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6 Best Moscow Mule Ingredients

January 9, 2022

What you need to succeed in the cocktail game.

We’ve taken the time, put in the effort, slain our dragons and whatnot to tell you exactly what you need to make the best moscow mules in 2022.

You can finally relax. Number 2 on your 2022 resolutions list, “Totally crush my home cocktail game” is about to be checked-off.

Perhaps it goes without saying that (yes, we’re about to say it anyways) the most important aspect of your Moscow Mule is the mug in which it is served. Easy. Buy a 100% pure copper mug from us.

It’s the barware that keeps on giving.

Easy-peasy, lime squeezy.

Now, let’s move on to the other parts of everyone’s favorite cocktail which, in case you forgot, is the Moscow Mule.

We present to you:

6 Must-Try Moscow Mule Ingredients

Ginger beers, vodkas, and lime (juice)…oh my!

The Very Best Vodkas to Mix with Your Mule

We know that Smirnoff has been given historical mention as the liquor of the first Moscow Mule. So there’s one option. We’ve got two other vodka possibilities for your bar.

Skyy vodka is another popular distillery. They set themselves apart by being the first to quadruple-distill and triple filter their vodka–resulting in a noticeably smooth sip. This smoothness lends itself to an aptitude for mixing.

It blends in without disappearing.

One lesser-known vodka is Tahoe Blue. Their vodka’s lack of popularity is contradictory to it’s quality, evidenced by their being awarded Best Unflavored Vodka in the World at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in New York.

To Lime or to Lime Juice? The Best Lime Juice for Moscow Mules

Fresh is best, right? Maybe not. Natural is certainly the right choice, but when it comes to limes some say that slightly aged squeezes may be preferable. But that’s a discussion for another day.

What if you haven’t a lime in sight and really, really need a Moscow Mule? First, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. Never fear, bottled lime juice is here!

Bottled Lime Juice
We do prefer using a fresh lime (though you might try letting your juice sit in the fridge a few hours before mixing), but in time of need, a bottled citrus spritz can do the trick.

Santa Cruz Organic can be found in almost any grocery store and is made with the following ingredients:

Neat-o. It’s 100% juice and has a reliable, resealable cap.

Another lime juice bottler, Nellie and Joe’s Key West Lime Juice, has garnered something of a cult following in the culinary world (frequently proven for its use in key lime pie). It can be found on Amazon and in some typical grocery stores like Walmart.

What’s the verdict? Try one of these great options out for yourself! Just don’t keep yourself from a mule because you don’t have fresh limes.

The Perfect Ginger Beers for a Moscow Mule

Some like it spicy, some like it sweet–there’s a ginger beer for every Moscow Mule preference.

Fever-Tree is a commonly recommended ginger beer for mules. The folks at Fever-Tree have traveled the globe to find their curated mix of three different gingers. While they get loads of travel points, you get a masterful mouth-full of sweetness, freshness, warmth and spice.

What’s more, if you’re of the carbohydrate-conscious variety, they make a “Refreshingly Light” version of their critically-acclaimed ginger beer. It boasts all the flavor and half the carbs. Pinky up, scale down.

Colorado-Local Ginger Beer

If you’re a fan of small, family-owned businesses (and happen to be in Colorado) you should check out Oliko. In their words, “fermentation is an exciting obsession!” Their ginger beer is made with a Peruvian ginger, fermented in-house with live cultures.

Don’t be afraid, Oliko’s flavor is not limited by the naturalistic approach they take. If anything, it’s enhanced by the use of natural ingredients that are as good for you as they taste (emphasis on taste).

Both brands can be purchased online and in-stores. However, as of this post’s writing, Oliko can only be found in-store in Colorado.

Fever-Tree makes a great point, “If ¾ of your drink is the mixer, mix with the best.”

We’ll let you decide on the best between these unique ginger beer options.

What’s the best type of copper mug for a Moscow Mule?

Okay, can you read minds? This is one of our favorite questions!

First and foremost, order a 100% pure copper mug from yours truly–Copper Mug Co. Our mugs are handmade and have a food safe lacquer for carefree drinking with reckless abandon–and timeless style. You can even get your mug… sorry, mugs, custom engraved.

