Copper mugs have become increasingly popular for serving cocktails in recent years, in particular the famous Moscow Mule. Enamored with their beautiful new mugs, some people have even started using them for their morning coffee as well. But is this really a good idea? In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits and risks of using copper drinking vessels for your morning coffee in an attempt to provide a meaningful answer to this question. We will also tell you how to clean your Moscow mule mugs to keep them looking good and, more importantly, to keep you safe and well.

The Benefits of Using Copper Mugs for Coffee

Let’s start by taking a look at some of the potential benefits that copper drinking vessels have to offer coffee drinkers all around the world:

• Excellent Heat Conductivity<- Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, which means that it heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly across all surface areas. This can be beneficial for your morning coffee since it will stay hot for longer than would be the case with a pottery mug. However, you may need to be careful with the handle as this can become hot too if it is also made of copper.
• Aesthetic Appeal- Copper cups and mugs are aesthetically pleasing as far as most people are concerned. If you want to add a touch of elegance to your morning coffee routine, serving it in copper vessels is definitely a great option to try.
• Possible Health Benefits- Copper is a mineral that our bodies need in small amounts and some studies have suggested that drinking water from copper vessels may have health benefits. While the research so far is inconclusive, it is possible that drinking coffee from a copper mug could also have some health benefits.

Now that we have taken a look at the potential benefits, it is time to examine the other side of the coin: the potential risks associated with using copper vessels to serve hot drinks such as coffee rather than cold drinks like cocktails.

The Risks of Using Copper Mugs for Coffee

The risks associated with drinking hot coffee from copper vessels depends to a certain extent on the temperature at which you serve your coffee and what type of copper drinking vessels you use. The two most obvious risks are:

• Copper Poisoning- Copper is a heavy metal that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. If you drink coffee from a copper mug that is not lined on the inside with a safe, biologically inert metal such as stainless steel, the copper from which it is made can leach into your coffee and cause copper poisoning.
• Staining- Copper drinking vessels can leave unsightly stains on countertops, tables, and clothes if they are not cleaned properly after each use. However, if you follow the suggestions in the next section, which is all about how to clean your beautiful mugs properly, you won’t have to worry about this particular issue.

Now let’s dive into the cleaning details and find out how to keep your mugs bright, shiny, and hygienically clean.

How to Clean Your Copper Mugs Properly

Here are some tips that will help you to keep your copper drinking vessels in excellent condition for as long as possible:

• Always Wash By Hand- Copper vessels should be washed by hand with mild detergent and warm water. Avoid using abrasive sponges or harsh chemicals that can damage the copper as this may result in particles of the metal flaking off in your drinks. It may also spoil the aesthetic appeal of your mugs by marking the outer surface as well.
• Lemon and Salt- You can also clean your copper cups and mugs with a mixture of lemon juice and salt if you prefer. Simply rub the mixture onto the surface of each mug with a soft cloth, then rinse with warm water. If you are serving cocktails in a remote location, you are sure to have lemon and salt to hand, making this a really convenient option that doesn’t require you to remember to bring any additional cleaning solutions.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar- Another cleaning option that you may wish to consider is a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Mix equal parts of both and apply the resulting mixture to the surface of your mugs with a soft cloth, then rinse with warm water (as with the lemon and salt solution above).
• Dry Thoroughly- After cleaning, always dry your mugs thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent any water stains from forming. Use a good-quality dish towel that has been made for this specific purpose. Drying your mugs (or any kind of drinking vessels) with other types of cloth is not recommended as they may shed fibers that adhere to the inside of your mug. Whilst not particularly dangerous for your health, these fibers certainly won’t do anything to improve the taste of your cocktails!

If you follow all of the above directions, you should be able to avoid staining your countertops and other surfaces with your mugs. You should also be able to drink cocktails from your mugs in complete safety, as often as you like. However, we do not recommend using copper drinking vessels for your morning coffee if they are unlined. Doing so could expose you to the risk of copper poisoning over time, which is obviously something you will want to avoid.

Are You Looking for Stylish New Copper Drinking Vessels?

If you are shopping for copper drinking vessels that are perfectly safe for cold cocktails, please feel free to browse our store while you are here. We have a great selection of beautifully crafted Moscow mule mugs for you to buy. Each one is made to exceptionally high standards from pure copper and, thanks to the heat conductivity mentioned earlier, will keep cold drinks cold for longer than comparable glass drinking vessels.