The 7 Best Moscow Mule Mugs of 2024, by Food & Wine

The Moscow Mule may be a simple drink born from a clever marketing tactic, but it’s hard to deny how remarkably refreshing the combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice is. Adding to the cocktail’s appeal is, of course, its traditional copper mug. Not only do these mugs look gorgeous, but they also function as a mini insulator to keep drinks colder for longer — because no one likes a watered-down beverage.

Though far from being the only drink to have a signature glass (hello, classic martini stems and margarita glasses!), Moscow Mules just aren’t the same when sipped from any other vessel. Copper mugs are so synonymous with this drink that they’re more commonly referred to as Moscow Mule mugs than just, you know, copper mugs, which makes choosing a set more difficult than it probably should be.

Fortunately, we’ve done the legwork to find the best Moscow Mule mugs on the market, so all you’ll need to do is click “order now” and assemble your ingredients. We also asked a bar industry expert to weigh in on his personal favorite pick. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any mug on this list.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

SALE

Advanced Mixology Moscow Mule Copper Mugs at Amazon ~~$46~~ $39

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Best Splurge:

Sertodo Moscow Mule Gift Set at Wayfair $55

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Best Value:

Advanced Mixology Moscow Mule Mugs at Amazon $55

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Best Mini:

Parijat Handicraft Mini Moscow Mule Mugs at Amazon $22

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Best Modern:

Crate & Barrel Moscow Mule Mug at Crate & Barrel $20

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Best Personalized:

Moscow Copper Moscow Mule Mug at Moscowcopper.com

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Best for Mint Juleps:

Godinger Beaded Mint Julep Cup at Amazon $22

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Best Overall

Advanced Mixology Moscow Mule Copper Mugs

[Gift Set] Mule Science Moscow Mule Mugs Set of 4 | 100% Handcrafted | Food Safe | Copper Mugs with Bonus Accessories | Tarnish Resistant Copper Cups | 16 oz.

PHOTO: Amazon

Orig. $46 $39 at Amazon $48 at Wayfair

Pros

This is a great starter set of four mugs and accessories for a reasonable price.

Cons

These mugs are lacquer-coated but still not dishwasher-safe.

If you’re looking for the quintessential Moscow Mule mug, this is it. Sold as a set including four copper mugs, copper straws, a copper shot glass, four coasters, and a cleaning brush, this all-inclusive kit from Advanced Mixology will take your at-home bar to the next level.

These mugs are lacquer-coated and made of real, food-grade copper, so they’re perfectly safe and ready for frequent use. The only downside is that they do need to be washed by hand to preserve their lovely luster — but we think this is a minor inconvenience given the quality and price point.

Material: Copper | Capacity: 19 ounces | Number in Set: 4 | Cleaning: Wash by hand

Best Splurge

Sertodo Moscow Mule Gift Set

PHOTO: Sertodo

$55 at Wayfair $132 at Sertodo.com $52 at Neiman Marcus

Pros

These beautiful and solid copper mugs are super durable and recommended by bartenders.

Cons

It can get pricey to build a full set or entertain big groups since these mugs are sold either individually or as a pair.

If you’re looking to go all-out with your Moscow Mule mug collection, this option from Sertodo is an excellent place to start. Sold as either a set directly from Sertodo or individually by other retailers, this is the pick worth the splurge.

“My favorite brand for copper products is Sertodo,” says Timo Torner, a bartender and the founder of Cocktail Society. “They produce amazing copper mugs, and I also have one of their copper cocktail shakers.”

This Moscow Mule mug set includes a bar spoon and a copper shooter. While the price is steep, the mugs are made of top-quality copper and produced by artisans in Texas and Michoacan.

Material: Copper | Capacity: 12 ounces | Number in Set: 2 | Cleaning: Wash by hand

Best Value

Advanced Mixology Moscow Mule Mugs

Advanced Mixology Mule Science Moscow Mule Mugs (Set of 8)

PHOTO: Amazon

$55 at Amazon

Pros

This larger set includes eight mugs and accessories for a reasonable price.

Cons

These mugs are lacquer-coated but still not dishwasher-safe.

Whether you’re a frequent entertainer or just prepping for the holidays, this set of eight Moscow Mule mugs takes the cake for the best value. A more comprehensive version of our top pick, this set is practically built for home entertaining. Not only do you get eight mugs made of real copper, but the set also includes two copper shooters, eight copper straws, and eight coasters.

Though this set is a great bang for your buck, don’t expect to be able to toss these into the dishwasher — they are coated with a food-safe lacquer for longevity, but the harsh conditions of a dishwasher mean these are still destined for the sink when it’s time to clean up.

Material: Copper | Capacity: 16 ounces | Number in Set: 8 | Cleaning: Wash by hand

Best Mini

Parijat Handicraft Mini Moscow Mule Mugs

Parijat Handicraft Solid Copper Mini Moscow Mule Mugs

PHOTO: Amazon

$22 at Amazon

Pros

These scaled-down mugs are, dare we say, adorable?

Cons

These tiny mugs are not useful for much beyond small tastings or two-ounce shooters.

We’re living in the era of the canned cocktail, so it’s not unreasonable to think there’s still a time and a place for taking shots. If you’re going to cheek up a vodka shot with a little splash of ginger beer and a lime garnish, why not go all-in and serve it in a mini Moscow Mule mug?

These two-ounce shooters are perfect for, yes, doing shots, but think of their potential for serving a cute welcome drink at your next dinner party! They'd also make an adorable party host gift for a friend who loves a good Moscow Mule. In any case, these mini mugs are made of real copper and have nailed the look and feel of their larger counterparts.

