If the copper mug isn’t lined with another metal, like nickel or stainless steel, that could be a big problem. When the copper or copper alloys come into contact with food or liquid with a pH below 6, the copper can leach into it. So you might be taking in a concentration of copper along with your cocktail.
“High concentrations of copper are poisonous and have caused foodborne illness,” the FDA writes in their code. (These are the 9 foods most likely to make you sick.)
If you take in too much copper, you could experience symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or a yellowing of your skin called jaundice. Super-high levels can cause liver and kidney damage, the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry states.
It’s not clear how many Moscow Mules you’d have to knock back for there to be a problem, but if you want to stay safe, there’s an easy fix: When making your cocktail at home, just be sure to use copper mugs that are lined with protective substances stainless steel, like . (For more health news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our Daily Dose newsletter.)
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