The Best Moscow Mule Mugs of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

best moscow mules simply recipes — Simply Recipes / Amanda Lauren

Moscow Mules are popular drinks to order at bars and easy enough to make at home. Los Angeles-based mixologist David Brackett says all you need is "vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, and a slice of lime to garnish." They're especially fun to drink when served out of the iconic Moscow Mule mug, which is designed to keep it icy cold for optimum enjoyment. While typically made of copper, they can also be made from stainless steel or a combination of both materials. Either way, the best ones should maintain your cocktail at a frosty temperature as you sip.

I tested several models to evaluate how they stood up to multiple cocktails, taking into consideration material, volume, chilling capability, ease of care, durability, and overall value for the money. Advanced Mixology Moscow Mule Copper Mugs came out as the best overall winner for its classic hammered copper look, generously proportioned handle, rapid chilling, and bonus accessories.

The Rundown

Best Overall:

Advanced Mixology Moscow Mule Copper Mugs at Amazon ($33)

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Best Splurge:

Coppermill Kitchen Vintage-Inspired Copper Moscow Mule Mugs Set at Neiman Marcus ($160)

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Best Black:

Staglife 16-Ounce Black Matte Moscow Mule Copper Cups at Amazon ($30)

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Best Stainless Steel:

Crate & Barrel Graphite Moscow Mule Mug at Crate & Barrel ($20)

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Best Handleless:

Godinger 20-Ounce Copper Stemless Glass at Macy's ($16)

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[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.

Amazon

View On Amazon $33 View On Wayfair

What We Love: Quick-chilling, easy to hold, bonus accessories, very affordable

What We Don’t Love: Coasters are a little cheap looking

The Advance Mixology Mule Science Moscow Mule Copper Mugs tops the list for several reasons. First, it has that classic hammered copper aesthetic you look for with Moscow Mule mugs. Constructed with 22-gauge thick barrel copper that is tarnish-resistant and lab-tested food-safe, these 4-inch-tall cups feature a large, rounded handle that makes them easy to hold and drink from. Cocktails chill quickly, so you won't have to wait too long to take a sip. The 16-ounce capacity feels just right and is not overly generous.

In addition to four mugs, this set comes with coasters, straws, a shot glass, and a twisted-handled mixing spoon. There’s even a brush to clean those bits of lime from the straws. Online reviewers give this set high marks for being easy to hand-wash clean. During my testing, I found all of the accouterments were attractive and well-designed, with the exception of the coasters, which seemed slightly cheap-looking. However, they are functional. Online reviewers also agree that this set is highly giftable, especially for lovers of the classic Moscow Mule.

advanced mixology mule science moscow mule mugs simply recipes — Simply Recipes / Amanda Lauren

Material: 22-gauge food-safe copper | Capacity: 16 ounces | Dimensions: 4 x 4 inches | Mugs in Set: 4 | Care: Hand-wash

Coppermill Kitchen Vintage-Inspired Copper Moscow Mule Mugs (Set of 4)

Food52

View On Neiman Marcus $160

What We Love: Decorative, easy to hold, brass handle

What We Don’t Love: Held less volume than listed by manufacturer

The Coppermill Kitchen Vintage-Inspired Copper Moscow Mule Mugs Set won't disappoint with its copper exterior, tin interior, and brass handle accent. These mugs are beautifully designed and the best choice to decorate a bar cart or display on an open kitchen shelf. The hammered interior and exterior have a nice contrast to them, but the vintage-looking brass handle is what sets this option apart from the rest. These 3.75-inch-tall mugs look like something you would pick up at an estate sale and that's reflected in the price. Nevertheless, if the aesthetic appeal is a priority, then you will find this set worth every penny.

During my testing, this mug cooled the cocktail fast and formed a nice layer of condensation on the outside. The easy-to-clean materials don't spot and barely pick up any fingerprints. However, we were disappointed with the capacity, listed as 18 ounces. Our measurements showed it really couldn’t hold more than 16 or 17 ounces.

coppermill moscow mule mugs simply recipes — Simply Recipes / Amanda Lauren

Material: Heavy-gauge copper exterior, tin interior, brass handle | Capacity: 16 to 17 ounces (tested) | Dimensions: 3.75 x 3 inches | Mugs In Set: 4 | Care: Hand-wash

Amazon

View On Amazon $30

What We Love: Stylish, affordable, available in two sizes

What We Don’t Love: The finish could come off

Staglife 16-Ounce Black Matte Moscow Mule Copper Cups come with two handcrafted mugs in each set. They feature a chic matte black exterior finish and a rose gold copper rim. If you’re trying to find a Moscow Mule mug set at an affordable price that adds visual interest or complements modern home decor, then opt for this one. Several online reviewers loved the stylish color. They're also available in a 20-ounce capacity.

During testing, these mugs were true to the listed capacity, cooled down drinks rapidly, and had a nice condensation. While some care was required while hand-washing, we were thrilled these mugs dried spot-free. While I was more than happy with this choice overall, it’s still important to note that the matte black finish could come off over time.

Staglife Black Moscow Mule Mugs Simply Recipes — Simply Recipes / Amanda Lauren

Material: 22-gauge copper with matte black finish | Capacity: 16 ounces | Dimensions: 4 x 3.5 inches | Mugs In Set: 2 | Care: Hand-wash

Related: The Best Citrus Juicers

Crate & Barrel

View On Crate & Barrel $20

What We Love: Minimalist design, large handle, graphite color

What We Don’t Love: Sold individually

Crate & Barrel’s Moscow Mule Mug proves that a Moscow Mule mug doesn't need to be made from copper to be both stylish and functional. Made from stainless steel with a graphite lacquer coating, this 3.75-inch high sleek mug has a minimalist yet unique aesthetic that sets it apart from the other options on the market. Its non-traditional look can inspire you to serve other icy cocktails in it, like a Dark & Stormy or classic Greyhound.

