I was obsessed with Moscow mules for two summers. It is so simple- vodka, lime, and ginger beer- but so refreshing! I used to drink them at this place that would put a $30 deposit on your card until you returned the copper mug. At first, I thought that was crazy, but now, I get it- the mug matters! You cannot serve a Moscow Mule in a regular glass. You need the copper mug. Finding the best Moscow mule mug can be harder than you think!

Ok, it is not that hard, but you have to decide whether you want to shell out the money for a 100% copper mug.  If not, you can get by with the copper mug that is lined with some sort of metal alloy such as stainless steel or nickel. Also, recently there have been reports that 100% copper mugs may be toxic. Let's discuss further.  

Moscow mule purists would say it is not a 100% Moscow mule if your mug is not 100% copper. However, in 2017, the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division released an advisory that the 100% copper Moscow mule mugs could be toxic if they come into contact with drinks that have a pH at 6 or lower. The yummy vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer combination has a pH lower than 6 so there is leaching happening in your amazingly refreshing drink. However, luckily, the levels of copper that would be ingested are low enough to not be considered toxic.  Phew! With that being said, is it worth the bragging rights and extra bucks for the 100% copper mug? I think so! It will keep your drink icy cold for much longer than the lined mugs. Actually, there are also some health benefits of copper. It can help promote your immune system and help arthritis in small quantities.  So drink up! Our top picks include 100% copper mugs, but we will add an alloy version at the end just in case you are not convinced 🙂

This set of 4 mule mugs is top-notch. They are 100% copper. There is no alloy-plating. The copper is naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal. They have a hand-hammered finish, and a TIG welded handle. There is no coating. They are durable. They are pricey at $140 for a set of 4.  Be sure to check that the mugs are packaged from Sertodo and stamped on the bottom from Sertodo. They will tarnish as all copper does. You will need some copper polish. Try Wright's Copper Cream. Also, the picture of the all copper mug is of the 12 oz. The larger mugs come with a heavy-duty silver handle.

Pros

100% copper

High quality

Durable

Good customer-service

Cons

Tarnish, but easy to remove with Wright's

Pricey

Hand-wash (true for all the 100% copper mugs)

This is a nice option if you don't want 4 mugs. This is just one 16 oz. Moscow Mule mug. It is hand-crafted, 100% copper.  It has a smooth finish. There is a lacquer (food-safe) that the company added to keep the mugs from tarnishing. The mug comes with some recipe cards for other yummy drink options.

Pros

Can buy single if you don't want 4

100% satisfaction guarantee

Won't tarnish

Comes with recipe cards

No copper leaching due to lacquer

Cons

Some people say the lacquer makes beverages taste like plastic

Some mugs were missing the recipe cards

These 4 mugs are 100% copper as well, but according to the reviews, they are of a lower caliber and weight than the Sertodo mugs. However, this set of 4 is much cheaper at $33. They mugs have a brass handle. The set also comes with  4 copper straws,  a shot glass and a recipe book. Some people think that the mugs are actually just coated with copper. It seems this would be the best gift for someone who is not a Moscow Mule purist.

Pros

Reasonable price

Copper straws, shot glass, and book

Cons

Possibly only coated with copper or very low gauge copper

Brass handle

Lower quality, light-weight

Urban Vintage LA makes this 4 set of Moscow Mule mugs. They do not use any lacquers. They have copper handles. The company offers both lined and 100% pure copper mugs. They come in gift sets with recipe book and shot glass. The mugs are all 16 oz.

Pros

Reasonable price $43 for 4

Extras like shot glass, book, and nice presentation

Copper handle rather than brass or silver

Cons

Not durable

Many people received damaged mugs

Bad customer service

Advanced Mixology is one of the top sellers of Moscow Mule mugs. They offer many different gift set options. All their mugs are made with 22 gauge copper sheets. They come with a lifetime warranty. They are hand-hammered. The food-safe lacquer prevents the mugs from tarnishing. The set comes with a gift box and 4 wood coasters.

Pros

Good price at $35

Durable

Lifetime warranty

Many options of sets

No copper leaching

Cons

Chemical food-safe lacquer

Well, there you have it: a review of 100% copper Moscow mule mugs, but the BEST Moscow mule mug winner is #1 Sertodo Moscow Mule mugs.  Yes, they are the most expensive, but they do not have any added chemical lacquer. If you are a Moscow Mule connoisseur, then you need to have the durable, 100% copper mugs. However, if you are looking for a good gift, the Advanced Mixology sets are good quality with a lifetime warranty.

Also, if you are not convinced that you need 100% copper mugs, then go with the Deik stainless-steel lined Moscow mule mugs pictured below. They come with a life-time warranty, and you don't have to worry about copper leaching or a chemical lacquer.

Leave us a comment about what you think the best Moscow Mule mug is. You may also enjoy reading: Best Water Bottles and Best Keurig Coffee Maker.