The Best Moscow Mule Mugs

Many years before we launched This Girl Walks Into a Bar bartending services, I was working in a divey, local bar in Santa Monica. There was sawdust on the floor and Christmas lights zig-zagging across the ceiling. This was before the craft cocktail revolution, so the Margarita mix was still florescent green, the Manhattan cherries were still pumped full of red dye #4, and if you wanted anything other than a classic bitters option, you were out of luck. What the bar was also missing was a set of Moscow Mule mugs, which is probably why no-one ever ordered that cocktail (not that we had ginger beer on hand any way!). Nowadays when you walk into any urban bar, you’ll find freshest ingredient and mixes, but a Moscow Mule mug can still be hard to come by. But when it comes to the home bar, there is no excuse! If you don’t have a set of beautiful copper mugs on hand it’s time to up your game before the New Year.

While there are plenty of brands to choose from out there, we recommend getting the best and highest quality available. This is one of those purchases that will not only last your lifetime, but can be passed on to future generations. Our top pick is definitely the handcrafted, authentic copper mugs made by Moscow Muled. Not sure if you know this but all copper mugs are not created equal. It’s important to purchase a set made with 100% real copper on the outside (as opposed to plated copper), and lined with real nickel on the inside. Nickel is a non-reactive metal and just like iron, it doesn’t rust. It’s the perfect element to hold that glorious combination of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.

If you’re worried about the high-maintence care of Moscow Mule mugs, you shouldn’t. Jessica Rose, founder of Moscow Muled, told us that the cleaning process involves soapy warm water and a quick dry with a soft towel. If naturally developing patina starts to bother you, Rose recommends you “simply sprinkle a pinch of salt on a slice of lemon, allow the salt to dissolve, and then gently rub it on the surface of your mug.” Rose explains that the natural mixture will dissolve any tarnish and bring back the copper’s warm shine.

If you’re building your home bar one tool at a time, make sure a set of Moscow Mule mugs find their way onto your shopping list. Besides making the classic cocktail taste like it should, copper mugs add instant glam to any shelf or bar cart. Treat yourself today!