Blackberry Mule Mocktail
Copper mugs aren't just for cocktails! Try serving our blackberry mule mocktail in a traditional copper mug for a frosty beverage that has all the flavor of a mixed drink without the alcohol. Virgin cocktails and low-abv drinks are becoming a common sight on beverage menus everywhere as consumers look for healthier alternatives to their boozier counterparts. You can expand your beverage menu with crowd-pleasing mocktails while also taking advantage of the high margins.
Shop Copper MugsIs Ginger Beer the Same as Ginger Ale?
No, ginger beer isn't the same as ginger ale. Ginger beer has more zing than ginger ale, which is important when you are crafting a mocktail. Alcohol often brightens the other flavors in a drink. When you remove the spirits to create a mocktail, the flavors can fall flat. A ginger beer mocktail makes a great alcohol-free drink because the ginger stands out and helps to sharpen the taste of the other ingredients.
Blackberry Mule Mocktail Recipe
This mocktail recipe combines fizzy ginger beer with sweet blackberry syrup for a refreshing summer beverage. Just like a traditional Moscow mule, the copper mug becomes chilled from the crushed ice and keeps the drink frosty.
Yield: (1) 8 ounce serving
Total Time: 5 minutes
Blackberry Mocktail Ingredients
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1 ounce Monin wild blackberry syrup
- Crushed ice
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- Fresh mint leaves
- Blackberries for garnish
Directions
- Juice lime half into copper mug.
- Add blackberry syrup.
- Fill mug with crushed ice.
- Top off the mug with ginger beer.
- Garnish with blackberries and mint leaves.
Many bars and restaurants are now offering a mocktail list on their drink menus. It's an easy trend to adopt, especially if you already have a bar stocked with mixers and ingredients. Try adding our simple blackberry mule mocktail to your menu to expand your offerings and boost your beverage sales.
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Sober Night Life: Why Non Alcoholic Bars Are the New Hotspots
It’s well-known that alcohol can negatively affect your health, posing a challenge for health-conscious consumers seeking the social scene of bars while avoiding or limiting consumption. Enter the sober bar. A top bar industry trend, sober bars are establishments that serve non-alcoholic beverages and focus on providing safe and enjoyable environments for people who choose not to drink. Explore the world of socially conscious nightlife, including sober bar models and ingredients, along with the movements driving them. What Is a Sober Bar? Also known as nonalcoholic bars and zero proof bars, sober bars are social spaces that serve specialty nonalcoholic cocktails and beverages. The first sober bars, like The Brink in Liverpool, England, were created to offer nightlife experiences to those recovering from substance abuse. But that was back in 2011. Today, the rise of sober bars marks a larger trend toward health and wellness. Many sober bar menus aren’t filled with sugar-laden virgin daiquiris and pina coladas. Instead, their zero proof drinks often use health-boosting ingredients like kombucha, botanicals, and house-made bitters. Zero Proof Bar Benefits With a focus on events, health, and community, zero proof bar owners have the opportunity to create an equitable space for people to socialize and connect without the pressure to drink alcohol. Discover the top benefits of opening a sober bar below: Create Community - As a sober bar owner, you can position your business as an event center and partner with other local businesses. Sober bars exist to build communities where people can engage with each other unencumbered by booze. From classic gatherings like live music and trivia nights to yoga and art classes, sober bars are great spaces to build community. Cater to Health-Concious Patrons - As we see an ongoing trend towards health and wellness, sober bars are uniquely positioned to attract health-minded patrons. Offering menus that cater to plant-based diets and working natural supplements into zero proof cocktails can set your sober bar apart. Less Liability Risks - Alcohol consumption can impair judgment and coordination, leading to accidents and injuries. If patrons don’t drink in moderation or have a designated driver, it can lead to DUI incidents and driving accidents. By eliminating alcohol, sober bar owners have fewer liability concerns. Advertise as an Ideal First Date Location - Sober bars can advertise themselves as an ideal location for blind and first dates since they're open in the evening and provide a “going out” experience but can be less intimating than traditional nightlife spots. Meeting someone for the first time in a traditional bar setting can be daunting, especially since dating apps have made first dates with total strangers the cultural norm. Even without alcohol, sexual harassment and assault are still possible, and sober bar owners should still develop an angel shot system to extricate patrons from harassment situations. This is especially important for female-identifying persons, who are disproportionately affected by sexual assault and violence. Sober Bar Drinks Sober bar beverage menus incorporate a variety of ingredients ranging from zero proof