Material: Copper | Capacity: 2 ounces | Number in Set: 4 | Cleaning: Wash by hand

Best Modern

Crate & Barrel Moscow Mule Mug

PHOTO: Crate&Barrel

$20 at Crate & Barrel $20 at Havenly.com

Pros

Ultra-clean lines give this mug a sleek, stand-out appearance.

Cons

The copper finish is just that — a finish.

This Moscow Mule mug from Crate & Barrel certainly scores high marks in the aesthetics category. We love the sleek design and elegantly arched handle — there’s even an option for a graphite-colored finish rather than copper. This leads us to this mug’s only downside: It’s not actually made of copper. It’s stainless steel with a copper-colored lacquer finish.

It’ll keep your drink cold, and we like how it looks, but we must deduct a few authenticity points. If aesthetics is your main goal, however, these mugs fit the bill.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 16 ounces | Number in Set: 1 | Cleaning: Wash by hand

Best Personalized

Moscow Copper Moscow Mule Mug

PHOTO: Moscow Copper

View on Moscowcopper.com

Pros

This is a quality mug that comes with a wooden collector’s box.

Cons

This one isn’t a budget buy.

If you’re looking for an extra-special Moscow Mule mug to give as a gift or commemorate a special occasion, this one from Moscow Copper is hard to beat. Made from solid copper and shipped with a microfiber storage bag and a pine box, this isn’t just any old copper-colored mug.

You can add a custom engraving and offer a personal touch, or order it as-is, and your gift recipient will still understand that this mug was chosen with intention.

Material: Copper | Capacity: 16.9 ounces | Number in Set: 1 | Cleaning: Wash by hand

Best for Mint Juleps

Godinger Beaded Mint Julep Cup

PHOTO: Amazon

$22 at Amazon $17 at Walmart

Pros

It's excellent for Mint Juleps and smaller sized Moscow Mules.

Cons

Some might say it's too small, and it needs to be polished with metal polish.

Whether you're celebrating the Kentucky Derby or just love a Mint Julep, consider a copper cup instead of the silver you may have seen. This Godinger copper Mint Julep cup has gorgeous beading around the top lip to break up the otherwise smooth surface design. It's in the classic tulip shape the classic southern cocktail has become known for.

Regardless if you prefer a traditional Mint Julep or a recipe with a little wink like this blackberry number, these are bound to be a hit. They can do double duty as a smaller, more modern Moscow Mule cup as well, so you get more than just one use out of these copper beauties.

Material: Copper | Capacity: 4 ounces | Number in Set: 1 | Cleaning: Wash by hand

Our Favorite Moscow Mule Mug

There are some excellent contenders here, but the Advanced Mixology Moscow Mule Mugs are our pick for best overall thanks to their quality, value, and traditional design. Plus, we love that this starter set includes everything you'll need to get the party started: four mugs, copper straws, a copper shot glass, a cleaning brush, and coasters.

Factors to Consider

Material

Though it might seem like a copper mug should be made of copper, looks can be deceiving. That said, while copper is the stuff of real-deal Moscow Mule mugs, finished stainless steel — like the one we chose for best modern mug — will work just fine to keep your drinks cold and look good doing it. If you're a stickler for authenticity, look for solid copper mugs.

Lined or Unlined

This point can be divisive among beverage experts, but really? You can go for either lined or unlined mugs.

“I prefer unlined mugs that are made out of 100% copper,” says Torner, explaining that the trend of lined mugs began from claims that copper leaches into drinks. “While it’s true that copper reacts with acidic liquids, the trace levels of copper that may be consumed from the chemical reactions are so minuscule that you’d have to drink several dozen beverages from your copper mug every day before it became a concern.”

Torner also reminds us that the body requires trace amounts of copper to maintain healthy cell growth and help avoid illnesses. In other words, you don’t need to worry if your copper Moscow Mule mugs are unlined.

Handle Strength

The handles on some Moscow Mule mugs are riveted, while others are welded. Welded handles are stronger and thus longer-lasting, but unless your mugs are going to be in heavy use — which is more likely in a bar than a home setting — you’ll be fine with either.

Ease of Cleaning

It’s unlikely you’ll find a Moscow Mule mug you can toss in the dishwasher without a second thought. Mugs made of real copper should be hand-washed, and those that are lacquered should still be washed by hand to maintain the integrity of the finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is so special about Moscow Mule mugs?

Their appearance is certainly eye-catching, but Torner credits the functionality of these mugs, too.

“Copper cups are the ideal vessel for a Moscow Mule because of two things. First, copper conducts temperature well, so when an ice-cold drink is put inside, the material actually absorbs that temperature and keeps the drink cold for longer. Second, there’s evidence to suggest that the copper interacts with the drink and intensifies the tart flavors of ginger and lime.”
Why does a Moscow Mule have to be in a copper cup?

It doesn’t have to be, but for the reasons above, a Moscow Mule is just better when enjoyed from a copper mug. If nothing else, enjoy it for the chill factor.

“The thermal conductivity of copper is 20 times that of stainless steel,” says Torner.
How do you clean a copper mug?

Copper mugs should be washed by hand with warm, soapy water, then rinsed and dried thoroughly. Some mugs are dishwasher-safe, but handwashing may prolong their finish.

Our Expertise

This article was written by Summer Rylander, a food and travel journalist who has written about food, beverage, and cooking products for Food & Wine, Allrecipes, Serious Eats, and The Kitchn. She made her selections based on in-depth research and conversations with experts. She’s a fan of Moscow Mules and is on team "unlined copper" when it comes to mugs.

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