drinking coffee from a copper mug

Introduction

can you use copper mugs for coffee

A copper mug is used as a symbol of hospitality because of its shiny and cool exterior. In the past, it was traditionally used to serve beverages due to its timeless elegance and unique properties. The traditional use of this mug has expanded, and now it is used in our kitchen not only because of its allure but also for its ability to maintain temperature, which is why it is still a popular choice for separating beverages, including coffee.

That is why a question is raised in every coffee lover’s mind: is it okay to drinking coffee from a copper mug, or can you use copper mugs for coffee? To answer that query, we provide a complete guide in this article.

History of the Copper Mug

Traditional use

The roots of drinking coffee from a copper mug is started from past times. In previous centuries, countries with rich copper mines, like Russia and Turkey, used copper-made cups for serving drinks. In Russia, this mug is used for making cocktails known as Moscow mules. Just because copper material provides a cool and unique sensation while drinking. As well as in turkey, because of its heat retention property, people use it for serving hot beverages like tea and coffee. It is an ideal choice for people to drink hot beverages in it because of its ability to maintain temperature for a long period of time.

Modern adaptation

In the mid-20th century, with the rise of cocktail culture, the use of copper mugs gained admiration in bars, upscale lounges, and modern kitchens due to their versatile nature. This mug also gained popularity in the coffee world, as we mentioned above. Coffee lovers prefer to drinking coffee from a copper mug because it keeps the coffee hot for a long period of time. Due to its worldwide usage, makers now make this cup in different varieties, designing it with a modern style.

Choose a copper mug for coffee

Before finding out the advantages and hazards of drinking coffee from a copper mug, you must first find out why. Choose a copper mug for coffee. Due to the unique properties of copper, makers use it for making mugs, and users prefer it for daily use. So, what are the unique properties of copper? The answer is given below.

Temperature-holding ability

Mugs that are made up of other materials, such as glass cups or ceramic mugs, are not able to retain the temperature of hot drinks. Copper has holding ability, which is why drinkers prefer it.

How does copper keep coffee hotter for longer?

Copper keeps your beverage hot for two reasons. The first is its natural property. We all know that copper is a conductive material and easily transfers heat, which means that when you put your hot drink, like coffee, in a copper mug, it absorbs the heat of your beverage, ensuring that the temperature of your beverage remains for a longer period of time. The second reason is the thickness of the copper mug. This thickness provides excellent insulation against heat, due to which the process of heat release slows down. More over, the handle of this mug is made in such a way that the heat will never transfer to the user’s hand and provide a positive, strong grip.

Stylish and elegant look

Because of its lustrous shine and design, this mug gives viewers an aesthetic appeal. The dark coffee and the metallic shine give a beautiful combination to the coffee drinker. Also, the variety of styles gives it an eye-catching appearance, whether it is used at a dinner party or in a minimalist kitchen. It adds an elegant factor to any occasion.

Sustainability

Eco-friendly material

We are leaving the era of global warming, and that is why environmental health is our main focus factor. Every developing country prefers eco-friendly materials to counter the hazards of the atmosphere. Cooper is considered an eco-friendly material because of its recyclable ability. By just washing it once, it can easily be reused without losing its quality. That is why it is preferable to drink beverages, especially coffee, from a copper mug.

Renewable resource

Copper is a natural source obtained by extraction and mining. Because of that, this renewable material can be restored over time as compared to other non-renewable sources that cannot be restored.

Durability

Because of its restoration and recyclability, a copper mug provides durability while drinking coffee. With proper care, this mug can last for years or even decades. All we need is to wash it properly.

Reduce chemical leaching

Other materials can leach harmful materials because of their nature; compared to that kind of material, copper does not cause chemical leaching. This will be healthier for the user and ensure a safe drinking experience.

Energy efficiency

There is not much energy required to produce copper mugs as compared to other materials, and also because of its heat-maintenance ability, as we mentioned above, it can prevent the consumption of more energy and the user from reheating coffee again and again while drinking from a copper mug.