liquors and adaptogens to cava. Let's take a closer look at popular sober bar drinks and ingredients: Zero Proof Liquor - One way to create sober bar drinks is by using zero proof liquor. These non-alcoholic spirits are designed to mimic the flavor and complexity of traditional liquors but without the alcohol content. This means that guests can enjoy the taste of their favorite cocktails without the buzz. Alcohol-Free Cocktails - For those looking for healthier options, many sober bars offer specialty mocktails (non-alcoholic mixed drinks) made with fresh juices, herbs, and spices. These drinks can be just as flavorful and satisfying as their alcoholic counterparts but without the added calories and hangovers. However, you won’t see many sober bars calling their mocktails by that name. The term “mocktail” suggests a knockoff version of a luxury item. Sober bars believe their specialty drinks are experiences unto themselves, not shadows of their alcoholic counterparts. Kava and Kratom - Two other non-alcoholic options that are gaining popularity in the sober bar scene are kava and kratom. Kava is a plant-based drink that is said to have calming and anxiety-reducing effects. Kratom is a tropical tree that is used for its pain-relieving and mood-boosting properties. Both can be consumed in the form of teas or tinctures. Non-Alcoholic Beer and Wine - Of course, no sober bar menu would be complete without non-alcoholic beer and wine. These drinks have been around for decades, but recent advancements in brewing and fermentation techniques have led to a wider variety of flavors and styles. From hoppy IPAs to crisp chardonnays, there is a non-alcoholic option for every taste preference. Adaptogen Drinks - Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help the body adapt to stress and promote overall wellness. They've been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and now they're making their way into the world of cocktails. Adaptogen drinks can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as ashwagandha, reishi mushrooms, and maca roots. Tea Cocktails - These drinks are made by infusing tea with herbs, fruits, and spices, and then adding in other non-alcoholic ingredients for flavor and texture. The result is a complex and flavorful drink that can be just as sophisticated as any alcoholic cocktail. There are countless tea cocktails to choose from, each with its unique flavor profile. For example, a basil green tea cocktail could be made with egg white, brewed green tea, basil syrup, lemon juice, and pineapple juice. Or, a hibiscus tea cocktail could be made with hibiscus tea, ginger beer, lime juice, and a sprig of fresh mint. Outside of sober bars, tea cocktails are also popular menu items at tea bars. Types of Sober Bars While some zero proof bars operate as completely alcohol-free spaces, many traditional bars are choosing to expand their nonalcoholic offerings to cater to more guests without forgoing their classic bar menus. Learn how hospitality operators are managing the trend towards sober nightlife by browsing the different types of sober bars. 0 to 100 Proof Menus - In response to the health movement, some bars choose to offer a mix of low-ABV drinks, premium zero proof beverages, and traditional cocktails. This puts the choice in the hands of the consumer to select the beverages that meet their overall social, mental, and physical goals. Unlike the lackluster nonalcoholic beers of the past, their customers will receive a high-quality beverage regardless of whether it contains alcohol. This model also helps patrons avoid binge drinking, since it’s easy to switch to a nonalcoholic option as the night progresses. 21 + Sober Bars - While sober bars make an attractive nightlife alternative for those not yet of legal drinking age, some owners choose to reserve their establishments for patrons over the age of 21. They want to retain the atmosphere of a traditional nightlife business and don’t want more mature patrons to avoid their business because it feels like a high school haunt. Most sober bars are highly sophisticated and appeal to professionals. Sober Bars with Event Spaces - Sober bars hinge on community, so many owners will have space to host events. Whether it be a stage for hosting live musicians, a dance floor, or areas to hold fitness classes, these sober bars act as event centers, tying in other local businesses and artists. Coffee Shop by Day, Sober Bar by Night - A popular coffee house trend is diversifying how they use their space, and sober bars are the perfect opportunity to do this. Coffee shops that traditionally close in the late afternoon are reopening in the evening as sober bars. They offer their unique nonalcoholic cocktails and other zero proof drinks during their evening service. This allows them to use their space to capture a different set of clientele and expand their sales. Social Movements that Birthed Sober Bars The emergence of non-alcoholic bars reflects a broader shift in society towards healthier and more mindful living. According to a recent study by Streetbees, out of the 1,700 drinking-age millennials in the U.S. recently interviewed, 1 in 2 had lessened their drinking in the past year. