PHOTO by ROSHEILA ROBLES

There’s a reason why the last time I dared to drink from a metal cup was a goblet of soda at Medieval Times, circa 1992: I hate metal. Not just hate it—fear it. For reasons I’ve yet to explore, the smell of metal on my hands (or anywhere near my nostrils) is enough to send me running for the bathroom sink. Repeatedly. So it was with MUCH trepidation that I drove over the Vincent Thomas to The Copper Room, where the bar proudly stocks chilled copper mugs. Oy! I was puckering. After first reading about the Copper Room on the Internet, I had decided to conquer my metal phobia with their Moscow Mule—Grey Goose Vodka, Cock ‘n Bull ginger beer, and a generous squeeze of lime. And when it arrived at the table, it didn’t look so bad—there was a straw, after all. A quick sip and my back muscles relaxed: the drink was quite harmless . . . in terms of any traceable metal aftertaste. But don’t be fooled—the Moscow Mule is quite deadly, with the flavor of the ginger beer neutralizing the Grey Goose. I could as well have been drinking soda water with a lime. For the final sip I put my lips to the mug. And puckered again. But after one or two more of these devils in disquise? I have no doubt I’d have licked the damn thing. Instead, I ordered a Stella. Give me time. Baby steps.

THE COPPER ROOM 589 W NINTH ST | SAN PEDRO 90731 | 310.831.6200

Tags: copper room, moscow mule, San Pedro