Moscow Mule glass: how to buy, use and care for it
What exactly is a Moscow Mule glass?
The Moscow Mule glass is a copper mug typically available in 450-500ml sizes. This glass is used exclusively for the cocktail of the same name, the Moscow Mule. As with the gin glass, the mug is now as famous as the cocktail itself, and when ordering, one expects to be served in this mug, not a standard cocktail glass.
This mug stands out from other classic glasses thanks to its copper exterior. This coating provides excellent thermal conductivity, keeping cocktails chilled for much longer. Finally, its generous 450ml capacity makes it perfect for a generous cocktail to share between two. Limonadier explains the advantages of this glass, the different models available, and most importantly, where to buy them.
Why is copper essential for a true Moscow Mule?
While Moscow mule glasses are prized for their unique design in the world of cocktails, the copper coating serves a purpose beyond aesthetics. We'll explore why, if you want to make these cocktails, you absolutely must buy one with this copper coating.
The thermal process step by step:
Step 1: Cooling the container
In a bar, it sometimes happens that the bartender leaves a mug of beer in the fridge and only takes it out when a customer arrives and orders a beer. This results in a nice, cold, and refreshing beer. The same idea applies to our cocktail. According to the Limonadier team, we recommend leaving your Moscow Mule glasses for 15 minutes so that the copper coating absorbs the cold and then releases it.
- Prerequisites: freezer / refrigerator
- Duration: 10-15 minutes
- Result: frosted exterior, cool interior
Step 2: Contact with the ice cubes and the liquid
When you pour your drink, the heat transfer occurs as it comes into contact with the pre-chilled walls, keeping your cocktail cold for longer. Adding ice cubes will enhance this effect, keeping it chilled for up to 20 minutes.
- Prerequisite: quality ice cubes (filtered water, slow freezing)
- Tools: jigger for precise measuring, mixing spoon
- Result: cocktail temperature consistent at 1-2°C
Step 3: Maintaining the temperature during tasting
Your Moscow mule glass is on your table. When you pick it up, you're holding the handle, which prevents your body heat from transferring to the glass. Your heat won't affect the glass itself. The coating will therefore continue to conduct the cold into your cocktail thanks to its excellent thermal properties. This is unlike a tumbler glass, where you hold your hand against the glass, which quickly warms your drinks. That's why Moscow mule glasses are unique, and if you want to recreate the experience, you'll need to purchase this type of glassware.
- Prerequisite: handling by the loop only
- Result: Ice-cold Moscow mule down to the last sip
Success factors identified:
The art of table setting and mixology requires practice, but choosing the right materials can also be a significant factor in achieving a good result.
| Material | Thermal conductivity | Cold storage | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure copper | 400 W/m·K | Excellent (2-3 hours) | 35-55€ |
| 18/10 stainless steel | 16 W/m·K | Very good (1.5-2 hours) | 15-30€ |
| Traditional glass | 1 W/m·K | Average (30-45 min) | 5-12€ |
| Ceramic | 1.5 W/m·K | Average (35-50 min) | 18-35€ |
Why buy a Moscow Mule glass?
Advantages and limitations
As we've seen, the main advantage of Moscow mule glasses lies in their unique design and exceptional heat retention. However, all this comes at a price. Indeed, Moscow mule glasses are available for purchase at a high price, ranging from 20 to 35 euros each, compared to an average price of 15 to 30 euros for a classic cocktail glass.
| Criteria | Benefits | Boundaries | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal | 3x superior cold storage | Manual cooling required | Freeze 15 minutes before serving |
| Interview | Authentic natural patina | Oxidation if improperly dried | Instant drying + lemon polish |
| Sustainability | 8-12 years old, intensive use | Bumps if you fall | Secure storage + careful handling |
| Price | Investment paid for in 2-3 years | Initial cost €25-55/piece | Professional bulk purchase (-20%) |
| Security | Antibacterial coating | Copper migration if not tinned | Check the internal tin/stainless steel coating |
That feeling when you hold the handle of your iced glasses in your hand. It's an experience you can't replicate with any other container. Furthermore, as we've already mentioned, when you order a Moscow Mule in a pub, you expect to receive it in that type of glass, not another.
