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Moscow Mule vs Dark 'n' Stormy
Vodka-ginger versus rum-ginger — the two definitive ginger beer highballs.
Which should you make?
Ginger beer is doing most of the work in both, so this comes down to what the spirit adds underneath it. Vodka adds nothing but strength, which makes the Moscow Mule the cleaner and more refreshing of the two; dark rum adds molasses and a little burnt sugar, which makes the Dark 'n' Stormy the more interesting one to drink slowly.
| Attribute | Moscow Mule Moscow Mule | Dark 'n' Stormy |
|---|---|---|
| In a word | off-dry, balanced, very light, sparkling — a long and lengthened drink served long, over ice. | off-dry, gentle, light, sparkling — a long and lengthened drink served long, over ice. |
| Structure | Long and lengthened | Long and lengthened |
| Family | Highball | Highball |
| Smells of | Ginger | Ginger |
| Technique | Building in the glassThe drink changes as you go: strongest at the first sip, longest and most diluted at the last. That drift is a feature of a long drink and a fault in a short one. | Building in the glassThe drink changes as you go: strongest at the first sip, longest and most diluted at the last. That drift is a feature of a long drink and a fault in a short one. |
| Base spirit | vodka | rum |
| Strength | medium | medium |
| ABV | 10% | 10% |
| Calories | 160 kcal | 150 kcal |
| Sweetness | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Sourness | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Bitterness | 0/5 | 0/5 |
| Prep time | 3 min | 3 min |
| Difficulty | easy | easy |
| Equipment | Jigger, Bar spoon | Jigger, Bar spoon |
| Occasions | party, summer, everyday | everyday, party, summer |
| Alcohol-free option | Yes | Yes |
Choose the Moscow Mule if you want something lighter in alcohol.
Choose the Dark 'n' Stormy if you'd rather keep the calories down and you want something more spirit-forward.
Can you make both?
Both need: Fresh lime juice, Ginger beer.
These are close enough that one extra purchase puts both within reach.
What actually separates them
base spirit
Moscow Mule is built on vodka, Dark 'n' Stormy on rum. If you only own one of the two, that settles it.
Effectively identical on: sweetness, bitterness.