Why you need to try a copper cup today!
Curious about copper cups? Maybe you've seen one at a friend's house, in a yoga studio, or all over your feed. Here's a friendly, hype-free guide to trying one for the first time — where the tradition comes from, how the classic ritual works, and how to care for your cup.
Where the copper cup tradition comes from
Long before refrigerators and filtration pitchers, households across many cultures stored drinking water in copper vessels. The practice is especially rooted in Ayurvedic tradition, where water rested overnight in a copper pot — "tamra jal" — and enjoyed in the morning has been part of the daily routine for centuries. Trying a copper cup is less about chasing a trend and more about joining a very old ritual.
The classic overnight ritual
If you want to do it the traditional way, it's simple:
- Fill a clean, food-safe copper cup or bottle with drinking water in the evening.
- Let it rest overnight (traditionally six to eight hours).
- Drink it in the morning, ideally as the first thing you do.
That's it. No apps, no subscriptions — just a calm little habit that starts your day with a glass of water. In our experience, that morning cue is the single best part: a ritual you enjoy makes hydration automatic.
A quick note on copper the nutrient
Copper is an essential trace mineral — your body needs small amounts and gets them primarily from food. Everyday sources include shellfish, nuts and seeds, beans, mushrooms, potatoes, whole grains, and dark chocolate. Most people eating a varied diet get the copper they need, and we don't make health claims about drinking from copper vessels. If you have questions about your own nutrition or copper intake, ask your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Caring for your copper cup
- Wash it regularly with mild soap and warm water, like any drinkware.
- Expect a patina. Copper naturally darkens with use — many people love this. If you prefer the bright shine, a paste of lemon juice and salt (or a copper polish) brings it back in minutes.
- Water only is the traditional rule. Plain water is what copper vessels were made for; acidic drinks like citrus juice or soda don't belong in unlined copper.
Ready to try it?
If you'd like the tradition in a more portable form, our Otiem copper water bottles bring the same ritual to your desk, gym bag, and everywhere in between.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
