Who doesn't love a fresh Moscow Mule in the traditional copper mugs you always see?
A common drink of choice -- especially in the summer time -- is a Moscow Mule. This drink is crisp, light, and refreshing, but why is that so? Could it be the copper mug that keeps it so cold? Or is it the ginger beer that keeps it nice and carbonated? We might never know why it tastes so good, but unfortunately, the ever-so-loved copper mug (which is, arguably, the best part!) might now have to be kept out of the drink completely.
According to The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, copper mugs might keep your drink cold, but they are ultimately bad for your health. Apparently, the Food and Drug Administration’s Model Food Code "prohibits copper from coming into direct contact with foods that have a pH below 6.0.” Foods that have a pH below 6.0 include (but not limited to) fruit juice, wine, and vinegar. Unfortunately, the Moscow Mule is usually made with lime juice, ginger beer, and vodka, which according to the Food and Drug Administration's Model Food Code, doesn't quite make the cut.
Now, I know this news can be devastating to some, as this might be one of your favorite drinks, but there is good news. You don't have to give up your Moscow Mule completely. Fortunately, the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division did clarify in saying that “copper mugs lined on the interior with another metal, such as nickel or stainless steel, are allowed to be used and are widely available.” THANK GOODNESS, am I right?
This isn't the first time copper mugs have made an appearance in the news. Not too long ago, health experts were claiming that drinking water out of a copper mug actually had health benefits. They said that "drinking water from a copper cup boosts health by reducing inflammation, bolstering brain functioning, aiding in weight loss, slowing aging, fighting cancer, and acting like an anti- microbial." So does this contradict everything we just went over? Not at all. Dr. Michael Lynch, medical director of the Pittsburgh Poison Center and assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, fired back and stated: “Drinking out of a copper mug is neither healthy or not healthy."
So, the good news is, if you paid a pretty penny to invest in Moscow Mule mugs that are not lined on the interior with another metal, at least you can drink water out of them! But if you combine the common ingredients of lime juice, ginger beer, and vodka, or anything with a pH below 6.0, you run the risk of coming into direct contact with copper.
The next time you're tempted to order a Moscow Mule, double check to make sure that the mug will be lined with another type of metal. If you'd rather not run the risk, simply ask for the signature drink in just a regular glass -- it's as easy as that!