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Many people are also embracing the sober curious movement, which encourages people to explore a sober lifestyle, and others are practicing mindful drinking. What Is the Sober Curious Movement? The sober curious movement is a call to question the role alcohol plays in our individual lives. The movement is not about being completely sober or giving up alcohol forever, but rather taking a break from drinking to see how it affects health, well-being, and relationships. It's a way to challenge the societal norm of drinking in social situations and explore alternative ways of socializing and having fun without alcohol. What Is Mindful Drinking? Mindful drinking is the practice of being aware and intentional about the amount and type of alcohol one consumes. Consuming alcohol, often in large volumes, has long been the societally accepted way to relax, celebrate, and socialize. When practicing mindful drinking, people are questioning these societal norms. Instead of complying with the expected, they’re evaluating whether each drink is serving them as individuals in their social, mental, and bodily health goals before consuming it. Mindful Drinking vs Sober Curious It is important to note that mindful drinking is different from the sober curious movement. While both movements involve reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption, sober curious individuals typically abstain from alcohol altogether, whereas mindful drinkers may still choose to consume alcohol in moderation. What Caused the Sober Curious and Mindful Drinking Movements? There are several reasons behind the rise of mindful drinking and the sober curious movement. Firstly, people are becoming more health-conscious and are looking for alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages, as excessive drinking can lead to a range of health problems in the long term. The immediate negative effects of alcohol, such as hangovers and impaired judgment, are leading people to explore mindful drinking to mitigate these effects. Additionally, many people are becoming more aware of the negative impact of alcohol on society, such as drunk driving and alcohol-related violence. By being more intentional about their alcohol consumption, or avoiding it entirely, people can enjoy a night out without the negative consequences of excessive drinking. Whether people are abstaining from alcohol entirely, or mindfully examining how it’s affecting them, society is shifting towards reduced alcohol consumption. We can expect to see a growing demand for nonalcoholic beverages and alcohol-free communal spaces. The hospitality industry is adapting by offering high-quality zero proof drinks and alcohol-free nightlife environments.
Are Copper Mugs Safe?
Copper mugs are safe to drink from, and most Moscow mule mugs are lined with another material that fully eliminates the concern of copper exposure and copper toxicity. Even with an unlined mug, copper poisoning is only possible if there is a great amount of copper exposure to the body. As we explain below, it is improbable that a guest will be exposed to such a large amount of copper when drinking out of a copper mug at a bar. Shop All Copper Mugs Is It Safe to Drink out of Unlined Copper Mugs? Unlined copper mugs are generally safe to drink out of, as copper toxicity is highly unlikely. According to a study done by the National Research Council (US) Committee, copper toxicity symptoms only occurred after ingesting 30 milligrams of copper per liter that had been sitting in an unlined, pure copper mug for hours. This means that a guest would need to consume a liter’s worth of Moscow mules that had been sitting in an unlined copper mug for several hours before copper poisoning is a possibility. Lined vs. Unlined Copper Mugs Copper toxicity is not likely for the Moscow mule lover drinking out of a pure, unlined copper mug. Nevertheless, it is impossible to rule out the potential. As a result, some bar owners might prefer to stock up on lined copper mugs for easier upkeep, fewer health concerns, or to comply with state regulations on lined copper mug use. Many copper mugs that you will find for purchase are copper-plated over stainless steel, nickel, or tin, or are lined with those materials. Copper Mug Safety Safety concerns regarding the copper mug were raised when the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division issued an advisory bulletin in July of 2017. In this report, the Division notified the public that Iowa would no longer serve cocktails in unlined copper mugs based on the FDA’s stance. Why Did Iowa Ban Unlined Copper Mugs? Iowa banned unlined copper mugs in accordance with the FDA's suggestion. The FDA asserts that copper may leach from an unlined copper mug into food and beverage that has a pH lower than 6. As such, the FDA suggests that establishments do not allow copper to contact food and drink with that acidity level. A Moscow mule falls under this category because lime juice and ginger beer both have a pH lower than 6. However, many states allow unlined copper cup use in bars. Be sure to check with your state regulations to see which type of copper mug to use. Unlined or lined copper mugs are both unlikely to cause copper poisoning at your bar. To fully ensure drinking safety, make sure to properly care for your copper mugs. When these mugs are correctly maintained, your guests can enjoy drinking from this quaint, special cup for years to come. <aside class="pquote"> <blockquote> The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details. </blockquote> </aside>
