Updated August 2026.
The IBA Moscow Mule is 45 ml Smirnoff vodka, 120 ml ginger beer, and 10 ml fresh lime. That 45 ml of 40% vodka is one NIAAA standard drink. IBA names Smirnoff; any US 40% vodka is the same ethanol. “Best vodka” here is a clean 80-proof bottle, not a 2022 top-10 tasting. Ginger beer is not extra ethanol unless the can is alcoholic.
Flavored 30–35% vodka changes the math. Related: Smirnoff, vodka guide, Kentucky Mule.
What the cup actually needs
| Job | Typical bottles | Why |
|---|---|---|
| IBA-named | Smirnoff No. 21 (US typically 40%) | IBA writes Smirnoff. EU 37.5% exists |
| Same ethanol | Tito’s, Absolut, Ketel One, Kirkland | US 40% floor. Vodka |
| Skip for this drink | Flavored 30–35% vodka; vodka liqueurs | Different class and pour math |
Four IBA mules are four drinks. A 2-ounce bar pour is 1.33. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. Pour math: vodka drinks.
Sources
- IBA Moscow Mule (fetched 2026): 45 ml Smirnoff vodka, 120 ml ginger beer, 10 ml lime.
- TTB 27 CFR 5.142. US Smirnoff typically 40%; UK/EU often 37.5%.
- NIAAA (December 2025). No invented ranking or MSRP.
- (27 CFR 5.142)