Mug Shot

The Mug Shot is a two-ingredient highball that blends the tropical sweetness of coconut rum with the distinct, sarsaparilla kick of root beer. It is a straightforward, no-fuss pour for anyone wanting a sweet, refreshing drink without much fuss. Expect orders from those looking for a familiar taste with a boozy twist, or a simple, indulgent treat.

Mug Shot

4.53 from 23 votes

Calories: 264kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 2 oz Coconut Rum
▢ 10 oz Root Beer

Instructions

▢
Stir ingredients together in a highball glass. and serve.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 264kcal (13%)Carbohydrates: 8g (3%)Sugar: 8g (9%)

Where it came from

The Mug Shot, like many two-ingredient highballs, likely emerged from the pragmatic needs of bartenders and casual drinkers looking for a quick, palatable serve. Its origins are not formally documented, suggesting it is a modern, perhaps even ad hoc, creation. It is the kind of drink that gets mixed in a dorm room or a busy bar, not a craft cocktail den.

This drink slots into the broad category of spirit and soda highballs, a lineage that includes the ubiquitous Rum and Coke or the less common Malibu and Pineapple. Its closest relatives might be any rum and cola variant, but the specific pairing of coconut rum and root beer gives it a distinct, almost dessert-like character. It separates itself by leaning into a specific, sweet, and somewhat nostalgic flavor profile.

You would typically find a Mug Shot served in a casual bar, a beachside shack, or perhaps at a backyard barbecue. It is a mass-appeal drink, not one you would expect to see on the menu of a serious cocktail lounge. It fits well in environments where ease of preparation and straightforward sweetness are prioritized.

What it tastes like

The Mug Shot hits the palate with an immediate wave of sweet, creamy coconut from the rum. This quickly transitions to the distinct, spiced vanilla and sarsaparilla notes of the root beer, which dominates the mid-palate. The finish is sweet and lingering, a blend of the tropical rum and the sugary, almost confectionary qualities of the soda.

Given a standard coconut rum at around 21% ABV, the Mug Shot clocks in at roughly 3.5% ABV. This makes it a very light drink, significantly less potent than a typical mixed drink or even most standard beers. It is designed for flavor and refreshment, not for heavy alcohol content.

The technique

Building a Mug Shot is as simple as it gets. Start by filling a highball glass with ice. Pour in the coconut rum, then top it off with the root beer. Give it a gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing too much fizz. Serve immediately to ensure maximum carbonation.

The single most important technique here is a gentle stir. Aggressive stirring will quickly flatten the root beer, leaving you with a dull, syrupy drink instead of a refreshing highball. A light, brief stir is all that is needed to integrate the rum without sacrificing the soda’s effervescence.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Coconut Rum

Use: Brands like Malibu, Bacardi Coconut, or Cruzan Coconut all work well here. Note that most coconut rums are around 21% ABV, lower than standard rum.
Skip: Avoid using coconut liqueurs or simple coconut syrup as a substitute. They lack the alcoholic punch and the specific rum base that makes this drink work.
Why: Coconut rum is the backbone of the Mug Shot, delivering both the alcoholic kick and the signature tropical sweetness that defines the drink’s flavor profile.

Root Beer

Use: Any quality root beer will do, from widely available brands like A&W or Barq’s to craft options like Sprecher or IBC. The better the root beer, the better the final drink.
Skip: Do not use diet root beer; the artificial sweeteners and altered mouthfeel will detract significantly. Also, avoid substituting with other dark sodas like cola, as that completely changes the drink’s character.
Why: Root beer provides the distinctive sarsaparilla and vanilla notes, the bulk of the sweetness, and the essential carbonation that makes the Mug Shot a refreshing highball.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Spiked Root Beer Float

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.: For a dessert-like indulgence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the glass before serving. The ice cream will melt into the drink, creating a creamy, fizzy treat.

Darker Mug Shot

Use dark rum instead of coconut rum.: Swap the coconut rum for a dark, aged rum to introduce notes of molasses, spice, and oak, giving the drink more depth and a less overtly sweet profile.

Cream Soda Twist

Substitute root beer with cream soda.: For a different take on the sweet soda pairing, use cream soda instead of root beer. This will lean into the vanilla notes and offer a slightly lighter, less spiced profile.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Coconut Rum?

You can use a standard white rum with a small dash of coconut syrup or cream of coconut, but the flavor will be less integrated and potentially sweeter.

No Root Beer?

A dark cola is the closest in color and carbonation, but the distinct sarsaparilla flavor will be completely absent, turning it into a different drink.

No highball glass?

Any tall drinking glass will work fine. The key is to have enough volume to hold the ingredients and ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Mug Shot?

A Mug Shot contains coconut rum and root beer, served over ice.

Is the Mug Shot a strong drink?

No, the Mug Shot is a very low ABV drink, typically around 3.5%, making it much lighter than most cocktails or even many beers.

What does a Mug Shot taste like?

It tastes like a sweet, tropical blend of coconut and the distinctive spiced vanilla and sarsaparilla flavors of root beer.

Can I make a Mug Shot non-alcoholic?

Absolutely. Simply omit the coconut rum and serve chilled root beer for a tasty, alcohol-free beverage.

What kind of rum should I use for a Mug Shot?

The recipe specifically calls for coconut rum. Using a standard white or dark rum will change the core flavor profile significantly.

Is this drink very sweet?

Yes, the Mug Shot is designed to be a sweet drink, combining two sugary components: coconut rum and root beer.

What’s the best way to serve a Mug Shot?

Serve it over plenty of ice in a highball glass. A gentle stir after adding the root beer helps combine the ingredients without flattening the fizz.

Can I add a garnish to a Mug Shot?

While not traditional, a lime wedge or a maraschino cherry could be added for a touch of visual appeal and a slight tart counterpoint.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read