Moscow mule vs dark and stormy: what's the difference?
A Moscow mule is vodka, ginger beer and lime in a copper mug, clean and gingery, while a dark and stormy is dark rum and ginger beer, richer and molasses-sweet.
Moscow mule
EasyBoozy
TartSweet
Not bitterBracing
Crisp and spicy-gingery, with lime and a clean vodka base.
What does Moscow mule taste like?Dark and stormy
EasyBoozy
TartSweet
Not bitterBracing
Dark rum floating on ginger beer, rich and spicy.
What does Dark and Stormy taste like?The real difference
Both are highballs built on ginger beer. The mule uses vodka, which stays out of the way, so the ginger and lime lead. The dark and stormy uses dark rum, usually floated on top, which adds molasses, caramel and spice. It's sweeter and heavier.
Side by side
Moscow muleDark and stormy
SpiritVodkaDark rum
ServedCopper mug, limeTall glass, rum floated on top
TastesGingery, limey, cleanGingery, molasses, warm
Which to order
- Order a Moscow mule if you want something crisp, cold and gingery.
- Order a dark and stormy if you want ginger with a richer, sweeter rum backbone.
Quick questions
- Why is a Moscow mule in a copper mug?
- Mostly tradition and marketing from the drink's early days. The metal does feel extra cold in your hand, which suits it.
- Does a dark and stormy have lime?
- Often a wedge. The trademarked Gosling's recipe is just its rum and ginger beer, but most bars add a squeeze.