Drinks Served in Copper Mugs

Drinks Served in Copper Mugs

When you see a copper mug, you might automatically think about a Moscow mule. While that deliciously limey and gingery cocktail is wonderful, there are some other versions that go equally well in copper. We’ve collected 15 of the best drinks served in copper mugs for your sipping pleasure. 

Why Use Copper Cups? 

Drinks served in a coppery mug aren’t just nice to look at. There’s also a more practical reason why mule cocktails, along with a few others like a mint julep, Dark & Stormy, and Parker Punch with cranberry juice, go so well when served in copper. 

Copper is a wonderful insulator, so when you serve a cocktail in a copper mug, it reaches an almost icy cold temperature and stays there. Enjoying your cocktail in a copper mug is the perfect way to treat yourself on a hot day. 

Mules are the most popular style of drink to serve in copper, but there are some other tasty, boozy options as well. Take a look at these 15 great cocktails that are perfect for serving in copper. 

15 Deliciously Refreshing Copper Mug Drinks 

1. Classic Moscow Mule

By Cookie + Kate

Classic Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is the classic drink served in a copper mug, and the recipe is one that has stood the test of time. The classic Moscow Mule recipes are ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. As this post by Cookie + Kate mentions, the key to great Moscow Mules is all about ginger beer. 

You can technically use any type of ginger ale from the soda aisle, but a really good, craft ginger beer that offers a fuller ginger flavor and gingery snap make for a really tasty drink. If you’re able, try out a few different varieties of ginger ale, which typically has a lighter, crisper taste, and ginger beer to discover your favorite. 

As far as other ways to elevate your mule, fresh lime juice makes all the difference. Don’t forget to garnish this one with a nice, thick lime wedge before serving.

2. Blackberry Moscow Mule

By Fit Foodie Finds

Blackberry Moscow Mule

There are about a billion different variations you can take on classic Moscow Mules. The basics of the classic cocktail recipe are complimented by so many other flavors. The blackberry version by Fit Foodie Finds is the perfect example. 

To make this drink, you’ll need all the standard mule ingredients, including ginger beer, good vodka, and lime. The blackberry flavor comes from fresh blackberries and mints that are muddled in a cocktail shaker before adding the other ingredients. 

Shake it up, and then pour it into your favorite copper mugs that have been filled with ice. Garnish with lime and a few extra fresh blackberries. 

3. Fresh Grapefruit Moscow Mule

By Tidy Mom

Fresh Grapefruit Moscow Mule

Grapefruit is underrated in the world of cocktails. While other types of citrus are more popular in cocktail recipes, grapefruit offers a tartness that pairs beautifully with this Fresh Grapefruit Mule by Tidy Mom. 

This recipe calls for vodka, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, ginger beer or ginger ale, and fresh rosemary. Add all of the ingredients, except the rosemary, into a cocktail shaker and mix. Then, pack your copper mug full of ice and pour the cocktail mixture into it. Garnish with fresh rosemary, and enjoy. 

4. Kentucky Mule

By Liquor.com

Kentucky Mule

This Kentucky Mule is similar to the Moscow version, except the vodka is replaced by – you guessed it – Kentucky bourbon. Create the Kentucky Mule by adding a good amount of ice to your copper mugs. Add in your favorite Kentucky bourbon and lime juice. Then top it off with a sparkling ginger soda or ale. Finally, garnish with a mint sprig. 

Using bourbon instead of vodka creates a drink that’s richer in flavor and, while still quite refreshing, not as crisp as the version made with vodka. The Kentucky mule is absolutely perfect for those early days of fall when the weather is still warm, but a bit of fall breeze is in the air. 

5. London Mule

By Liquor.com

London Mule

This easy cocktail recipe features classic flavors that are served with a heaping mound of ice cubes in copper mugs. The London Mule features your favorite gin, lime juice, and ginger soda or beer. These types of mule recipes show us exactly how wonderful cocktails can be when they’re made with just the simplest ingredients. 

However, if you’re in the mood for something that’s similar to the London Mule but a bit different, try adding a little simple syrup for a sweeter taste, and then garnish with fresh mint. 

6. Margarita Moscow Mule

By Simple Joy

A margarita in a copper mug? This margarita mule recipe by Simple Joy is an entirely new, refreshing way to enjoy the classic tastes of a margarita. 

This recipe uses classic margarita ingredients, including tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, with the addition of ginger beer and a lemon-lime soda. If you’re looking for a taste that’s a little less sweet, substituting the lemon-lime soda with tonic water should do the trick. 

7. Jalapeno Moscow Mule

By The Lemon Bowl

Jalapeno Moscow Mule

We can’t help but love this spicy variation on the Moscow Mule. To make this beauty, add sliced, fresh jalapenos (remove the seeds if you want a less spicy drink), fresh lime wedges, and fresh mint to a pitcher or cocktail shaker. Muddle all of them together, allowing the flavors to blend. Add fresh lime juice, along with gin or vodka. The next step is to shake or stir. 

You want to fill your copper mugs with ice cubes or crushed ice. Pour the spicy, boozy mixture over the ice, and then top with ginger soda. If you find that this spicy drink raised your body heat a bit much, try adding some simple syrup or muddling in a bit of real sugar when preparing the cocktail. The sweetness will help to mellow out the spice without taking away all of the spicy bites of the jalapenos. 

8. Strawberry Basil Moscow Mule

By Simply Recipes

Strawberry Basil Moscow Mule

The mule is the perfect summertime beverage, even more so when you add seasonal ingredients, such as strawberry and basil, to your copper cup. This Strawberry Basil Mule recipe by Simply Recipes is the perfect way to infuse all the flavors of summer, along with a nice alcoholic kick to celebrate the lazy days of the season. 