We know you want two.

Or ten.

It’s fine, however many you want, we support you. If you aren’t sure what style to get, continue reading for our two most-popular Moscow Mule mugs.

The Original Smooth Copper Mug

Often imitated, never reproduced.

Our original smooth mug blends the best of barware–pure copper with a sleek, smooth finish and a welded brass handle.

Brass? That’s not copper. Get a grip!

Indeed! Do get a grip! The brass handle allows you to keep a healthy thermoconductive distance from the contents of your mule. Brass is less conductive than copper, so your hand heat doesn’t transfer to the mug and, thus, your Moscow Mule.

It’s the best thing since the original Moscow Mule was crafted.

The Vintage Barrel Hammered Copper Mug

This antique, but far from antiquated, mug is for the purists.

The vintage barrel hammered mug is a top pick for us because it combines everything that’s good about copper mugs with a stylistic nod to vintage style. Few barware items have stood the test of time as the copper mug has done.

The hammered finish promotes an even temperature across the surface of the copper, with pockets of air for a slight boost in the insulation of our highly conductive copper.

Even, consistent temperature of your beverage’s vessel (the copper mug, in our case) means your drink experience stays the same for longer. The temperature of a container has a significant effect on the experience of a drink (think about coffees, for example).

First sip to last should be as little difference as possible–that’s why we love the vintage barrel hammered mug.

What’s the best recipe for a perfect Moscow Mule?

If you’ve never made a mule before or want a reminder, here’s our recipe. Just like the pirate code, recipes are more like guidelines (ask Captain Barbosa, he’ll vouch for us on this one).

The beauty of the Moscow Mule is its simplicity–a simplicity which makes it a nice starting point for creative minds and adventuresome palettes alike.

See the original Moscow Mule Recipe

Check out our blog for other ideas, and keep exploring!
Your home bar is already on its way to becoming the next best thing in hosting.

The Original Moscow Mule Recipe

September 3, 2021

The Original Moscow Mule Recipe

Let’s go back to the root (ginger, specifically). The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity.

Variations abound in the recipe-land of Mules. From tequila-infused (Mexican Mule) to melodramatic (Dark and Stormy Mule), the dynamism of the ginger beer and lime combo lends itself to high levels of adaptability.

However, a refreshing return to the basics may be just what you need to quench your culinary and, perhaps, literal thirst.

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Where did the Moscow Mule come from?

Moscow, right?

Nope. The most popular legends of the Moscow Mule’s origin name Hollywood as its birthplace. The parents? Three individuals (don’t overthink it) who were having a tough time selling their unique products–vodka, copper mugs, and ginger beer–in the 40’s.

The three were able to do what no one person could do on their own. By combining their resources they created a timeless sensation and were able to profit from their genius.

Who are the real winners here? Us! The Moscow Mule is in a select league of cocktails found anywhere drinks are served. The Mule stands out, though, in its glistening copper mug.

Why a copper mug?

If you’ve already tried one, it’s unlikely you’d ask this question. Or you value the search for truth, and we applaud you. There are many myths surrounding this metal, but here are some truths:

When it comes to cocktails (or any beverage, if you’re picky enough), the container is just as important as the ingredients. The copper mug accomplishes an elevation of the Moscow Mule’s flavors without overpowering or competing with them during the experience. There are even different kinds of copper mugs, which you can find here.

Temperature is especially important for a Mule. Copper works as an insulator between what’s inside and outside the mug. Consistent temperature helps your drink stay cold and keeps the ice from diluting your cocktail as quickly. You want to taste each ingredient throughout your sipping session; a warm or diluted drink will ruin that for you.

When alcohol interacts with copper it oxidizes. Oxidation is a chemistry term which, for our purposes, means that the carbonation of your drink gets a boost. No one likes a flat drink, and the bubbliness means you experience more of the aroma pre-sip. For some, that bubbliness is essential for balancing the kick of a spicy ginger beer.

The original recipe: what’s in it?

Vodka, lime, and ginger beer are the building blocks of a Moscow Mule. Three ingredients which, when paired with a chilled copper mug, create the legendary drink sipped year-round.