Go to a bar by the sea and you will see for yourself that this glass is present on a bar table that respects itself and knows about the art of cocktails.
On the downside, this type of mug takes up a fair amount of space in your storage. It's wide and tall, not to mention the handle. You'll need suitable storage space. Secondly, there's the maintenance. If copper isn't dried properly, it will begin to oxidize and the color will darken. This is easily remedied with lemon and salt. However, it's important to know that this type of mug requires care from the moment you buy it.
What are the Moscow Mule glass trends in 2025?
Summary: The Moscow Mule glass trends for 2025 favor eco-friendly recycled copper (62% growth). Consumers want to consume better by finding eco-responsible products.
Trend 1: Recycled copper and eco-certifications
Demand for eco-friendly glassware made from recycled copper surged by 62% in 2024, according to the Sustainable Barware Association. RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) and FSC certifications for packaging are becoming priority purchasing criteria for 54% of French hospitality establishments.
- Advantages: 47% reduction in carbon footprint, guaranteed traceability, responsible image
- Target audience: Restaurants committed to CSR, eco-conscious luxury hotels
Trend 2: Personalization
Consumers have realized that buying an engraved glass allows the drinker to quickly personalize it and avoid mixing it with the rest of their collection. They will enjoy regularly using the glass you bought for them. Please allow an additional 24-72 hours for the engraving process. This option is very common in the world of flasks and spirits .
- Unit selling price: +€8-15 per piece for simple engraving
- Target audience: high-end events, corporate gifts, signature hotels
Trend 3: XXL formats 600-700ml
A trend that originated on social media is having extra-large cocktail containers. This trend is emerging in some pubs and festive venues. These containers are perfect for taking photos and can be shared.
- Advantages: guaranteed wow effect, user-friendly sharing
- Capacity: 600-700ml
- Unit selling price: €48-85
- Target audience: summer terraces, families
What is the price to buy a Moscow Mule glass?
A Moscow Mule glass is generally available for around €20 for a standard size. The price of this type of tableware can increase rapidly depending on the options chosen: handle, hammered finish, other finishes, etc., reaching up to €30 per glass.
| Range | Price | Features | Target | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | €15 - €25 | 18/8 stainless steel, simple polished finish, 450ml capacity, basic copper coating | high-volume advertising, events, occasional home use | 3-5 days / €4.90 |
| Mid-range | €28 - €45 | Stainless steel plated, machine-hammered finish, 480ml, tinned interior | Specialty cocktail restaurants, standard hotels/restaurants/cafés, and passionate individuals | 2-4 days / €6.90 |
| High-end | €48 - €68 | 99.9% pure, hand-hammered, 500ml, traditional tin plating, RCS certified | Premium cocktail pub, luxury hotels, collectors | 24-48 hours / Free for orders over €150 |
| Handcrafted prestige | €72 - €85 | Certified recycled, hand-numbered finishes, 520-600ml, engraving included, wooden box | Michelin signature, VIP gifts, collector's items | 48-72 hour express / Free + insurance |
As is often the case with tableware, individual purchases are more expensive than buying in bulk. Bulk purchases often benefit from volume discounts, free delivery, and more payment options.
According to Limonadier, be wary of glasses sold at suspiciously low prices. They might be made of non-food-grade copper or simply of poor quality. Besides degrading, your glass could also be toxic. Therefore, don't hesitate to buy a quality glass.
Where can I buy a Moscow Mule glass at the best price?
Summary: Moscow Mule glassware can be purchased through specialized CHR wholesalers (best professional prices), e-commerce marketplaces (customer selection and reviews), specialized cocktail shops (expert advice) and direct artisans (unique pieces), with varying delivery options and guarantees depending on the channel.
