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When it comes to enjoying Moscow Mules at home, the grocery list is simple: vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and ice. When you take a sip from your glass though, you may notice something is missing when you compare your beverage to something you would find at your favorite cocktail bar. The difference is not a matter of a missing ingredient, but rather a missing vessel for your beverage. Without a copper mug, the Moscow Mule is incomplete.
Dating back to the 1940s, the Moscow Mule has always been presented in a copper mug. While the copper brings a certain festivity to the drink, the tradition of the copper mug is not just for the show of it. Copper mugs actually improve your drinking experience by controlling the beverage’s temperature and helping to improve its taste (more on that later).
Solid copper mugs are ideal for keeping your drink chilled. As soon as your iced cocktail fills the mug, the copper walls cool down. Even the rim becomes chilled, bringing a cool sensation to your lips with every sip. The copper also prevents the warmth from your hands from warming up the mug. Instead, the mug’s handle protects your hand from the coldness of the mug.
While the matter of taste is more subjective, experts say that using a copper mug can bring out distinct aromas and flavors in your Moscow Mule. When the vodka touches the walls of the mug, the copper can begin to oxidize slightly, which enhances the aromas of the vodka. The cold temperature and the copper also work together to bring out more carbonation in the ginger beer, increasing the fizzy quality of your drink.
When searching for copper mugs, it’s important to make sure that the mug is made of pure copper, without alloys or inside liners. Once you are assured of the mug’s competition, it comes down to a matter of personal taste in aesthetics. Some mugs are hammered to give the vessel an artisan feel. Others, meanwhile, are completely smooth and sleek in design. No matter the style you chose, all will bring you one step closer to perfecting your Moscow Mule recipe and presentation.
