Quick Summary: A lower-calorie Moscow Mule made with fresh ginger root and diet ginger ale instead of sugary ginger beer. Clocks in at about 98 calories versus 250 for the traditional version. Swap vodka for tequila to make it a Mexican Mule.
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Moscow Mules are easy to spot by their copper mugs and easy to love for their ginger-lime bite. They can also pack 250 calories per serving, mostly from sugary ginger beer.
This version uses fresh ginger root and diet ginger ale instead. It’s not quite as sumptuous as the original, but it’s still very good and comes in under 100 calories.
Swap the vodka for tequila and you have a Mexican Mule, which has been gaining popularity. Tequila is considered one of the lowest-carb spirits, and the robust ginger and lime flavors mask the alcohol either way.
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What Makes This Version “Skinny”?
Moscow Mules and Mexican Mules are delightful year-round, but come January we start thinking “skinny”.
According to the Wall St. Journal, our interest in losing weight and getting in shape starts dying off the third week in January and then peaks again in March (getting ready for Spring Break, they postulate).
Well, if you want to stick to your skinny goals for a while longer and you’re willing to put in a little more effort, try this Skinny Moscow Mule. Not quite as sumptuous, but still very good and only 98 calories!
Here’s what we’ll be using:
- Fresh limes. You can use bottled lime juice, but it’s not quite the same.
- Vodka. The best vodka for Moscow Mules depends on your own preferences, but I used Finlandia for this recipe. You can also use tequila and make it a Mexican Mule!
- Ginger. I’m talking fresh ginger root here, not ginger beer, syrup or paste. It just gives the best flavor for the least amount of calories.
- Diet ginger ale. Add some sweetness and extra ginger flavor without packing on the carbs.
- Fresh mint. To garnish, and for an extra layer of flavor.
Moscow Mules are traditionally served in a copper mug. Nowadays, this is quite a popular cocktail, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find mugs like the ones I’m using in this recipe.
However, the copper mug doesn’t affect flavor, just presentation: if you don’t want to buy new mugs just for this recipe, just use a nice cocktail glass.
Variations on the Mule
If you’d like to add an extra layer of flavor to your skinny Moscow Mule, that’s easy. Make a raspberry Moscow Mule, blueberry Moscow Mule, cherry Moscow Mule or even a watermelon Moscow Mule by simply muddling fresh or frozen fruits into the mix.
Of course, fruit can pack quite a bit of sugar, even though it is natural sugar (fructose). So if you want to keep it slow carb and low calorie, nix the fruit.
You can also use fruit liquors or syrups of your choice, but these flavor additions add even more sugar than the fresh whole fruit. Not so “skinny” anymore, so save it for celebrations or cheat days.
Virgin Moscow Mule
Yep, this skinny Moscow Mule can easily be made into a virgin Moscow Mule! It has strong flavors that will shine equally well without the vodka. Just sub in an extra splash of the diet ginger ale or plain sparkling water and you’re good to go.
Mexican Mule
The Mexican Mule is gaining in popularity. It is simply a Moscow Mule with tequila instead of vodka.
With respect to slow carb lifestyles, tequila is considered one of the lowest carb spirits. The robust ginger and lime flavors of this drink end up masking the taste of the alcohol anyway, so go with your preference.
If you are interested in more information about low carb tequila and/or mezcal, this post on putting together a tequila flight will be helpful.
Tips for the Best Results
- Grate the ginger fresh. Ginger paste or powder doesn’t give the same bright, sharp flavor.
- Muddle thoroughly to release the ginger and mint oils.
- Strain if you don’t want ginger bits in your final drink. Muddle in a separate glass, then strain into your copper mug.
- Use plenty of ice. This drink should be very cold.
FAQ
No. The copper mug is traditional and keeps the drink colder, but it doesn’t affect flavor. Any sturdy glass works.
Personal preference. A clean, neutral vodka works well since the ginger and lime are the stars. I use Finlandia.
Yes. Traditional Moscow Mules depend on whether the ginger beer is gluten-free. This version doesn’t use ginger beer at all, so it’s celiac-safe as long as there’s no cross-contamination in your other ingredients.
Yes. Scale up the lime juice, ginger, and alcohol. Add the diet ginger ale just before serving so it stays fizzy. Serve over ice.
Use the back of a wooden spoon or any blunt utensil to mash the ingredients together.
The traditional version can have up to 250 calories per serving. This skinny Moscow Mule clocks in at just under 100!
Interested in the Slow Carb Diet? Check out this comprehensive E-Guide on Fat Loss through a Slow Carb Diet.
Skinny Moscow Mule
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ oz. lime juice Use fresh limes
- 1 ½ oz. vodka or tequila for a Mexican Mule
- 1 Tbsp ginger Freshly grated
- 6 oz diet ginger ale
- 1 sprig fresh mint More for garnish
Instructions
- Add fresh lime juice, vodka, shredded ginger and mint sprig to bottom of cup and muddle (or mash together with a blunt utensil if you don’t have a muddler) to combine flavors.1/2 oz. lime juice, 1 1/2 oz. vodka, 1 Tbsp ginger
- You can strain the ingredients into your copper mug at this point if you don't like the idea of shredded ginger in your final drink). Once strained (or not) add ice to the mug and top off with diet ginger ale. Garnish with mint if using.6 oz diet ginger ale, 1 sprig fresh mint
Notes
Nutrition
Here is a video of how to make the Skinny Mule. The guy in the background is my husband and I did NOT have anything to do with coaching him!
PS: Still thirsty? Don’t forget to check out the full cocktail category for plenty of other tasty drink ideas.
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