I have some relatively cheap copper mugs I use for Moscow mules. The mugs have an unknown silver metal lining which is wearing off. It appears the most common linings are nickel, tin and stainless steel. My wife thinks they need to be replaced and are not safe to use.

I was reading some articles which talk about acidic drinks, like Moscow mules, leaching copper out of the mugs. For “safety” they recommended lined copper mugs. I do not see any harm using a copper mug for a few drinks a month.

My questions:

Are my mugs with the worn liner safe to use?

Is a pure copper mug safe to use?

Any recommendations for a mug either lined or unlined?

Copper is fine - have had these for 5 years, they are heavy enough to chill well and have held up like new. A little more pricey than fake ones, but that's the deal.

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I would be more concerned about the nickle, tin, or stainless steel, that is coming off and you are likely ingesting.

Doubtful it is very harmful, but why would you keep using mugs that have lining wearing off?

Toss them, get new ones.

If there is sentimental value, put on display and use others.

I have copper plated SS mugs that were gifted to us and have no issues with them.

The copper leaching into the drink is a long rumor but the research shows that it would take a drink over an hour to leach any of the copper, and my drinks never last that long.

I ate my share of pennies as a kid with no ill effects. I am sure that was a lot more copper than could ever leach into your mules. Enjoy.

In my area some of the Indian restaurants that I go to serve their drinks in copper cups. I liked them so much that I ordered 2 to take home and have used it daily for the last 7 years or more. God Bless !!!

Copper is potentially toxic.

However, a cocktail in a copper mug will not sit in the copper long enough for any appreciable amount of copper to get into your body.

quote:

Originally posted by Graniteguy:
I ate my share of pennies as a kid with no ill effects. I am sure that was a lot more copper than could ever leach into your mules. Enjoy.

Before 1982 those were 95% copper, 1983 or later would have been 97% zinc.

quote:

Originally posted by stoic-one:

quote:

Originally posted by Graniteguy:
I ate my share of pennies as a kid with no ill effects. I am sure that was a lot more copper than could ever leach into your mules. Enjoy.

Before 1982 those were 95% copper, 1983 or later would have been 97% zinc.

Yes, but that outer layer of the zinc pennies is still copper.

If you don't pop undergoing an MRI, you're probably good to go.

I wouldn't worry too much about it, you probably get more daily copper from your water pipes than a copper mule cup anyway.

Hopefully none of that silver lining is lead, or you could share the fate of the leaders of the Roman Empire.

https://www.washingtonpost.com...nd-the-fall-of-rome/