Raise a Glass: to the Kyiv Mule Mug
Posted on March 10 2022
Moscow Kyiv Mule Mug
It’s hard to know how to cope with senseless aggression. How do you show support in a meaningful way? In the light of Russia’s violent oppression and invasion of Ukraine, we’ve been asking ourselves similar questions.
We echo the many other institutions crying out against the injustices performed by Russia against Ukraine. We are heartbroken by the physical and nonphysical violence caused by the Russian government and want to show our support for those fighting for their freedom.
Allow us to take a minute and answer questions you might be having about the Moscow (or, Kyiv) mule mugs we sell and give you some ideas for showing support in your own way.
What is Copper Mug Co. doing to show support?
We are offering a specially engraved “Stand with Ukraine” Kyiv Mule Gift Set. 100% of all proceeds from this gift set will go to support the Ukrainian Crisis Fund. Buy for yourself, your loved one, or your entire restaurant. While supplies last.Do all Moscow Mule mugs come from Moscow?
No, and ours do not. What’s more, the original Moscow Mule mug did come from Russia, but the Russians weren’t buying them. The copper mug that holds a Moscow Mule was born and gained its fame in America.
Do you use any Russian supplies for Moscow Mule mugs?
Again, no. We have no affiliations with Russia in any part of our supply chain. The only thing Russian about our mugs is the name and the heritage of the original mule mug–from an immigrant who left Russia to sell copper mugs in the USA. However, some bar and restaurant owners are working to change the name from “Moscow Mule” to “Kyiv Mule” in solidarity with Ukraine.
Is the Moscow Mule Russian?
Nope! The Moscow Mule is the brainchild of three individuals who joined forces in Hollywood. Read more in our article about the history and inception of the Moscow Mule.
How else can I show support for Ukraine?
Thankfully, we’re not alone. Bars and restaurants across the world are swapping “Moscow” mules for “Kyiv” mules on their cocktail menu and donating a portion of sales to the Ukrainian Crisis Fund.
Some bars are going beyond the name and only using Ukrainian vodka in their mules instead of Russian Vodka. Nemiroff, Dima’s, Soyuz-Vikman, Khortytsia and Khlibnyi Dar are all Ukrainian-made vodkas. You could go with an American vodka too, of course (like one of our longtime faves, Tahoe Blue).
Is it Kyiv or Kiev?
GREAT question. The spelling preferred by Ukrainians is “Kyiv,” pronounced “KEE-ev.” Kiev has Russian origins whereas Kyiv is rooted in Ukrainian and was chosen as the official name of the capital in 1995. An article in the Independent was recently published and is helpful for understanding the importance of Kyiv vs Kiev.