To create this sweet surrender to the days of summer, place strawberries, basil, and lime juice in a pitcher or cocktail shaker. Muddle them together until pulpy so that the flavors blend together. Add some good vodka, such as Smirnoff vodka and ice cubes. Shake well. 

Have your copper mugs filled with crushed ice ready, and pour the mixture into each. Top with ginger soda. If you prefer to remove the small seeds and pulp from the strawberries, run the cocktail through a mesh sieve once or twice before pouring it into a copper mug. 

9. Peach Basil Moscow Mule

By Whitney Bond

Peach Basil Moscow Mule

If you want the taste of a Peach Basil Mule in your cold copper mug but don’t want to deal with the mess of muddling super ripe peaches. This recipe uses features peach-flavored vodka as the star of the show, combined with ginger beer, fresh basil, and fresh lemon juice instead of the traditional lime that’s used in your standard mule recipe. 

This peach basil mule is so light and refreshing that it truly deserves the honor of being served in your favorite copper vessel. 

10. Apple Cider Moscow Mule

By Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Perfect for late summer or early fall, the apple cider taste in this is easy to achieve by making a few simple changes to the traditional Moscow Mule recipe. 

For starters, you want to substitute dark rum for vodka. This recipe also includes cinnamon whiskey, but you can either omit this entirely or choose something like cinnamon schnapps instead. Apple cider replaces the lime juice, and then enjoy the drinks served in copper mugs, topped with ginger soda.

11. Pomegranate Moscow Mule

By As Easy As Apple Pie

Pomegranate Moscow Mule 

This refreshing pomegranate mule is refreshing and delicious any time of year, and it looks fabulous served in a copper mug. This cocktail recipe calls for pomegranate juice, vodka, half a lime, and well-chilled ginger beer. 

This cocktail is perfect as it is, but for a little variation on the flavor, try adding just a little orange juice and garnishing with orange zest. A star anise pod would also make a nice garnish for this drink. 

12. Dark & Stormy

By HyVee

Dark & Stormy

The Dark n Stormy is another classic cocktail, and like many drinks, we think it looks and tastes better when served in copper mugs. 

To make the Dark n Stormy, you’ll need your favorite dark rum. For the best cocktail, use a rum that’s smooth and tasty enough that you would consider it a straight sipper. The only other necessary ingredient is a good ginger soda with a bit of a bite. Top it off with a lime wedge, and you’re all set to enjoy! 

13. Passionfruit Dark & Stormy

By SweetC’s

Passionfruit Dark & Stormy

Another variation on the Dark & Stormy is to add a little kick of fruity flavor to the mix. You can get as creative with this as you want. Just remember that dark rum offers different flavors than light rum, so you need a fruit that compliments and stands up to that. Passionfruit is perfect. 

For this recipe, you need rum, lime, ginger soda, and passionfruit pulp, although a storebought passionfruit nectar would also work fine. Mix it up and serve this delicious cocktail in beautiful Moscow Mule mugs. 

14. Mint Julep

By A Spicy Perspective

Mint Julep

A mint julep is one of the most refreshing drinks there is. Fresh mint leaves are key to creating the trademark herbal mint flavor that lingers when you sip on this drink. The mint julep is often served in a cocktail glass, but a copper mug is also a perfect vessel. 

To make the classic mint julep, you need fresh mint leaves, simple syrup, bourbon, and ice. To get the most out of this cocktail, try sipping it on the patio on a warm but slightly breezy summer evening. 

15. Cuba Libre

By Spirit Hub

Cuba Libre

Isn’t a Cuba Libre just a fancy name for a rum & coke? Not entirely. A Cuba Libre is made with lime, whereas a rum and coke cocktail is just that, sometimes garnished with a lime or other type of citrus. This recipe from Spirit Hub includes rum, Mexican Coca-Cola, and lime. Something else that makes this cocktail recipe unique is the fact that it’s served in a copper mug rather than the traditional highball glass. 

FAQs

Can you serve hot drinks in copper mugs?

Yes, you can drink hot beverages from a copper mug, but you should take care not to fill up your copper cup with anything too acidic, such as coffee. Copper is excellent at conducting heat, so it will keep your cold drinks super cold and help to keep your hot drinks nice and toasty. 

What should you not drink in a copper mug?

Drinks that are acidic in nature, especially hot drinks, can pull the mug and leave your drink with a coppery or metal taste. One solution to this is to use lined copper mugs instead of traditional-style copper cups. 

Is it healthy to drink from a copper mug?

Most copper cups, including your copper mug for mules and other types of drinks, are usually lined with another material, which completely eliminates any concerns you may have about metals leaching into your drink. It is considered safe to drink from a copper mug without a lining, although you probably don’t want to use copper for your everyday beverages, such as water or ice tea. Save them for a cocktail hour instead! 


Say Cheers with Drinks That Are Served in Copper Mugs 

You have your copper mug ready, so now all you need to do is add vodka, ice, lime, and a few of your other favorite ingredients for a refreshing cocktail that stays nice and cool, no matter how long you sip and savor it. Try these recipes and see if you discover a new favorite for serving in your beautiful copper mugs. 

Refreshing Copper Mug Drinks

  • Classic Moscow Mule
  • Blackberry Moscow Mule
  • Fresh Grapefruit Moscow Mule
  • Kentucky Mule
  • London Mule
  • Margarita Moscow Mule
  • Jalapeno Moscow Mule
  • Strawberry Basil Moscow Mule
  • Peach Basil Moscow Mule
  • Apple Cider Moscow Mule
  • Pomegranate Moscow Mule
  • Dark & Stormy
  • Passionfruit Dark & Stormy
  • Mint Julep
  • Cuba Libre
Drinks

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