As you’d imagine, the best kind of vodka and ginger beer for a Mule is hotly contested. Tito’s vodka is widely used, and Smirnoff claims to have been used in the first Moscow Mule. Ultimately, it’s up to you. If you’re looking for something different to try, check out Tahoe Blue, it has a delicious 3-vodka blend that finishes as smooth and clean as Lake Tahoe itself.

For ginger beer, we like Reed’s Craft Ginger Beer. For a Mule with more kick, try Bundaberg, and look for Fever-Tree for a lighter brew.

Moscow Mule Recipe

Nothing says “five o’clock” like the fizz of crisp ginger beer on the tip of your tongue, a hint of lime and a little something to take the edge off.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins

Course Drinks

Servings 1

Equipment

Copper Mug
Mixing Spoon

Ingredients

1.5 oz vodka
0.5 cup ginger beer
0.5 oz fresh lime
1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Chill your copper mug. Simply set it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes prior to five o’clock – whatever ‘five o’clock’ means to you.
2. Mise en place (/mizɑ̃ˈplas/) – an excuse to speak French, literally meaning “set in place”. After all, a good bartender is always organized. Set out each of your ingredients and tools.
3. Once your mug is chilled, fill it with ice. Then, add the vodka and lime juice to taste. Finally, fill the remainder of the mug with your ginger beer of choice and give it a quick swirl with your mixing spoon or straw.
4. Say “Voilà” in your best French accent (/vwa.la/)
5. Chef’s kiss. (Pinch the fingers of one hand together, and quickly kiss the tips of your fingers.)
6. Cheers. Whether you’re in the company of others, or in solitude, a ‘clink’ makes it official.

Notes

Add a Twist

If your cravings have you burnt out on the traditional Mule, add a twist of herbs or citrus to keep things interesting.

Some of our favorite alternatives include:

Mint
Rosemary
Grapefruit
Orange
Lemon

Keyword Moscow Mule

What if I don’t like vodka?

First answer: Have you had really, really, good vodka? No? That may be the problem. Case closed.

Still, it’s fun to socialize the ginger beer and lime combo, letting them mingle with gin, whiskey, bourbon, or something else. It’ll be okay, vodka isn’t going anywhere.

Just like vodka and dad jokes, we’re sticking around too. While you can get the other ingredients at any grocery or liquor store, there’s only one place you can get handcrafted, 100% pure copper mugs that are food-safe and delivered to you with top-notch customer service (hint: it’s us! Shop around!). Also, we do free engraving, so you can put your mark on this classic cocktail.

Cheers!

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Does Copper Kill Coronavirus?

March 23, 2020

As we all change our habits based on COVID-19, we’re seeing a lot of questions about whether copper is resistant to viruses.

We’re not viral experts, but we put together this quick article outlining current research from real experts.

Simply put, it seems that:

Coronavirus appears to die off faster on copper compared to many other surfaces.

According to Fast Company, research indicates that copper surfaces shorten the life of the coronavirus immensely.

They quote this article from MedRXIV that says:

“HCoV-19 was most stable on plastic and stainless steel and viable virus could be detected up to 72 hours post application…No viable virus could be measured after 4 hours on copper 38 for HCoV-19 and 8 hours for SARS-CoV-1”

In a nutshell, the authors state that after the coronavirus landed on a copper surface, it was undetectable after just four hours (compared to days on stainless steel and plastic).

Are Copper Mug Co.’s Mugs made of 100% pure copper?

Yes! Our mugs are 100% pure copper. They have a food-grade lacquer on the outside to protect them from tarnishing, but the insides are 100% pure, exposed copper.

Does drinking from copper keep me safe from viruses?

We don’t know. Research states that viruses may not exist on copper as long as other surfaces. What this does mean is the surface that you’re drinking from is less likely to have germs on it. However, research does not suggest that copper can protect you from getting sick.

On the plus side, copper looks cool and is trendy right now. So while quarantined, why not be part of the cool copper trend while knowing you’re cup is slowly helping eliminate any coronaviruses that land on it?

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