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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    25 Best Copper Mug Cocktails

    Published: Mar 29, 2022 by Kelly Stilwell · This post may contain affiliate links Leave a Comment

    Best Copper Mug Cocktails in a collage.

    There’s something special about ordering shiny copper mug cocktails. When you see one of those sparkling copper cups coming to the table, it immediately draws your attention.

    A collage of cocktails served in copper mugs.

    Most people know them for the traditional Moscow Mule, a blend of vodka and spicy ginger beer with a lime wedge and sprig of mint to garnish. But this stunning cocktail glass can be used for many Mule variations.

    Want a taste of fall? Go with an Apple Cider Mule. Want a cool drink for a hot summer day? Try a Blackberry and Mint Mule. Whatever your mood, there’s a copper mug cocktail just for you – and we’ve got a list of fabulous recipes here!

    You could also put any of these peach crown royal mixed drinks, this raspberry mojito, or these easy holiday cocktails in a copper mug. There are no rules when it comes to cocktails except using good quality alcohol!

    What’s the History Behind the Copper Mug?

    The history behind the famous copper mug and Moscow Mule cocktail is that of American ingenuity. 

    Russian immigrant Sophie Berezinski came to the United States in 1941 with 2,000 solid copper mugs from her father’s copper factory. The hopes that she could sell them in the United States seemed bleak until one fateful day when she stopped by the Cock ‘n’ Bull pub on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip.

    There a meeting of the minds occurred between John Martin, owner of the floundering Smirnoff Vodka distillery, and Jack Morgan, a purveyor of ginger beer. Working together, they came up with the Moscow Mule recipe to help sell Sophie’s mugs, John’s vodka, and Jack’s own brand of ginger beer. 

    The popular cocktail called a Moscow Mule became a highly requested drink, and a favorite cocktail for a Los Angeles area happy hour.

    Why We Love Cocktails in Copper Mugs

    Copper mugs are a great glass for cocktails because of a “cool” bit of physics. The copper conducts heat away, and so cold drinks poured inside feel like they stay cool longer than in another type of cup.

    It’s the perfect vessel for popular drinks like the Moscow Mule cocktail. Some copper mugs have a hand-hammered look to them, giving a rustic and homey feel. Others look sleek and shiny. They add a festive touch to any time of year.

    They look classy and feel comfortable – and of course that bright copper sheen is an Instagrammer’s delight! 

    Here are some of our favorite drinks and amazing cocktail recipes that you can serve in a classic copper mug.

    Cocktails Served in Copper Mugs

    Raspberry Moscow Mule Cocktail

    Why not make a raspberry Moscow mule cocktail instead of the traditional recipe? I used candied ginger and it turned out delicious!
    Check out this recipe
    Raspberry Moscow Mule Cocktail

    Cranberry Moscow Mule Cocktail

    What could be more festive for the holidays than a Cranberry Moscow Mule? Of course, this cocktail is good all year long!
    Check out this recipe
    Cranberry Moscow Mule Cocktail

    Apple Cider Moscow Mule

    The sweetness of apple cider with the warmth of ginger beer makes this drink the flavors of Autumn in a traditional copper mug.
    Check out this recipe
    Apple Cider Moscow Mule

    Caramel Apple Cider Mule

    This drink gets its sweet notes from homemade spiced simple syrup, made with real sugar.
    Check out this recipe
    Caramel Apple Cider Mule

    Strawberry Moscow Mules

    The combination of fresh strawberries and strawberry preserves gives this drink an intense strawberry flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    Strawberry Moscow Mules

    Pomegranate Moscow Mule

    You can add pomegranate arils to this drink for a bit of texture, or you can just use the sweet and tangy flavor of pomegranate juice.
    Check out this recipe
    Pomegranate Moscow Mule

    Blue Mule Cocktail Recipe

    With Blue Curacao added in, this drink has a striking blue color that goes great with the addition of fresh blueberries.
    Check out this recipe
    Blue Mule Cocktail Recipe

    Watermelon Moscow Mule

    Refreshing watermelon makes this a delightful summertime drink. Want a milder flavor? Use ginger ale instead of ginger beer.
    Check out this recipe
    Watermelon Moscow Mule

    Easy Keto Moscow Mule Recipe

    A low-carb take on the classic Moscow Mule that is keto friendly. It’s perfectly refreshing!
    Check out this recipe
    Easy Keto Moscow Mule Recipe

    Fresh Grapefruit Moscow Mule.

    Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice gives this drink a boldly tart flavor, making a wonderfully refreshing cocktail.
    Check out this recipe
    Fresh Grapefruit Moscow Mule.