Potential health factor

Antimicrobial properties

Drinking coffee from a copper mug can not only provide you with a charming feel, but it also reduces the risk of containing microbial elements because of its antimicrobial properties in nature. Studies show that copper surfaces have the ability to oppose the growth of viruses, bacteria, and fungi and prevent germs, which is why they are the best hygienic choice for the user.

Antioxidant boost

As studies prove that free radicals are very unstable molecules that can easily damage human cells and cause many diseases, drinking coffee from a copper mug can reduce this risk factor as well because copper has antioxidant abilities.

Anti-inflammatory property

As we all know, drinking from a copper mug has been around for centuries. At that time, people thought that it could help alleviate joint pain and inflammation because of the anti-inflammatory properties of copper. But there is no scientific evidence to support this belief.

Digestion enhancement

There is also another belief present in this mug. In ayurvedic tradition, people believe that this mug can enhance the digestive tract and promote human gut health because drinking from it can cause the maximum absorption of nutrients. But remember that it is just a traditional belief that there is no scientific proof present.

Concerns and precautions regarding copper mug usage

After discussing the advantages, users should also know about some concerns regarding coper mugs before drinking coffee from a copper mug.

While thinking about concerns, the first query is about…

Is it safe to drink from a copper mug?

Many experts agree that there are no safety concerns while drinking in a copper cup, but there are also some experts who say that beverages with a low pH level should be avoided because they cause some damage to the human body. especially to avoid Moscow mule and wine because they have a low pH level. The experts also forced users not to pour the beverage for a long time in a copper mug because it can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, and, in some cases, irritation in the nose and throat. There are also some problems that users may face, which are given as follows:

Leaching of copper

Drinking coffee from a copper mug is normal. But the acidic beverage, which prolongs the pour in the copper mug, can cause some chemical reactions. As we all know, copper is a reactive element, so when it comes into contact with an acidic beverage like coffee for a long period of time, it can cause a reaction between the acidic substance and the copper surface. As a result of this reaction, a small amount of copper may be mixed with your drink, causing copper toxicity, also called leaching of copper. It can be harmful for the liver and create some diseases, such as

Nausea: Because of the leaching of CO2, a person can be affected by nausea. It is a kind of stomach discomfort in which a person feels an urge to vomit. This is because the body gets an excess amount of toxic copper through your drink.
Gastrointestinal distribution: problems in the digestive system like vomiting and diarrhea can be created because of this leaching process. An adult person may not be affected much, but a child’s digestive system is a little bit weaker than an adult’s digestive system.
Liver damage: As with the digestive system, leaching can have a negative impact on the liver and can damage your liver, and a person may survive a liver disorder.
Allergic reaction: Some people have allergic problems such as irritation in the skin and nose. Leaching processes can increase their problems.
Wilson’s dieses: A rare inherited disorder called Wilson’s disease It is a genetic disease in which the body is unable to metabolize copper elements properly, causing copper accumulation.

but remember that this only occurs when the user exposes their beverage to a mug of copper for a long time.

Precautions

To reduce the potential risk of leaching copper in your drink while drinking coffee from a copper mug or drinking other beverage there are some precautions you should take. Through that precaution, you not only maintain the taste of your beverage but also protect yourself from diseases. Some precautions are as follows:

Limited exposure: As previously stated, the cause of leaching is prolonged exposure of a beverage in a copper mug; therefore, users should avoid exposing their drink for an extended period of time. Use the mug within the limit.
Interior lining: At the time of purchase, always prefer that coffee mug that has a non-reactive interior lining, like stainless steel or nickel. These non-reactive metals work as a barrier and provide insulation between your beverage and the surface of copper. Because of this, no leaching is produced.
Regular inspection: Check your mug properly; if there are any signs of tarnishing or corrosion in your copper mug, then you must replace it because it will have a negative impact on your health.
Proper cleaning: Always wash your mug with soap and water after using it. Remember, do not use abrasive material for cleaning because it will damage the protective layer, and the chances of leaching increase because of it.
Consultant healthcare advice: As we mentioned in the above section, there are some natural diseases, such as allergic problems or Wilson’s diseases. To avoid any kind of misadventure, always discuss it with your personal doctor or health advisor before using copper products like mugs or cups.

