A Moscow Mule is a popular vodka-based cocktail that typically contains vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. But like most cocktails, the number of calories can vary greatly depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used. In this article, we’ll break down the typical calorie content of a Moscow Mule and look at ways to lower the calorie count if you want a “skinny” version.
What’s in a Moscow Mule?
A traditional Moscow Mule contains just 3 main ingredients:
- Vodka – The alcohol base. Typically 1.5 oz per drink.
- Ginger beer – The carbonated beverage that gives it the bubbly ginger kick. Around 4-6 oz per drink.
- Lime juice – Added for a citrusy tartness. Around .5-1 oz per drink.
In addition, Moscow Mules are traditionally served in copper mugs, garnished with a lime wedge, and plenty of ice. The copper mug is mostly tradition, but does help keep the drink colder longer.
Calories in Vodka
Since vodka makes up a significant portion of the drink, let’s look at the calories in vodka first:
- 1.5 oz vodka = 105 calories
This is based on an average 80 proof vodka containing 65 calories per 1 oz serving. So at 1.5 oz per Moscow Mule, the vodka contributes about 105 calories to the cocktail.
Calories in Ginger Beer
Ginger beer can have a wide range of calories depending on the brand. Some lighter options have as little as 15-20 calories per serving. While more syrupy, traditional options like Crabbie’s or Fever Tree contain around 100 calories per serving.
Given a typical Moscow Mule recipe calls for 4-6 oz of ginger beer, let’s assume a mid-range calorie ginger beer at around 60 calories per 4 oz serving. This equals approximately:
- 4 oz ginger beer = 60 calories
- 6 oz ginger beer = 90 calories
Calories in Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice contains minimal calories, with only about 4 calories per ounce. Since a Moscow Mule generally has .5-1 oz of lime juice, this equals:
- .5 oz lime juice = 2 calories
- 1 oz lime juice = 4 calories
Putting it All Together
Adding up the average calories for each ingredient, we can estimate the total calories in a standard Moscow Mule drink to be:
- 1.5 oz vodka: 105 calories
- 4-6 oz ginger beer: 60-90 calories
- .5-1 oz lime juice: 2-4 calories
So a typical Moscow Mule made with 1.5 oz vodka, 4 oz ginger beer and 1 oz lime juice will have about:
167 calories
If made with 6 oz ginger beer instead of 4 oz, the total calories would be around:
199 calories
So on average, you can expect a Moscow Mule to contain around 150-200 calories per serving.
How Many Calories in a Double Moscow Mule?
What if you make a double Moscow Mule with twice as much alcohol? Let’s break it down:
- 3 oz vodka: 210 calories
- 4-6 oz ginger beer: 60-90 calories
- .5-1 oz lime juice: 2-4 calories
A double Moscow Mule with standard proportions equals:
- 272-304 calories
So doubling the amount of vodka approximately doubles the calorie count as well.
Low Calorie Moscow Mule
If you’re looking to cut back on calories, there are a few easy ways to lighten up a Moscow Mule:
- Use diet ginger beer – Switch to a zero calorie ginger beer like Diet Crabbie’s or Diet Fever Tree to eliminate 60-90 calories.
- Go light on vodka – Stick to a single shot of vodka instead of a double to cut 100+ calories.
- Squeeze in lemon – Substitute lemon juice instead of lime to save 2-4 calories per drink.
- Skip the copper mug – Drink from a skinny glass over ice to reduce the liquid ounces.
- Stay hydrated – Alternate with water to pace yourself and cut back on refills.
Making all of these swaps could create a skinny Moscow Mule under 100 calories! For example:
- 1 oz vodka: 65 calories
- 4 oz diet ginger beer: 0 calories
- .5 oz lemon juice: 1 calorie
- Total: 66 calories
The Best Low Calorie Moscow Mule
If you want to make the healthiest Moscow Mule possible, here’s a recipe for an extra skinny Mule that still packs that classic flavor:
Ingredients:
- 1 oz vodka (65 cals)
- 3 oz diet ginger beer (0 cals)
- .5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 cal)
- 1 dash bitters (0 cals)
- Lemon wedge garnish
- Ice
Instructions:
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour in vodka, lemon juice, and bitters.
- Top with diet ginger beer.
- Garnish with lemon wedge if desired.
- Enjoy your ~65 calorie Moscow Mule!
The Highest Calorie Moscow Mule
On the opposite end, here are some ways you could create a higher calorie Moscow Mule if that’s your preference:
- Use high-calorie ginger beer like Crabbie’s Original (100 cals per 4 oz)
- Double up on vodka (210 calories for 3 oz)
- Garnish with maraschino cherry (30 cals each)
- Serve in large 16-20 oz copper mug
- Top with ginger ale or club soda (100+ cals per serving)
Using all high-calorie mixers and extra vodka, you could potentially make a Moscow Mule with over 500 calories!
