There are very few drinks that come with their own specific brand of drink ware, but everyone knows that if you order a Moscow Mule, it better come in a frosted copper mug. Since Moscow Mules are probably my favorite cocktail (I just love me some ginger beer), I own a couple of copper mugs, and I’ve noticed that unless i’m making a mule of some sort, they sit in my bar collecting dust, which is just such a shame. Copper mugs are so pretty, and so I decided to come up with some ways you can use your copper mug starting from the moment you wake up, to right before you go to bed. 

**Note, the good people at Moscow Muled sent me this copper mug to try out, so I’m going to use their mug exclusively for this post**

Morning

Iced Coffee

Why have your morning iced coffee or cold brew in a regular glass when you can take it up a notch and enjoy it in a copper mug? Here’s a quick cold brew recipe: In a mason jar or small pitcher, combine 3/4 cup coarsely-ground coffee and 4 cups of water and stir gently. Let sit out on the counter for 8-12 hours or in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Use a coffee filter to strain out the coffee grounds and enjoy your cold brew over ice. I like mine black, but you can also make a simple syrup using equal parts sugar and water, boiled until the sugar dissolves. Boom. Starbucks ain’t got nothin’ on you.

Bloody Mary

If you prefer something a little boozier in the morning (hey, I ain’t judging), a bloody mary is a perfect beverage to enjoy in your copper mug. You can make your own mix or use a tried-and-true pre-made mix (like Charleston’s Own!) and then get creative with your toppings. Keep it simple with celery or go crazy and use a skewer to add anything from pickled okra to boiled shrimp to even a whole biscuit. The world’s your oyster (hey, why not throw some oysters in there while you’re at it). 

Smoothie Bowl

I love a good smoothie bowl, and they couldn’t be easier to put together. All you need is some fresh or frozen fruit, protein powder (if you want, this is definitely optional), some water or juice, and whatever toppings you’re into. Here’s my normal smoothie recipe: 1 cup frozen mixed berries. 1-2 scoops whey protein powder. Enough water to cover the fruit (usually about a cup to a cup and a half). I sometimes will add a tsp of turmeric if I want to feel extra healthy, or açaí if I happen to have some. Blend and pour your smoothie into a copper mug. I usually top mine with fresh berries, unsweetened dried coconut, hemp seeds, and cacao nibs, crushed walnuts. Bonus, it’s so beautiful you almost won’t want to eat it. (Almost).

Afternoon

Iced Sweet Tea

Hi, I’m Sydney and I love sweet tea. I might make some fellow southerners clutch their pearls when I say this, but usually I brew my tea without sugar and instead make a separate thing of simple syrup and add it to the tea when I pour it into my cup. The tea will keep longer, plus sometimes I want more sugar than other times, so when I want it a little sweeter, I can make it happen. I also like to make different flavored simple syrups which makes it seem like i’ve made different teas and keep me from getting bored. I usually have raspberry, rosemary, and mint simple syrups (as well as a plain, unflavored one) in my fridge that I use when I want to mix things up. 

Grits

Y’all. Grits are so good. The key to really great grits is to not use instant grits and then add in a bunch of cream, garlic, salt, and cheese. Let it cool a bit and then pour it into your copper mug (copper mugs really transmit heat, so you’ll want it to be cool enough to handle or else you’ll burn your hand). I usually top my grits with more cheese and some sliced scallions (and maybe a finishing salt if I’m feeling fancy). It really makes your grits feel a lot more elevated than normal. 

G+T

I. Love. Gin. ilovegin. If you don’t love gin, you’re wrong. One thing I learned from my grandmother, is that it’s important to celebrate happy hour every day right at 5pm on the dot with a gin and tonic (or in my case, a gin and Topo Chico, another obsession of mine). She and my grandfather were both really particular about their gins (he would only drink Beefeater and she will only drink Tanqueray). I am not as particular (although Hendrick’s is probably my favorite), and there are few things more refreshing than an afternoon G+T. I make mine with some Topo Chico and a splash of simple syrup (rosemary simple syrup is my fave).

Evening

Margarita

Tequila and I used to be really good friends, but we had a falling out after college. Nowadays, I really only like tequila in a margarita or a paloma (or something else that hides the flavor of the tequila). I prefer my margaritas on the rocks rather than frozen, although either way lends itself really well to being served in a copper mug.

Chocolate Milkshake 

End your day by treating your sweet tooth to something a little special. Make yourself a sundae or a chocolate milkshake (in a blender, add chocolate ice cream and a few splashes of milk. Or vanilla ice cream, a few splashes of milk, and chocolate syrup). I like to top mine with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Caring for your copper mug:

This brand of copper mug is made with 100% food-safe copper, lined with stainless steel. The outside will get a patina on the outside because of the oxidation, but you can get it back to shiny with a slice of lemon and some salt. Simply sprinkle a pinch of salt on a slice of lemon, allow the salt to dissolve, and then gently rub it on the surface of your mug. The lemon and salt will form a mixture that will naturally remove the patina and restore the copper’s shine. Once done, rinse with water and dry well. Handwashing is best so opt for that, with lukewarm water and a soft cloth, instead of the dishwasher. 

However you decide to use your copper mug–whether for food and drink, decorating your home bar, or holding pens or supplies on your desk–you’ll love your high-quality copper mug from Moscow Muled!