This 16-ounce mug wins points for practicality, especially thanks to the large handle. After pouring in the ingredients for a Moscow Mule, the drink cooled down in less than a minute. Many online reviewers also praised it for really keeping their drink cold. The outside of the mug developed a thin layer of condensation without dripping or making our hands wet. Overall, this mug is very comfortable to drink from because it isn't too light or heavy, with a sturdy and well-attached oversized handle. It also hand-washed easily and didn’t spot at all. My only complaint is that I wish it came in a set of two or possibly four.

Crate and Barrel Moscow Mule Mug Simply Recipes — Simply Recipes / Amanda Lauren

Material: Stainless steel with protective lacquer coating | Capacity: 16 ounces | Dimensions: 3.75 x 3 inches | Mugs In Set: 1 | Care: Hand-wash

Related: The Best Muddlers

Godinger Copper Stemless Glass, 20 Ounce

Macy's

View On Macy's $16

What We Love: Multi-use, double-walled construction keeps drinks hot or cold, easy to store

What We Don’t Love: Feels a little large in the hand

If you’re short on storage but big on Moscow Mules, you’re going to love the Godinger Copper-Plated Stemless Wine Glass Set. Made from stainless steel and shaped like a stemless wine glass, it may take up less space in your kitchen cabinet compared to other options with handles or more traditional Moscow Mule mug shapes. Better yet, since its double-walled design holds 20 ounces of either cold or hot beverage, you can sip wine or a chamomile-honey hot toddy out of it.

Each piece is handmade, so note that if you order more than one set, there may not be a consistent finish. Still, it hand-washed easily without spotting. While testing, I found this glass to be nice to drink out of, and it feels substantial in the hand. However, it may be a little too big for someone with smaller hands.

Godinger Stemless Copper Cup Simply Recipes — Simply Recipes / Amanda Lauren

Material: Copper-plated stainless steel | Capacity: 20 ounces | Dimensions: 5 x 3.25 inches | Mugs In Set: 2 | Care: Hand-wash

Related: The Best Stemless Wine Glasses

Final Verdict

We love the Advanced Mixology Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Set because it includes four attractive handcrafted mugs plus all the accouterments. On the other hand, if you want Moscow Mule mugs that will last decades and always look good, splurge on the Coppermill Kitchen Vintage-Inspired Copper Moscow Mule Mugs Set.

How We Tested

Our writer Amanda Lauren sifted through dozens of highly-rated Moscow Mule mugs, closely looking at consumer reviews and available manufacturer information to choose her top picks. We then purchased them so she could put them to the test in her home kitchen. Amanda started by unpacking the mugs and checking the actual volume versus the listed volume. She also held each piece seeing how it felt in her hand, as well as checking for manufacturing defects. After making a Moscow Mule, Amanda noted how long it took for the drink to cool down. When sipping, she assessed how cold the rim was and what it felt like to drink from the mug. The mugs were then cleaned and checked for any spotting or tarnishing.

After testing, Amanda submitted feedback about what she liked and didn’t like about each product and rated each one on the following features: Design, Durability, Quality, and Overall Value. Learn more about how we test products.

What to Look for When Buying a Moscow Mule Mug

Material

Keeping a Moscow Mule cold is essential to enjoying it, so it’s important to consider the material of a Moscow Mule mug. Brackett recommends purchasing only copper mugs and checking the manufacturer's label. “When looking for a Moscow Mule mug, you want to make sure it is made of copper, as there are many imitations just for the look,” he says. He suggests looking for at least 22-gauge copper, although it may not always be noted. If the specific gauge isn’t listed, it’s a good idea to choose a mug that has “heavy gauge" copper.

Size

You should look for a Moscow Mule mug that’s at least 16 ounces because this cocktail is served on ice. So, it's best to make sure there is enough room in the cup for both the ice and liquids.

Care

Most Moscow Mule mugs need to be hand-washed, which can be inconvenient. But it is the best way to maintain the copper and prevent tarnishing. Still, some mugs may be put in the dishwasher. Either way, it’s essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions before washing.

FAQs

Why are Moscow Mule mugs copper?

“The reason for the copper mug is that the copper is known to keep the mule colder longer and because there is ginger beer as an ingredient, you really want that icy cold temperature," says Brackett. "It also became a trend clearly, so people like to post photos of the mugs on Instagram.”

Can you serve anything else from a Moscow Mule Mug?

You can also serve a Kentucky Mule from a Moscow Mule Mug. Just substitute vodka for bourbon. You can also try a Mezcal Mule for an earthy, smoky spin on the classic using the Mexican agave-based liquor.

How should you clean a Moscow Mule mug?

Most Moscow Mule mugs should be hand-washed with soap and water, then dried with a clean dish towel or microfiber cloth. Some can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but it’s best to check and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Why Trust Simply Recipes?

Amanda Lauren is a freelance writer who has written hundreds of articles about home and lifestyle. She prefers Kentucky Mules to Moscow Mules and even served them at her wedding. In researching Moscow Mule mugs, she consulted with mixologist David Brackett to get his advice on what to look for and how to choose the best Moscow Mule mugs on the market.

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