    Pomegranate Mojito Mocktails

    This mocktail blends the sweet and tart flavors of pomegranate with the spice of ginger beer. Use a little tonic water to cut the intensity.
    Check out this recipe
    Pomegranate Mojito Mocktails

    Peach Moscow Mule

    Peach juice makes this Moscow Mule sing with a delightful southern style. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this drink is elegant and delicious.
    Check out this recipe
    Peach Moscow Mule

    Strawberry Mango Moscow Mule

    The best way to describe this drink is sweet and sassy, thanks to the blend of strawberry puree and Svedka mango pineapple vodka.
    Check out this recipe
    Strawberry Mango Moscow Mule

    Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule - The Short Order Cook

    Kick your drink up a notch with this spicy take on the classic. The heat comes from Absolut Peppar Vodka, ginger beer, and a little jalapeño added in.
    Check out this recipe
    Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule - The Short Order Cook

    Refreshing Blackberry Moscow Mule with Mint

    Blackberries and mint are such a great summertime combination. You’ll love to try them in this cocktail.
    Check out this recipe
    Refreshing Blackberry Moscow Mule with Mint

    Fresh Pineapple Mint Moscow Mules

    Enjoy this tropical twist on a Moscow Mule with the sweet and refreshing addition of fresh pineapple juice.
    Check out this recipe
    Fresh Pineapple Mint Moscow Mules

    Bourbon Apple Cider Mule Cocktail Recipe

    A twist on the classic mule, this Bourbon Apple Cider Mule recipe is refreshing for fall with fresh cider, bourbon, ginger beer and lime.
    Check out this recipe
    Bourbon Apple Cider Mule Cocktail Recipe

    Kentucky Mule Iced Tea Cocktail

    Sweet iced tea and bourbon? It doesn’t get more southern than this refreshing drink! Get a taste of the south!
    Check out this recipe
    Kentucky Mule Iced Tea Cocktail

    Blueberry Frozen Moscow Mules

    If you’ve never had a frozen Moscow Mule, this recipe will get you hooked. Blueberry is the perfect flavor to add to this drink when you just want to chill.
    Check out this recipe
    Blueberry Frozen Moscow Mules

    The Best Strawberry Basil Moscow Mule

    Strawberry and basil make a unique flavor combination. Try it and see just how refreshing this pair can be.
    Check out this recipe
    The Best Strawberry Basil Moscow Mule

    Apple Cinnamon Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe

    With a variety of spices, this variation of the Moscow Mule has a flavor like that of a really good apple pie.
    Check out this recipe
    Apple Cinnamon Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe

    Cranberry Apple Cider Moscow Mule

    Delicious any time of year, this Cranberry Apple Cider Moscow Mule is light, crisp and refreshing; perfect for a night in with friends or a large family gathering.
    Check out this recipe
    Cranberry Apple Cider Moscow Mule

    Green Apple Irish Mule

    Green Apple Irish Mule is a spin on a classic Moscow mule with just 4 basic ingredients - Irish whiskey, ginger beer, lime juice and green apple slices. It’s a refreshing drink that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, or any occasion that calls for a cocktail!
    Check out this recipe
    Green Apple Irish Mule

    The Ultimate Champagne Moscow Mule

    This Champagne Moscow Mule is an upscale version of the classic Vodka Mule. Upscale and easy to make, this is a great cocktail for any occasion.
    Check out this recipe
    The Ultimate Champagne Moscow Mule

    Virgin Moscow Mule

    For those who don’t imbibe, try a no alcohol version! All the flavors of the classic cocktail in an alcohol-free form.
    Check out this recipe
    Virgin Moscow Mule

    For more amazing cocktails, check out this list of Crown Royal cocktails and this Spiked Arnold Palmer, perfect for summer!

    Tips for Making Cocktails in Copper Mugs

    1. Add some fresh herbs.
      Often you’ll see fresh mint added to your copper mug cocktails, but feel free to experiment with other herbs. For instance, add a bit of tang with a sprig of rosemary or a couple of basil leaves. I have an Aerogarden so just pluck a few fresh herbs and we're set!
    2. Break your Moscow Mule mugs out for other holiday drinks.
      You don’t need to be in the mood for a Moscow Mule to use those copper mugs. Think about using them for eggnog at Christmas or a cold mint julep for the Kentucky Derby. 
    3. Garnish with citrus other than lime.
      A wedge of lime may be the most common garnish for a Moscow Mule, but give your cocktails a twist with other citrus garnishes like orange, lemon, or grapefruit. 
    4. Try alcohol other than vodka to mix things up from the classic Moscow Mule.
      Almost any alcohol can be used instead of vodka if you prefer. Some favorites include dark rum (which makes it a Dark ‘n’ Stormy), gin (which makes it a Gin Buck), or bourbon (which makes it a Kentucky Mule).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are copper mugs safe to drink from?

    You’ll see a lot of rumors around the internet suggesting that the direct contact of acidic foods and liquids with the copper can cause some metal to leach into the drink, leading to copper toxicity.

    In reality, you’d need to leave acidic ingredients (of a pH less than 6) in a copper mug for hours at a time, and then drink one of these drinks every day for decades before you’d run the risk of copper toxicity. Copper mugs are safe to use for your favorite cocktail whether they are lined or an unlined copper mug.

    Can you serve hot drinks in a copper mug?

    Absolutely! In fact, doesn’t a warm hot toddy in a copper mug sound like a great winter drink? The only caution is that because copper conducts heat, the mug can get very warm.

    Are copper mugs really copper?

    Not every copper mug is a solid copper mug. Most often you’ll find mugs that are stainless steel with a copper coating, or mugs made with copper alloys. If you want to be traditional, look for one that is pure copper.

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