a great template for experimentation because it will work well with pretty much any spirit,” says Jamison. “Audrey Saunders made a version with gin and mint, Jim Meehan made an amazing version of a Mule with mezcal and passionfruit.”
Best Mini
Decodyne Moscow Mule Shot Glasses
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Courtesy of Amazon
Great for hosting
Cute and functional
Very small
Copper-plated
While these won’t hold a full Moscow Mule, these petite shot glasses are excellent accompaniments to your next happy hour. Both cute and functional, they hold 2 ounces each. They're 100 percent copper-plated and have a durable, non-reactive stainless steel interior for durability.
When they aren't in use, place them in the kitchen to hold small amounts of salt, sugar, or spices for your favorite recipes. They also make great measuring cups when you need exactly 2 ounces of something for cooking. You could even use them as a festive jigger for measuring out your actual Moscow Mules or for serving fun shots—perhaps vodka with a lime salt rim or fresh ginger juice. Wipe with a damp cloth to clean.
Price at time of publish: $25
Capacity: 2 ounces | Material: Copper plated | Glasses Included: 4
Best Personalized
Mark and Graham Monogrammed Copper Mug
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Courtesy of Mark & Graham
Versatile mug
Monogrammed
Not a traditional Moscow Mule mug
A personalized mug can make a wonderful gift for a hostess, friend, or family member. If you're giving these as a gift and want them to stand out, add a monogram engraved into the metal for a permanent embellishment—it’s a great touch for the new bride or the first-time homebuyer. Monogramming does cost extra, but you can choose from 16 different styles, which gives you plenty of options for personalization.
For this mug, Mark and Graham veers away from the rounded Moscow Mule mug shape, opting, instead, for a classic beer hall Stein. That means this mug will be excellent for not just drinking frozen cocktails but icy beers and Micheladas.
It's made from 100 percent copper and lined with tin, plus it features a generous handle. Since there’s no coating on the copper, the mug will develop a patina over time. However, you can polish it if you prefer a shiny appearance.
Price at time of publish: $29 for single
Capacity: 15.5 ounces | Material: Copper plated, tin | Glasses Included: 1 or 4
“My favorite Mule family member is the Peruvian classic, Chilcano: Peruvian Pisco, ginger, lime and soda. Personally, I think fresh ginger tastes better than ginger beer. With a fresh ginger syrup, you get a lot of extra spice, and it's delicious." — Ivy Mix, co-owner of Leyenda, and Author of Spirits of Latin America
Best Lined
Krown Kitchen Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Set of 4
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Amazon
Finished with stainless steel
Durable
Purists may not like a non-copper mug
Purists swear by a 100 percent copper mug, but if you’re worried about upkeep, having a mug lined with stainless steel will help your drinkware hold up over time. The Krown Kitchen Moscow Mule Copper Mug Set has a hammered copper exterior, but the interior is non-reactive stainless steel, so it won't corrode or impart tinny flavors to your favorite cocktails. This set includes four mugs and coasters, a stainless steel-lined shot glass, a recipe book, and a cleaning cloth.
The handles are welded onto the mug for added security, and the double-walled construction will keep drinks cool for several hours, which is a great bonus if you're going to be enjoying a drink or two outdoors during the summer months. No wonder these mugs are at every Happy Hour in the South.
Price at time of publish: $40
Capacity: 16 ounces | Material: Stainless steel, copper | Glasses Included: 2
“I always make Mule cocktails with fresh ginger syrup rather than ginger beer because I love the bite and heat that fresh ginger brings,” says Lynette Marrero, cofounder of Speed Rack and bar director of Llama Inn and Llama San. “As for the mug, I think it came into fashion as a way to market the drink, but also copper does keep it cold. If you don’t have one, you can make it in a glass and enjoy."
Best Design
Kamojo Set of 2 Moscow Mule Copper Mugs
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Amazon
Impressive design
Includes straws
Handmade by artisans in India
Not a traditional design
Metal is quite thin
If you’re looking to impress, Kamojo’s embossed mugs skip the traditional decorative hammered finish in favor of elegant embossments of flowers, leaves, filigrees, and flourishes. The shape of the mugs is different from the usual barrel-shaped versions, with a taller, slimmer shape.
Each of these details is carefully hammered by hand by an artisan in India. The mugs hold 16 ounces each, so they’re a perfect fit for any classic Moscow Mule recipes (or try a spiked lemonade or Bloody Mary) you find, while the generous, elegantly shaped handle is easy to hold.
The copper is finished with a protective coating, helping reduce the oxidation copper is prone to over time (that means less time polishing, more time sipping). Two copper straws are included for sipping or stirring, and a free e-book with Moscow Mule recipes is included. These should be hand washed.
Price at time of publish: $28 for pair
Capacity: 16 ounces | Material: 100 percent copper | Glasses Included: 2
Advanced Mixology's Mule Science Moscow Mule Copper Mugs not only look stunning, but each one also holds a generous 16 ounces of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. Plus, the set comes with a shot glass, straws, and coasters. If you're giving the gift of drinkware to a cocktail enthusiast, the B. Weiss Copper Moscow Mule Mugs hold the same amount of liquid, won't corrode, and arrive in classy packaging.
What to Look for in a Moscow Mule Mug
Materials
A great Moscow Mule mug is pricey, but that’s because of the copper construction. Over the last few centuries, drinkers have discovered that copper cups retain the chilly temperatures of an ice-cold beverage for far longer than a standard metal mug. Copper is particularly efficient at insulating, keeping your drinks cold all through hot summer days. While 100 percent copper mugs are the most high-quality options available, one lined with stainless steel will also be easy to clean. Some Moscow Mule cups even come with a cleaning cloth to make them shine like a new penny.
Many options out there are copper plated. While this will be easier to clean, they won’t have the benefits of a 100 percent copper mug.
Finish
If not finished properly, a copper mug can actually be dangerous. Copper parts can seep into your drink. Every option on this list is safe, but if you’re searching for a copper mug elsewhere, make sure the mug has a food-safe lacquer or finish.
A Strong Handle
One of the reasons folks love a Moscow Mule mug is because they keep your drink absolutely frosty for over an hour. That also means it's very cold to hold, which is where the handle comes in. You’ll want to ensure the handle is large enough to fit your hand and welded on for extra stability.
FAQs
How do you clean a copper mug?
As soon as happy hour is over, rinse the container and use a soft sponge and mild dish soap to scrub your copper mug. Rinse with hot water and dry the mug with a dish towel. Repeat with another dry kitchen towel—do not let the mug air dry.
Every few months, polish the mug with a metal cleaner to remove any tarnish. If you don’t have access to metal cleaner, try cutting a lemon in half and covering it with salt. Rub it on the tarnish, and any spots should come right out.
Why are Moscow Mule served in copper mugs?
There are a host of reasons Moscow Mule mugs are served in copper mugs. Some say copper intensifies the fizziness of ginger beer. More importantly, copper is one of the most conductive materials out there, meaning it takes on the chilled temperature of your drink. When you pour the ice in the Moscow Mule, it immediately chills down and keeps your drink frosted for far longer than a regular glass.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Kate Dingwall is a sommelier and spirits writer. She has been writing about the bar and spirits world for five years and has her BarSmarts and WSET certification. After living in Savannah, Georgia, for five years, she knows her way around a Moscow Mule.
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