Low Carb Raspberry Moscow Mule {gluten-free}

Last Updated on February 22, 2023 by Kayla

A Moscow mule, otherwise known as a vodka buck, is a cocktail made from vodka, ginger beer, and citrus juice. Born in the 1940s, the Moscow mule is about as notorious as the mug it’s served in.

Why use a copper mug for a Moscow mule?

The infamous copper mug isn’t a requirement for serving a tasty Moscow mule, however there are some reasons you may want to consider it.

Copper is one of the most conductive metals, so the copper mug for a Moscow mule insulates the drink and keeps it icy cold. This plays into other senses as the cool temperature and spicy ginger beer come together to give an ever so slight tingling sensation.

Furthermore, it’s also thought that the copper mug interacts with Moscow mule ingredients such as vodka, lime, and ginger enhancing the taste of the drink.

When purchasing Moscow mule copper cups, be sure to look for 100% copper mugs. Some of the more inexpensive varieties can have linings made from other metals which can impact the classic Moscow mule taste.

I found a set of four on Amazon^ which includes four copper mugs, four straws, and a copper jigger. I find the copper straws have a metallic flavor when I use them, so they don’t come out much – just for photos! 😉

Is ginger beer gluten-free?

Inherently, ginger beer is gluten-free – though it may not be prominently labeled “gluten-free” on the bottle or can. I scoured a few websites of the most popular brands and found the following gluten-free ginger beers:

• Goslings
• Bundaberg
• Reed’s
• Fever Tree
• Q Mixers

Personally, I use Goslings diet ginger beer the most. First of all, it’s one of the most widely available, and it is slightly sweeter and less spicy compared to others such as Bundaberg.

How many calories in a Moscow mule?

A traditional Moscow mule recipe calls for 2 ounces of vodka, 6 ounces of ginger beer and lime juice. This skinny raspberry mule recipe swaps diet ginger beer for the sugar-sweetened variety which saves about 100 calories and 24 grams of carbs/sugar per drink!

Besides ginger beer, vodka provides a majority of the remaining Moscow mule calories (about 65 calories per ounce), but sheesh – we ain’t swapping that out!

Overall, this raspberry Moscow mule is only 113 calories and 4 grams of carbs; 25% fewer carbs compared to a classic Moscow mule! Easily adaptable to all four seasons, this low carb cocktail makes a perfect drink any time of year.

Moscow mule variations

While this raspberry mule is one of my personal favorites, the potential for other Moscow mule combinations is virtually endless! Below are a few examples including seasonal Moscow mule recipes (omit raspberries and use the recipe below as a base).

Moscow Mule with Lemon

Substitute lemon for lime. After running out of limes, I experimented with lemons in this recipe, and I was delighted with the final product. Very refreshing!

Minnesota Mule

Similar to a Moscow mule with lemon, my Skinny Minny Mule, or “Minne-Mule”, is my personal favorite, and the reason why I buy 5 lbs of lemons at a time! It’s the perfect summertime lakeside lemonade-ish drink! 🙂

Apple Cinnamon Mule

Sub club soda for light or reduced-sugar apple juice; garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slices.

Christmas Mule

Substitute club soda for light cranberry juice; garnish with fresh cranberries and sprig of rosemary.

Strawberry Mint Moscow Mule

Swap sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen) for raspberries. For maximum flavor, muddle strawberries and mint in bottom of glass before adding remaining ingredients.

Peach Moscow Mule

Opt for peach vodka over unflavored and add 1-2 ounces liquid from canned peaches (use no sugar added canned peaches for low carb version); garnish with sliced peaches and fresh mint.

Margarita Mule (Mexican Mule or Tequila Mule)

Substitute tequila for vodka; swap mint garnish for fresh jalapeño slices.

Whichever mule tickles your fancy, I hope you enjoy!