Woman Orders Moscow Mule From Dave & Busters. She’s Horrified By How It Comes. Is She Valid?: ‘Ma’am, You’re In An Arcade’

Bartending isn’t just about making drinks.

Of course, mixology is a significant part of the job. However, there are also many other factors that come into being a good bartender. For example, one has to know how to deal with rude or annoying customers, as well as all the best practices to keep belligerent barflies from crossing any boundaries.

A small but still present part of the job also includes selecting the right glass for the drink that a customer orders. While it may seem small, some customers believe it makes a big difference.

But how big of a difference does it really make? One customer’s Moscow Mule order has the internet asking.

What’s Wrong With This Moscow Mule?

In a video with over 661,000 views, TikTok user Dave (@mexicandave2) films a woman named Jenn. Jenn is holding a glass. Inside the glass is a purple-hued liquid. Jenn appears to be unhappy.

“So, we’re at Dave and Buster’s, and I ordered a Moscow Mule,” she starts. “The Mule came in a glass cup.”

For context, Moscow Mules are traditionally served in cups made from copper.

“Me and my husband are having a discussion: Do you think the Moscow Mule is supposed to be in this glass cup, or in the regular Moscow Mule cup?” Jenn asks. “Is there a taste difference?”

Why Are Moscow Mules Served In Copper Cups?

A Moscow Mule is a fairly simple drink. It’s composed of simply vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime.

Jenn doesn’t appear too concerned about the authenticity of her Moscow Mule. As she notes in a follow-up video, the drink she ordered was actually a blueberry Moscow Mule. However, the lack of a copper cup in the drink’s presentation left some in the comments wondering why the drink is served in a copper mug to begin with.

The origin of the copper mug can’t be directly confirmed. Some claim that a woman named Sophie Berezinski moved to the United States from Russia with thousands of copper mugs, which she had difficulty selling. She then met John Martin, who had purchased the American rights to Smirnoff vodka, and Jack Morgan, who was trying to sell ginger beer. Together, they created the Moscow Mule.

This story, it should be said, is heavily disputed. Regardless of its origins, subsequent marketing of the drink put the copper cup front and center, making the drink an eye-catching addition to every bar that decided to serve it.

Does It Affect The Flavor?

There’s some disagreement about this, but generally speaking, it’s accepted that the flavor difference between a Moscow Mule served in the “traditional” cup and one served in a glass is minimal.

To start, many bars have stopped serving Moscow Mules in cups made entirely from copper. This is likely due in part to research showing that copper can leach into the drink. Alternatively, it could simply be the expense of copper mugs.

Instead, many bars use Moscow Mule cups that appear to be made from copper but are actually lined with stainless steel. For example, Dave & Buster’s own Moscow Mule cup states that it is composed of stainless steel, not copper.

But do either copper or stainless steel cups make a difference? The answer, according to most experts, is “not really.”

As noted by Thrillest—while it’s technically possible that one could perceive a taste difference between mugs—it’s unlikely. Additionally, much of the perceived difference may simply be due to the fact that copper mugs feel colder than glasses. This could impact how one perceives the flavor of the drink.

Commenters Don’t Agree

In the comments section, users weren’t sold on the idea that a copper cup was necessary—or that Dave & Buster’s was the best place to get an authentic cocktail.

“Ma’am, you’re in an arcade,” wrote a user.

“Mule cups are the most stole[n] cup in bars and over the years most places stop using them,” added another “A mule is a drink, the cup is a novelty.”

“As a bartender-typically yeah it’s in the Mule cup…but I’d also say to manage your expectations because you’re at Dave and Busters,” echoed a third.

BroBible reached out to Dave & Buster’s and Jenn via email.