The Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug. This isn’t just a marketing ploy, but a combination of tradition, taste and presentation. The cold drink, the fresh lime juice and the zesty ginger beer really come into their own in a copper mug.
At our mobile cocktail bars, this is still one of the most popular cocktails. Not just because of the taste, but also because the cup really stands out amongst all the other glasses.
Why is a Moscow Mule served in a copper mug?
A Moscow Mule should be served in a copper mug for four clear reasons:
- Copper conducts cold extremely quickly
- The glass enhances the cocktail’s refreshing character
- it creates an iconic presentation
- Historically, it came about in the 1940s
Thanks to the rapid heat conduction, the cup feels ice-cold straight away. This enhances the experience with every sip. It makes a big difference, especially at summer events.
In addition, copper reacts slightly with the acids in lime juice. This can result in a subtle change in flavour that emphasises the freshness. Modern professional glasses are therefore often fitted with a safe inner coating, ensuring that the cocktail tastes its best whilst remaining safe to drink.
The story behind the copper mug
The Moscow Mule was created in the 1940s in the United States. At that time, vodka was not yet a popular drink. John G. Martin, who distributed vodka through the Heublein company, was looking for a way to boost sales of the product.
Together with Jack Morgan from the Cock ’n’ Bull restaurant in Hollywood, he combined vodka with ginger beer and lime juice. The restaurant had a large stock of ginger beer that wasn’t selling.
To make the cocktail stand out even more, it was served in copper mugs. It worked. The combination of flavour, appearance and the eye-catching way it was served made the Moscow Mule wildly popular. Ever since, the copper mug has been inextricably linked with this cocktail.
Other cocktails in copper mugs
The Moscow Mule is the best-known, but by no means the only, cocktail served in a copper mug.
Popular varieties include:
- Kentucky Mule with bourbon
- Gin Gin Mule with gin and mint
- Mexican Mule with tequila
The basic ingredients remain the same: spirits, ginger beer and lime. The copper mug enhances the refreshing character of all these variations.
Moscow Mules served in copper mugs at your party?
Would you like to serve this iconic cocktail at your event too? With our mobile cocktail bar, our professional bartenders will make the Moscow Mule live on site. This includes high-quality copper mugs, the perfect balance of ice and a sleek presentation.
The result: a cocktail that not only tastes great, but also makes a real impression.
The Moscow Mule experience
The Moscow Mule is served in a copper mug because:
- the best possible cooling experience
- subtle flavour enhancement
- historical tradition
- iconic look
And it is precisely that combination that makes this cocktail one of the most popular choices at events to this day.
Would you like to surprise your guests with an ice-cold Moscow Mule served in gleaming copper mugs? Then we’ll take care of everything – from the bar to the bartender, and from the ice to the presentation.
Hire cocktail shakers
We’d love to come and make Moscow Mules at your party!
So why not hire our cocktail shakers for your party and enjoy the most delicious cocktails! With or without a mobile cocktail bar
Other cocktails in copper mugs
Finally, it’s worth noting that the Moscow Mule isn’t the only cocktail that can be served in a copper mug. Others popular cocktails Examples of drinks traditionally served in copper mugs include the Kentucky Mule (bourbon, ginger beer and lime) and the Gin Gin Mule (gin, ginger beer, mint and lime).
In short, the Moscow Mule is a cocktail that has been popular for decades and is served in a copper mug. This tradition arose because copper is an excellent conductor of heat, gives the cocktail a unique flavour and makes for an attractive presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I also hire the copper cups on their own, without staff?
No. We do not hire out individual copper mugs without staff. Our equipment forms part of a comprehensive package that includes professional bartenders and a fully managed service. This is how we guarantee quality, safety and a professional look.
Why does a Moscow Mule have to be served in a copper mug?
Is it necessary? No.
Does it make sense? Absolutely.
Technically speaking, you could also serve a Moscow Mule in a tumbler. But then you’d be missing out on a key part of the experience. It’s the ice-cold exterior, the iconic appearance and the recognisable moment of serving that really make all the difference.
At an event, it’s all about the look and feel. A row of gleaming copper mugs on the bar instantly creates atmosphere, a sense of familiarity and photo opportunities.
Is it safe to drink from copper cups?
Yes, provided you use high-quality glasses. Professional Moscow Mule glasses are usually made of solid copper with a protective, food-safe inner coating, or of stainless steel with a copper exterior.
Cheap cups with only a thin coating may wear out over time. That is why it is important to invest in good quality and to look after them properly. Hand washing with warm water and a mild detergent is sufficient. Do not put them in the dishwasher.
Professional event catering always uses safe, suitable equipment.
Hire a cocktail shaker with copper cups
If you want to serve a Moscow Mule or other cocktails in a copper mug, it’s important to invest in high-quality copper mugs and look after them properly. But of course, you could also simply use a hire a cocktail bar with a cocktail shaker. It all comes included!
