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Hammered vs. Smooth Copper Mugs – Which is better?

The original copper mug is hand-crafted with a hammered finish. The textured finish assists in the distribution of heat and air around the beverage, enhancing the flavor and preserving the temperature of your drink. Meanwhile, smooth copper mugs have a greater heat conductivity than their hammered counterparts, and tend to be less effective at keeping drinks insulated.

Why is Copper Hammered?

The tradition of hammering copper is a metalworking tactic used for generations to strengthen the surface area of copper sheets, even before the metal material was used to craft mugs. A ball peen hammer is typically used to form the indentations in hammered copper before the sheet is manipulated into its desired shape. Coppersmiths complete this process with minimal force, allowing the weight of the hammer to give only enough force that the surface of the copper sheet becomes textured without damaging or thinning the original material.

Copper is also hammered for aesthetic purposes. Over time, pure copper can begin to naturally oxidize in its environment, creating a copper patina. Patina is typically a green or brown film on the surface of copper, bronze or other similar metals. The additional depth and dimension created by hammering the surface of copper makes patina less obvious as it begins to appear.

Is Hammered Copper Better than Smooth?

The short answer is yes. Hammered copper is generally more functional than smooth copper when it comes to insulating beverages and maintaining the quality and appearance of the material.

However, neither hammered copper nor smooth warrants a better tasting Moscow Mule (or any other beverage, for that matter.) Some may even lean toward the smooth copper mug aesthetic for a more crisp, modern look. And while the smooth copper finish may be more susceptible to patina, the aged, antique look may just be the character that your barware set was missing. Ultimately, the choice between hammered copper and smooth all depends on personal preference.

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Hammered Copper Barware Products

At Copper Mug Co., we manufacture several styles of traditional, hammered copper mugs and additional barware accessories. Our favorites include:

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The Vintage, Barrel-Shaped Hammered Copper Mug

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Hammered Copper Coasters

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The Hammered Copper Pitcher with brass handle

Smooth Copper Barware Products

For those who prefer the smooth copper aesthetic, the Smooth Copper Julep Cup is a one-of-a-kind statement to display on your bar. Other smooth copper product offerings include:

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The Roly, our rounded copper whiskey mug

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The Original Moscow Mule copper mug (smooth)

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The stemless copper wine mug

From copper mugs to tumblers, and chargers to jiggers, Copper Mug Co. provides both hammered and smooth gift engravings for an extra touch of personalization.

Get in touch for more information on our products, including discounts for bulk orders.

Check Out Our Custom Engraved Options

Barware Terminology: Shot Glasses vs. Jiggers

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What’s the difference between a shot glass and a jigger, anyway?

Not all tiny barware is created equal, and they’re certainly not all used for the same purpose. Notice your bartender measuring a shot into an hourglass-shaped vessel? You’re likely witnessing the finesse and precision of a jigger. On the other hand, you might be throwing one back, yourself, or ordering a round for friends at the bar. Well, chances are, you’ve got a shot glass in hand.

Let’s be honest. A shot of vodka will hit no differently regardless of what it’s served from, but a true cocktail connoisseur knows the difference between their miniature barware vessels. Read on for the method to the madness.

A Guide to Shot Glasses

Starting with the barware staple that we all know too well: the shot glass. This tiny vessel is typically fit for 1-2 ounces of alcohol or spirits and intended to be easily thrown back (and refilled.) There are two common types of shot glasses that are most commonly used in restaurants and bars: the standard shot glass, and the shooter. 

The standard shot glass is most commonly used for “taking shots”. It’s a short glass, measuring anywhere from 1 ounce to 1 ½ ounces. The shot glass is intended for straight alcohol without a mixer. Some bars may use “pony shot glasses,” which are specifically single-ounce glasses.

A shooter, however, is a taller, more slender shot glass style that caters well to layered shots or mixed spirits, like a schnapps or coffee liqueur. The shooter typically holds anywhere between two and three liquid ounces, leaving room for a full double shot and a little something mixed in to take the edge of (or not.)

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The Original Mini Shot

The Original mini copper shot “glass” is an eye-catcher to keep at your home bar or serve at your own bar or restaurant. The iconic barrel-shaped copper mug aesthetic is scaled down to a two ounce shot size, and the welded brass handle is the perfect added detail that just might take your mind off whatever spirit you’re tossing back.

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The Roosevelt Mini Shot

The Roosevelt mini copper shot glass, similar to “The Original,” is a must have at the bar. Its smooth finish and modern appeal is versatile, perfect for shots of vodka, espresso and more. The mini copper mugs may also lend themselves well as serveware; fit for bite-sized snacks and appetizers. The Roosevelt mini shot is complete with a welded copper handle.

The Jigger

Jiggers are small barware accessories that are used by mixologists to measure quantities of liquid as they craft beverages. This tool may be overlooked, as shot glasses themselves are similarly functional and likely more abundant. Typically, jiggers are hourglass-like in shape, with two sides for different measurements. On the smaller side, you’ll find what’s referred to as a “jigger shot,” which is a 1 ½ oz. vessel. On the other side, a 1 oz. vessel measures a “pony shot.” The difference may not seem worth the hassle. After all, many bartenders and baristas free-pour their liquids and simply “eyeball it.” However, adding a jigger to your home bar set signifies that you’re no amateur. 

The jigger allows for the precise measurement needed to craft top-notch cocktails without any room for error or interpretation. Jiggers can be made of several different materials; they’re meant for measuring, not serving. Many are made of stainless steel or plastic, but at Copper Mug Co., we had no choice but to offer a better option.

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The Hammered Copper Jigger

The hammered copper jigger ensures the perfect pour when measuring spirits for Moscow Mules and other cocktails. Its hand-hammered finish perfectly compliments our several other styles of hammered copper mugs. While the traditional double-barreled jigger measures both single and 1.5 liquid ounces, our custom copper jigger measures a single and double ounce shot; one on each side of the vessel.

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The Smooth Copper Jigger

Complete your barware aesthetic with the hammered copper jigger, or opt for the smooth copper jigger depending on your style. Nearly all of our copper mug designs come in both hammered and smooth finishes, allowing you to curate your barware in accordance with your style. Both vessels are identical in product specifications beyond their own distinct finishes.

Shot glasses and jiggers both offer similar purposes – simply put, they’re measuring devices. But they each have their own appeal, and thereby, their own spotlight. While jiggers offer a stylistically elite barware accessory fit for precise liquid measurement, there are few “cheers” that take place without a traditional shot glass. 

So, congratulations. You’ve read to the point where we confirm you need both. 

Is there any more that needs to be said?

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