How to Clean Copper Mugs
Copper mugs are the choice drinkware for signature well drinks, like the Moscow mule and dark ‘n’ stormy. They add a rustic touch to your barware and are excellent thermal conductors, keeping cold drinks chilled in the summer or hot drinks, such as mulled cider, warm in the fall. Unsurprisingly, copper mugs require unique care. Follow the guide below for correct cleaning and shining techniques, so you can maximize the safety of your guests and the longevity of your copper mugs. Shop All Moscow Mule Mugs Cleaning Copper Mugs Below, we have outlined how to wash copper mugs. Be sure to have appropriate supplies to clean metal mugs properly. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PkkiDZOCohY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> What You Need to Clean Copper Mugs For Washing Copper Mugs: It is best to use mild dish soap and a soft sponge to avoid corroding or scratching the metal. For Drying Copper Mugs: Use a soft cotton or hemp cloth to dry your metal mugs, not polyester or synthetic cloths, as they may scratch the surface. How to Wash Copper Mugs Follow these instructions to practice proper copper mug care: Using a soft sponge, mild soap, and warm water, scrub your copper mug in circular motions until debris and other grime are gone. Rinse the mug with warm water to remove soap and particles. Dry the mug thoroughly with a soft dish towel. Using a second dish towel, dry the mug again. *Note: Any leftover water or dampness can result in oxidation and tarnishing of your copper mugs, so a second drying is essential to preserve shine and keep the copper intact. Are Copper Mugs Dishwasher Safe? Copper mugs are generally not dishwasher safe. Many copper cups have a lining or food-safe lacquer in place to protect the copper and prevent potential copper exposure to your patrons. Dishwashers use harsh soap, washing, and heating techniques, which can easily weaken linings or coatings. Not only will your copper mugs tarnish and look weathered, but they may also pose a small but unlikely risk to your patrons. For these reasons, it is important to wash coated or lined copper mugs by hand. Are Unlined Copper Mugs Dishwasher Safe? A 100% pure, unlined copper mug is technically dishwasher safe because they have no lining that would corrode. However, we still highly recommend hand washing unlined copper mugs to preserve quality, as they are a delicate object susceptible to dents and tarnishing. Drinking Moscow mules from pure, unlined copper mugs is generally safe, though concerns have been raised in the past. Are Lined Copper Mugs Dishwasher Safe? Lined copper mugs are not consider dishwasher safe. Many copper mugs are copper-plated over nickel, stainless steel, or tin, or are lined with those materials. This extra support makes the mug more durable and eradicates any exposure to copper, provided they are properly washed by hand. If these copper mugs are not cleaned by hand, the lining may crack or flake in a dishwasher. How to Remove Tarnish from Copper Over time, your copper mugs are likely to develop tarnishes and patina because copper naturally reacts with oxygen in the air. If you want to revitalize the charming glow of your copper mugs, you can easily care for copper mugs with products in your kitchen. How to Remove Tarnish from Copper with Lemon and Salt Pour 4 tablespoons of salt into a shallow bowl. Cut a lemon into fourths. Dip the slices into the salt until completely covered. Scrub the inside and outside of the mug with salt-covered lemon slices in a circular motion. Rinse with water. Dry twice thoroughly with separate soft dish towels. How to Remove Tarnish from Copper with Vinegar and Baking Soda Create a paste with 3 parts baking soda and 1 part vinegar. Using a sponge, cover the mug with the paste. Allow the paste to sit for 5-10 minutes. Scrub mug with the sponge using a circular motion to remove tarnish. Rinse with water. Dry twice thoroughly with separate soft dish towels. How to Remove Tarnish from Copper with Vinegar, Salt, and Water Mix one cup of vinegar with one tablespoon of salt and four to five cups of water. Place the copper mug into the pot, and bring water to a boil. Leave boiling until tarnish falls away from the copper. Remove with tongs. If needed, scrub more with a cloth or soft brush. Rinse and dry twice thoroughly with separate soft dish towels. How to Remove Tarnish from Copper with Ketchup Apply ketchup with a soft brush or balled-up cloth. Let sit for 10-30 minutes. Remove ketchup with cloth by scrubbing in circles. Use a toothbrush for substantial tarnishes or small crevices. Rinse with water. Dry twice thoroughly with separate soft dish towels. How to Remove Tarnish from Copper with Metal Polish Apply a liberal amount of metal polish to a soft cloth or directly onto the copper mug. Wipe off with a soft, dry cloth. Buff out with soft, clean cloth to increase luster. No matter which type of mug you choose, be sure to hand wash your copper cups, dry them thoroughly, and polish them as desired. With proper care, your guests can always enjoy a tasty cocktail from a classic copper mug.