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3 Unbelievable Truths Debunking Moscow Mule Myths

March 22, 2021

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The Moscow Mule cocktail is notorious for its iconic home, the copper mug. In the mid-1900s, the unlikely pairing of vodka, ginger beer and lime was met with this strange vessel, designed by a Russian coppersmith, desperate to find use for her handcrafted copper mugs. Be it by design or by accident, the copper mug is now a staple piece of drinkware in restaurants, bars, and homes alike.

Popular as they are, there’s still a lingering skepticism about the purpose of copper mugs. Why are Moscow Mules served in copper mugs? Why not a traditional cocktail glass? What’s the point of copper, anyway?

Answers to each of these questions vary depending on the person mixing your drink, or whichever corner of the internet your search leads you to first.

Our team at Copper Mug Co. is here to set things straight.

Does drinking from copper affect the taste of beverages?

The growing popularity of Moscow Mules encouraged bar owners and restaurateurs alike to serve the refreshing cocktail in its truest form: ice cold in a copper mug. However, that trend was met with skepticism when cocktail connoisseurs began to question the claims surrounding the unique drinking vessel. Copper is commonly recognized for its unique scent and taste. Those same characteristics have led some to claim that the bitterness of pure copper elevates the flavors of the Moscow Mule.

The truth behind this claim is only as true as every palette is distinct, but copper has been found to have more subtle (and positive) effects when in contact with liquid. Nevertheless, our mugs at Copper Mug Co. are externally coated in a food-grade lacquer to prevent unwanted tarnishing and protect their shine.

Is drinking from copper healthy?

Copper – like iron – is an element that is essential for our physiological well being. Copper assists in the formation of red blood cells, and the mineral also supports the nervous system and bone health. Some have even found copper to support a healthy metabolism when ingested in small amounts (which is typically achieved through a balanced diet).

The truth is, copper has antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that copper eliminates bacteria when placed in direct contact with water, among other liquids. The effects aren’t immediate, but long-term contact between copper and water causes bacteria’s cell walls to weaken, resulting in the death of bacteria. While a copper water bottle may have limiting antimicrobial effects on your daily hydration method, leaving water in a copper vessel for up to 48 hours has been proven effective at purifying the water.

Do copper mugs keep drinks cold?

Perhaps the most common claim surrounding the use of copper mugs is its apparent ability to keep beverages ice-cold. Keyword: apparent.

The truth behind this phenomena is caused by the copper mug actively conducting heat from your hands (and lips) as you enjoy the beverage, creating the illusion that the drink is colder than ice.

Copper, like other metals, is a highly conductive material. If you were to put a flame to a copper mug, it would begin to heat rapidly – much more quickly than a ceramic or glass mug. However, when an ice-cold beverage (say, a Moscow Mule) is poured into a copper mug, you’ll find yourself juggling your mug between two hands to avoid what feels like frostbite.

Ah, so that’s what the handle is for…

See, as copper is inherently a conductive metal, meaning that it not only conducts heat from electricity, but it conducts heat from its surroundings. That includes body heat. So, if a Moscow Mule were to be poured in equal parts into a glass tumbler and a copper mug, the copper mug would feel drastically cooler than the tumbler.

Needless to say, there are countless Moscow Mule myths that travel from one bar to another. Some are true, and some are… well, less than so. Scientifically speaking, the effects of copper on beverages served in copper mugs are slim to none. While a traditional Mule shouldn’t be served in anything but a copper mug, electing a premium vodka, a spicy ginger beer and only the freshest lime is truly the quality you can taste.

Browse our selection of copper barware and find your sipping style today.

Hammered vs. Smooth Copper Mugs – Which is better?

March 22, 2021

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.

Hammered Copper Barware Products

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

The Vintage, Barrel-Shaped Hammered Copper Mug

Hammered Copper Coasters

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:

The Roly, our rounded copper whiskey mug

The Original Moscow Mule copper mug (smooth)

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

The 7 Best Copper Bartender Tools & Accessories

February 17, 2021

Like any craftsman, every bartender has their own unique set of tools they use to create something extraordinary; an extraordinary experience for you to enjoy. The most noteworthy part of the experience, of course, is the beverage itself, but the process of getting a cocktail in-hand (or whatever your poison may be) is just as magical.

The pop of a champagne bottle. Streams of wine flowing through a glass decanter. The building energy and gusto of a cocktail as it’s shaken, just before being served. The passion is all in the process, and the right tools bring it all to life.

