Uh-oh! These Insta-worthy cocktail mugs could give you food poisoning
Bad new guys – those trendy copper mugs popping up all over your Instagram feed could actually wreack havoc on your insides.
The Moscow Mule, a cocktail made from a refreshing mix of vodka, ginger beer and lime juice, is fast becoming one of the must-try beverages of 2017.
Often served in a picture-perfect copper-coloured mug, the drink has become a favourite among millenials looking to grab the perfect Insta-worth snap.
However, concerns over the safety of the drinking vessel have emerged after experts at a US state department warned that copper and copper alloys can be poisonous when consumed.
It seems that when these metals come in contact with substances with a pH level lower then six, copper may leak into the liquid contained in the mug and thus be accidentally consumed by the cocktail drinker.
"High concentrations of copper are poisonous and have caused food borne illness," the statement explains.
"When copper and copper alloy surfaces contact acidic foods, copper may be leached into the food."
However, all hope is not lost.
All cocktail loving Instagrammers will be happy to know that a copper-coloured mug is safe to drink from if it is lined with another metal, such as nickel or stainless steel.
Of course, it's important to check before you start to drink and if in doubt, opt for the much safer (albeit, not nearly as beautiful) classic glass tumbler instead.
