The Moscow Mule: a classic cocktail built on vodka, ginger beer, and a healthy squeeze of lime. Served in its iconic copper mug, it’s a refreshing and popular choice.
But how many calories are you really drinking? This article dives into the calorie count of a standard Moscow Mule and offers tips for enjoying a lower-calorie version.
We’ll even explore the concept of a “Skinny Moscow Mule” so you can have your cocktail and (maybe) keep your resolution, too.
How Many Calories Are in a Moscow Mule?
If you’re trying to keep an eye on your calorie intake, you might be wondering how many calories you’re taking in when you sip a Moscow Mule.
The Classic Moscow Mule Calorie Count
A traditional Moscow Mule will run you about 182 calories, give or take a few depending on the exact recipe.
Breakdown of Calories by Ingredient
Here’s how the calories break down by ingredient, assuming you’re using a standard recipe:
- Vodka: 1.5 fl oz of vodka = 96 calories
- Ginger Beer: 3 fl oz of ginger beer = 36 calories
- Simple Syrup: 1 tsp of simple syrup = 48 calories
- Lime Juice: 0.25 fl oz of lime juice = 2 calories (negligible)
Where Do All of the Calories Come From?
Let’s break down where those Moscow Mule calories come from:
- Vodka: Your vodka is going to be a major contributor. All vodkas have roughly the same calories, though there may be slight differences between brands.
- Ginger Beer: The sugar in ginger beer will add calories to your drink.
- Simple Syrup: If you add simple syrup to your Moscow Mule, you’re adding a lot of calories. Simple syrup is basically sugar dissolved in water, so it has a high calorie density.
The skinny Moscow mule: a lower-calorie alternative
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can still enjoy a Moscow mule! The skinny Moscow mule allows you to enjoy the same flavors you love, but with fewer calories.
Key ingredient substitutions
The secret to a skinny Moscow mule is to substitute a couple of ingredients to slash the calories.
- Diet ginger ale: Swapping out regular ginger beer for diet ginger ale will cut a substantial number of calories, bringing the drink down to around 98 calories. Diet ginger ale has very few calories, if any.
- Omit the simple syrup: You can cut a few more calories if you simply skip the simple syrup. You may find that the lime juice and ginger ale give the drink plenty of sweetness and tartness.
Skinny Moscow mule calorie breakdown
Here’s a peek at where the calories come from in a skinny Moscow mule:
- Vodka (1.5 oz): 96 calories
- Diet ginger ale (4 oz): 0 calories
- Lime juice (0.25 oz): 2 calories
- Total: Approximately 98 calories
Tips for reducing the calories in your Moscow Mule
- Use less vodka. Even a little less alcohol can make a big difference in the total calorie count.
- Muddle fresh ginger. For a spicier flavor without adding extra sugar, muddle some fresh ginger in the bottom of your copper mug.
- Use a different sweetener. A small amount of honey or maple syrup can add sweetness without the high calorie count of processed sugars.
- Opt for sugar-free ginger beer. Some brands offer low-sugar or sugar-free ginger beer.
Summary
A standard Moscow Mule contains about 200 calories, while a Skinny Moscow Mule has approximately 100 calories.
To cut down on the calories, you can swap out some ingredients and be mindful of the amounts you’re pouring into your copper mug.
Enjoy your Moscow Mule, but do so responsibly. When you know how many calories are in your drink, you can make a smart choice for your health.