Calorie Comparison With Other Drinks
A Moscow Mule made with typical proportions will generally have around 150-200 calories. Here’s how that compares calorie-wise to some other popular cocktails and highball drinks:
| Drink | Calories (Average) |
|---|---|
| Vodka Soda | 100 |
| Gin & Tonic | 150 |
| Moscow Mule | 150-200 |
| Bloody Mary | 170 |
| Mojito | 230 |
| Margarita | 250 |
| Piña Colada | 490 |
As you can see, a Moscow Mule contains fewer calories than more complex cocktails like Mojitos or Margaritas, but more than simpler highballs like vodka soda. The ginger beer adds more carbs and calories than soda water or tonic water.
Tips for Consuming Moscow Mules Moderately
Here are some tips if you want to enjoy Moscow Mules without going overboard on calories:
- Pace yourself – Sip slowly and alternate with water to avoid excess calories from multiple Mules.
- Share with a friend – Split a Mule to moderate your individual portion size.
- Try a “mule flight” – Sample mini 2-3 oz pours of different mule variations.
- Make it a meal – Enjoy your mule with a healthy appetizer like grilled chicken skewers to help fill up.
- Avoid sugary mix-ins – Skip syrups, purees, or juices that can add excess calories.
Heading out for a fun night of Moscow Mules? With the right knowledge and preparations, you can imbibe responsibly and keep your nutrient intake on track.
Should You Have a Moscow Mule on a Diet?
If you’re following a strict diet for weight loss, Moscow Mules may not be the best cocktail choice, as they still contain around 150-200 calories from alcohol. However, there are ways to work them in moderately if you plan ahead:
- Budget for calories – Account for the Mule within your daily calorie goal.
- Limit yourself to 1 max
- Avoid sugary mix-ins and stick to basic ingredients
- Choose lowest calorie ginger beer possible
- Opt for a skinny version in a small glass
- Drink slowly and alternate with water
- Eat light the rest of the day to offset calories
While vodka sodas and dry wines may be lower in calories, an occasional Moscow Mule made properly need not sabotage your diet completely. Just be mindful of calories and enjoy in moderation.
Healthier Swaps to Try
If you love the taste of a Moscow Mule but want to lighten it up, here are some healthier recipe swaps you can try:
- Vodka – Swap in tequila or mezcal for fewer calories than vodka.
- Ginger beer – Substitute zero-calorie ginger ale or sparkling water.
- Lime juice – Use a flavored vinegar instead for zero calories.
- Mug – Serve in a tall skinny glass over ice.
- Garnish – Skip the maraschino cherry and go for a mint sprig or cucumber slice.
With some creativity, you can give the classic Moscow Mule a fresh new twist while reducing the calorie content!
Cocktails Similar to a Moscow Mule
If you’re looking for cocktails in a similar low-calorie sparkling, citrusy vein as a Moscow Mule, here are some great options:
- Gin Buck – Substitute ginger beer with ginger ale and use gin instead of vodka.
- Dark and Stormy – Swap vodka for dark rum and ginger beer.
- Paloma – Use tequila, grapefruit juice and soda water.
- Tom Collins – Make with gin, lemon juice, sugar and club soda.
- Spritz – Alternate vodka with Aperol or Campari, Prosecco, and soda water.
Each of these can be customized for fewer than 150 calories, so experiment to find more low-cal highball cocktails you enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in a Moscow Mule with ginger ale?
Using ginger ale instead of ginger beer will shave off 60-100 calories from a Moscow Mule. Ginger ale has around 100 calories per 12 oz versus 60-100 per 4-6 oz of ginger beer. With 4 oz ginger ale, a Mule would have around 130 calories.
How many carbs are in a Moscow Mule?
Around 13-18 g carbs per Moscow Mule, mostly from the ginger beer. A light beer may have 5 g carbs, while a high-sugar ginger beer could have 15-20 g carbs per serving used.
Is a Moscow Mule Keto friendly?
A standard Moscow Mule is not keto friendly due to the carbohydrates from ginger beer. However, you can make a keto Moscow Mule using diet ginger beer, vodka, and lime or lemon juice only.
How can I make a skinny Moscow Mule?
Tips for a lower calorie Moscow Mule include using diet ginger beer, sticking to 1 oz vodka, using skinny tall glass, squeezing in lemon instead of lime, and avoiding sugary syrups or purees.
Can I use gin instead of vodka in a Moscow Mule?
Yes, you can substitute vodka with gin in a Moscow Mule. This creates a drink called a “London Mule”. The flavor profile changes slightly, but still delicious!
The Bottom Line
A typical Moscow Mule containing 1.5 oz vodka, 4-6 oz ginger beer, and lime juice will have around 150-200 calories. While not the lowest calorie cocktail option, there are many ways to modify the Moscow Mule recipe to create lighter, skinny versions with fewer than 100 calories. Just be mindful of your mixers, avoid sugary add-ins, and enjoy Moscow Mules in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. With some creativity, you can still enjoy the classic and delicious Moscow Mule flavor without all the excess calories.