Cleaning and maintenance

After understanding drinking coffee from a copper mug, it’s time to understand its cleaning and maintenance. A copper mug just needs proper cleaning and maintenance, and it will provide you with the best experience of your drink. But there are some steps of cleaning through which the quality of your mug remains constant. Those steps are as follows:

cleaning

Hand wash only: A copper mug needs to be washed by hand only; do not wash it in the dishwasher; it will lead to tarnishing and damage the surface of the mug.
Use soap and water only: Wash your mug with soap and water only; avoid any kind of other chemical material; it may cause some negative effects on your mug.
Use sponge: Always use a soft cloth or sponge for cleaning the internal and external parts of your mug. Abrasive material can scratch the surface of the mug and cause leaching, so avoid it.
Open-air drying: After a perfect wash, dry your mug in open air until you make sure that there is no moisture left in it.
Properly store: After perfectly drying in the air, store it properly. Always use a felt bag or cloth to protect your mug from dust. Place it away from sunlight to prevent discoloration.

Maintenance

Regular polishing: It is not necessary, but if you want to maintain the shininess of your mug, you can polish it every week or every month. Because of doing that, your mug looks shiny and gives the proper charm to drinking.
Regular checking: It is necessary to check your mug regularly. If there are any symptoms of tarnishing or corrosion, you may find them. Then replace it before wasting any time.
Handle carefully: Like other cups or crockery, a copper mug also needs proper handling. Careless handling can reduce its quality.

Alternative to a copper mug

Drinking coffee from a copper mug is ok but if you want to try some other mug then here we mention an alternative solution…

Copper-lined mug

One of the best alternatives to a copper mug is a copper-lined mug. It is basically a copper mug whose exterior is made of other lining materials like stainless steel or nickel. This will provide the best combination of an exterior copper-shining surface with other internal insulation material.

Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
In this mug, the lining layer will protect the mug from wear and tear and also reduce the dent and scratch factor. Because of this, it will be more durable than an ordinary copper mug. From a maintenance point of view, it needs less care as compared to a normal copper cup. The cost of this mug is also low because a low-cost material is used in the manufacturing process.	Because of their composition with other materials, these mugs have less heat-tolerance capability as compared to pure nickel. The ability to tolerate may vary with respect to the properties of other materials that are used in the composition of the mug.

Another recommended articles

how to refresh old coffee beans

can you grind nuts in a coffee grinder

Conclusion

Drinking coffee from a copper mug can enhance your drinking experience. It will not only provide a charming feel, but this mug can also maintain the taste and temperature of your beverage because of its heat-maintaining ability, as we mentioned above. But there are some concerns too, such as leaching, and every user should avoid the causing factor of leaching to prevent disease and follow proper steps of maintenance and cleaning to maintain its quality for a long time.

In short, in this article, our team gives complete, comprehensive knowledge and guidelines about the rising topic of drinking coffee from a copper mug and makes sure that we provide all the necessary considerations to the users. So, users should remember these factors before buying and follow the proper steps for cleaning and maintenance. Also, if someone is not properly satisfied with this mug, they should read the alternative section we mentioned above, in which we discuss the best alternate of this pure copper mug, which is the lining copper mug. Finally, we hope that our readers will get the best information about the copper mugs.

FAQ’s

Can I serve other beverages in a copper mug?

The answer is yes. Why not? A copper mug can be used for different beverages, as we mentioned above; besides coffee, it can be used for different juices, tea, water, and other beverages.

Can copper cause cancer?

After researching, our team has come to the conclusion that there is no scientific research proving that copper can cause cancer. It is totally a myth. An experiment on mice proves that the combination of copper-based nanoparticles with immunotherapy can decrease the chances of tumor and cancer.

Can I use a copper mug for cold brew or iced coffee?

Yes, just like drinking coffee from a copper mug, a coffee mug is also used for cold brew and iced coffee. Because of its temperature-maintaining ability, it can preserve the cold temperature of your iced coffee for a long time, and the user will enjoy the natural taste without losing the quality.