The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Moscow mule lovers: That copper mug could be poisoning you
Most chefs and food scientists already know not to use copper (or copper-plated) pots and pans for acidic recipes like tomato sauce, not only for health reasons but for the ways in which “reactive” cookware can alter the flavor of a recipe.
The Moscow mule — that Instagram-ready cocktail that has surged in popularity in recent years — has only a few ingredients: vodka, ginger beer, lime and ice. But perhaps the most crucial component of the drink is the copper mug in which it’s almost always served, beverage aficionados say.
Now, public health officials are warning that those mugs could be poisoning you.
An advisory bulletin from Iowa’s Alcoholic Beverages Division notes that, in keeping with Food and Drug Administration guidelines, copper should not come into contact with acidic foods with a pH below six. That includes vinegar, fruit juice, wine and, yes, a traditional Moscow mule, whose pH is “well below 6.0.” the bulletin says.
“When copper and copper alloy surfaces contact acidic foods, copper may be leached into the food,” the division notes.
Symptoms of copper poisoning include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and jaundice, according to the National Institutes of Health. “Sudden (acute) copper poisoning is rare,” NIH says. “However, serious health problems from long-term exposure to copper can occur. Severe poisoning can cause liver failure and death.”
Most chefs and food scientists already know not to use copper (or copperplated) pots and pans for acidic recipes like tomato sauce, not only for health reasons but for the ways in which “reactive” cookware can alter the flavor of a recipe.
Some may protest: How else is one supposed to drink a Moscow mule? From a glass?
Well, that is one option. But it turns out there’s an easy fix without sacrificing the photogenic qualities of the beverage. Simply make sure your Moscow mules are served in copper mugs lined on the inside with another metal, like nickel or stainless steel. The silver lining may not look as authentic in your pictures as a completely copper mug would, but it could save you a trip to the hospital. Cheers.