Option 1: Professional catering wholesalers
- Advantages: better volume pricing (-20 to -30%), fast 24-48 hour delivery, dedicated customer service, 2-year breakage guarantee
- Price: €18-55 depending on range and volume ordered
- Delivery: free from €150 excluding VAT, 24-hour express delivery available (+€15)
- Warranty: 24 months standard exchange, 10 years against manufacturing defects
- Customer service: professional hotline 6 days a week, simplified recurring orders
Recommended players: Metro Cash & Carry, Transgourmet, Promocash all have Moscow Mule ranges certified for food contact.
Option 2: Specialized e-commerce marketplaces
- Advantages: easy price/review comparison, wide selection of designs, loyalty program, frequent promo codes (-10 to -15%)
- Price: €15-75 across all ranges
- Delivery: Standard 3-5 days (€4.90-€6.90), Amazon Prime 24h for members
- Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee, 2-year legal guarantee
- Customer support: chatbot + email, average response time 24-48 hours
Reliable platforms: Amazon Professionals, ManoMano Pro, Maxicoffee Barista, Limonadier
Option 3: Specialty shops
- Advantages: personalized expert advice, in-store product testing, cocktail workshops included, quality-controlled selection
- Price: €32-68 (mid-range/high-end positioning)
- Delivery: 2-4 business days (€6.90), free for in-store pickup
- Warranty: 3-year extended warranty available (+15% of the price), direct exchange in store
- Customer service: excellent, privileged customer relationship, VIP loyalty program
Key brands: The Cocktail Shop Paris, Spiritueux Dugas Lyon, Le Comptoir Irlandais
Artisan platforms: Etsy Artisans France, Made in France Box, trade shows
Limonadier's advice: for your first purchase, visit different pubs to try them out, touch them, and compare. Once you've made your choice, buy it from an online store for more options, savings, and free shipping.
How to effectively care for and maintain a Moscow Mule glass?
Recommended maintenance schedule:
| Frequency | Actions | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | Hand wash in lukewarm water with mild dish soap, rinse thoroughly, dry immediately with a microfiber cloth | 2-3 min/piece | Free |
| Bimonthly | Lemon and coarse salt polish: rub for 30 seconds, rinse, dry, buff with a dry cloth for maximum shine | 5 min/piece | approximately €0.50 (lemon + salt) |
| Monthly | Interior coating inspection, checking for scratches/chips, inspection of handles and welds | 2 min/piece | Free |
| Quarterly | Deep anti-oxidation treatment: paste of baking soda and white vinegar, leave on for 10 minutes, rinse, intense polish | 15 min/piece | approximately €1.20 (baking soda + vinegar) |
| Annual | Professional inspection of internal tinning, re-tinning if necessary (normal wear after 800-1000 uses) | 1 hour (workshop drop-off) | 12-18€/piece |
Fatal mistakes to absolutely avoid:
- Abrasive products: scouring sponges will scratch the copper and create micro-cracks where oxidation will occur. Use only soft sponges or microfiber cloths.
- Humid storage: Storing mugs that are still damp in a closed cupboard creates an environment conducive to accelerated oxidation. Residual moisture + lack of ventilation = residue in your glass and therefore an unpleasant odor that will spoil your tasting experience.
- Prolonged contact with acids: leaving lemon juice or ginger beer in the mug for several hours will damage the coating. Always empty and rinse after use.
A pro tip is to always keep white vinegar or baking soda in your cupboard. Every restaurant or pub has them. And for good reason: as soon as your mugs get dirty, rub them with lemon or wash them with baking soda to restore their original shine.
When you buy them, you might not think about it, but storing Moscow mule glasses is tricky because they take up space. Limonadier's advice is to do as they do in commercials: install a rail high up in a cupboard or kitchen and hang the mugs by their handles. This way you won't waste space and will avoid repeated bumping and knocking.