Read on to explore our one-of-a-kind copper barware tools and accessories for your restaurant, bar, or the cocktail counter at home.

#1 The Copper Bottle Opener

Our smooth finished copper bottle opener is the barware detail you didn’t know you were missing, fit for the finest craft beverages and brews. Long gone are the days of keychain bottle openers or Swiss Army knives. Popping bottles never looked so good as it does in copper. You might just find yourself opening a few too many…

Add our copper bottle opener to your barware collection for a minimalist, functional accessory.

#2 The Copper Coasters

Coasters are a design detail that can live in any area of the home, and they’re absolute essentials for restaurant and bar dining. Our hammered, 4-inch set of copper coasters are just as rustic as they are elegant, adding a unique copper cue that perfectly compliments your other copper drinking vessels. The hammered finish adds a textural element reminiscent of the original hammered copper mug, adding a visual interest that just might urge you to set your drink down and enjoy it with your eyes. (Keyword: might.)

Order your set of 4 handcrafted, hammered copper coasters today.

#3 The Copper Jigger

The copper jigger may be the most underrated barware accessory on the market. This chic tool is specifically designed for precision when measuring cocktails and mixed drinks, but lends itself quite well to elevating your barware aesthetic in nothing but an elite fashion. Our hammered and smooth-finished copper jiggers both hold one and two ounces on each end of the vessel. And if you thought you could get away with a simple shot glass instead, think again.

Level-up your bar look with the hammered copper jigger, also available in a smooth finish.

#4 The Copper Ice Bucket

So, hear us out. Is the copper ice bucket a must? Well, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, necessity is in the eye of the needy. And you need this copper ice bucket. It would be easy to suggest that your guests will turn a nose at ice straight from the freezer, but hey, that’s the norm. What’s not the norm is everything else that this gorgeous container can be used for. We’re talking about eye-catching wine and champagne chillers. Five-star, table service-style ice vessels for spirits. A never before seen flower vase that may take eyes away from the arrangement itself.

Needless to say, the answer is yes – the copper bucket is a must.

#5 The Copper Shaker

Few tools are as exciting and entertaining as the copper cocktail shaker. The anticipation of watching a bartender meticulously craft your beverage just before shaking it to ice-cold perfection is an experience that lights up the room. Whether you find yourself at a bar or your own kitchen counter, the cocktail shaker signals barware excellence. Our 22 oz. copper shaker comes in both a smooth and hand-hammered finish, adding an unparalleled textural element to your barware aesthetic. Use it for your Moscow Mules or other cocktails alike.

No matter your taste, it’s always in best taste to shake, not stir.

#6 Reusable Copper Straws

The chic AND reusable straw you’ve been searching for is finally here… and it came in copper. What did you expect? Our copper straws come in sets of four, and are available in two convenient sizes, letting your lips touch luxury whether you’re in an iced coffee mood or cocktail conundrum.

Don’t need a straw? Use it to stir instead. It’s the best accessory you could give your favorite drink. Either way, sips come with ease and the sea turtles swim strong. It’s a win-win.

Order your set of environmentally-friendly copper straws (or stirrers) today.

#7 The Copper Charger

Last but not least, the copper charger. Bring rustic, cunning style to any table with this iconic serving tray. Our hammered copper charger is the eye-catcher that can live in any room of the home, lined in a food-grade lacquer that preserves its shine for years to come. Handcrafted from 100% pure copper, this is a piece that ignites any room, from the entryway to the dining room table. You’ll be hard pressed to find such a versatile and elegant serving tray, and fortunately, it’s just a click away.

Serve excellence with our 12.5” hammered copper charger.

Manning the bar isn’t just about mixing drinks; elegant barware takes your libations to the next level, and our handcrafted, 100% copper barware tools and accessories do just that. Purchase the set or add an eye-catcher to the equation with a few one-off pieces from our copper collection. Either way, you can’t go wrong with copper.

Barware Terminology: Shot Glasses vs. Jiggers

February 10, 2021

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.)

Shop Shot Glasses

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.

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.

Shop Copper Jiggers

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.

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?

Shop Copper Barware

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?

Copper Beer Steins

Hammered Copper Cups

Smooth Copper Cups

*Please note. Our mugs and products are not FDA approved and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. As we all try to eradicate this virus, we’re just sharing what we’re reading from the experts. Any statements above should not be taken as health advice and you should check with your doctor before taking any action.