This Christmas Moscow Mule cocktail recipe is the perfect holiday drink. It’s a festive twist on a classic Moscow mule that’s full of ginger beer, cranberries and Christmas spirit.
I love a signature cocktail during the holidays, two favorites are my Pomegranate Cocktail with Vodka and my Holiday Christmas Sangria. They make the day more festive.
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Why this Christmas Moscow Mule Recipe is a Keeper
This sweet and tart recipe takes a traditional Moscow Mule cocktail and turns it into a festive cocktail. The cranberry juice and ginger beer is perfect for the holidays.
- Quick to Mix: No complicated syrups or bartending skills required for my holiday drink..
- Festive Flavors: Cranberry and rosemary add seasonal flair to this easy Christmas mule.
- Beautiful Presentation: Served in copper mugs with a garnish, it looks as good as it tastes.
- Scalable: Easy to make one drink or a big batch for punch bowl for holiday celebrations.
Do I Need Copper Mugs to Make a Moscow Mule?
If you don’t have copper mule mugs, don’t worry! This cocktail is just as good in a different glass.
Pro Tip for Kyiv Mule
Always add ginger beer last to preserve carbonation for the Christmas Mule.
Ingredient Notes for a Holiday Moscow Mule
Christmas Moscow Mule is known by many different names, Kyiv mule, Freedom Mule or even American Stallion but are all the same staple ingredients, vodka, lime juice and ginger beer. Then you can make it your own with more festive ingredients.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Vodka: You will need 2 ounces of vodka. Use your favorite vodka or anything you have on hand, such as Tito’s. You could even experiment with flavored vodkas for your Christmas cocktails.
- Lime Juice: Use half of an ounce of fresh lime juice. Generally, there’s about 1 ounce of juice in a lime.
- Ginger Beer: I like to use Gosling’s ginger beer in a classic mule. It adds that classic spiciness with a holiday twist.
Variations for this Ginger Beer Cocktail Recipe
This Moscow mule Christmas recipe is super easy to customize. I like to take it to the next level by using different ingredients or trying different flavors.
- Vodka: Try spiced rum, gin, or bourbon for a different flavor profile.
- Cranberry juice: Pomegranate juice adds a tart twist.
- Ginger beer: Swap for ginger ale if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Herbs: Garnish with thyme or mint if rosemary isn’t available.
Special Equipment Needed for Cranberry Moscow Mule
To make this Moscow mule for Christmas, you will need a couple different bar items to make it just right.
- Copper Mugs: Copper mule mugs are optional, but festive!
- Cocktail Shaker: Use a cocktail shaker or mixing spoon to mix the vodka and juices.
- Jigger: A jigger is used to measure and pour alcohol. You can also use another ounce measuring tool.
How to Make this Yule Mule Holiday Cocktail
This holiday version of a mule comes together in just 2 quick and easy steps. This recipe is so good, it’s a great one to have on deck during the busy holiday season.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Measure Ingredients: Pour vodka, cranberry juice and fresh lime juice into a mug with ice cubes. Top with ginger beer.
- Stir and Garnish: Use a cocktail spoon, or regular spoon, and stir everything together. Garnish with some fresh cranberries, lime wheel or a sprig of rosemary.
Prep Ahead Suggestions – Garnish Prep
Prepping ahead of time can really help to save time and kitchen space if hosting a party.
- Mix the Base: Combine vodka or your favorite spirit and cranberry juice in advance, then add ginger beer and lime just before serving.
- Garnish Prep: Slice limes and prep rosemary sprigs a few hours ahead.
- Batch Option: Make a pitcher for parties. Just multiply the recipe and add ginger beer right before serving to keep the fizz
Alternate Methods for this Holiday Cocktail
You can make this recipe stirred if you do not have a shaker. You can make individually or make a pitcher for parties.
- Stirred: Simply stir ingredients directly in the mug for a more rustic approach.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Storing: Store leftover base mix (vodka + cranberry juice) in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ginger beer should be added fresh for best fizz.
- Using Leftovers: Mix the base with sparkling water for a light and refreshing mocktail.
Common Questions About This Moscow Mule Cocktail
Sure. A virgin Moscow mule cocktail is made by replacing the alcohol with more juice and sparkling water.
Sure. If your drink is too bitter, you can either add more mixer or make a simple syrup to sweeten it up.
Yes, here are a few examples of what you can use in it’s place:
> Gin: Makes a gin buck.
>Tequila: Becomes a Mexican Mule
> Texas Mule: Tequila, peach schnapps and hot sauce!
Tips for Making a Holiday Mule with Rosemary Garnish
- Cold: Use chilled ginger beer for maximum fizz.
- Decorate: Garnish generously with lime wheels, cranberries, and fresh rosemary sprigs make it festive.
- Bar: For parties, set up a DIY mule bar with different juices and garnishes. This is great for serving a group and gives them a chance to make it spicier or zesty. Try mint leaves or ginger syrup for more ginger flavor.
- Ice: Be aware that crushed ice melts quicker, watering down your drink.
- Serve With: Serve with Glazed Bacon Crackers, Christmas Sangria or Easy Charcuterie Board.
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Christmas Moscow Mule
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces Vodka
- ½ ounce Lime juice
- Ice cubes
- 4 ounces Ginger beer
- 2 ounces Cranberry juice
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
Instructions
- Pour vodka, lime juice and cranberry juice into a mug; add ice cubes.
- Top with ginger beer; stir to combine.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries.
Christina’s Notes
- Flavor: Make a flavored ice cube by making with juice or fresh mint.
- Fruit: Use different fruit in your Mule.
- Decorate: Top with a sprig of peppermint.
- Apple Cider: Try making with a traditional apple cider or a cranberry apple cider.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided are estimates. It is recommended that you verify this information with your own trusted resource.
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This recipe may reference or include alcoholic ingredients. Alcohol is intended only for adults of legal drinking age, and it should always be consumed responsibly. Please avoid drinking if you are underage, pregnant, or have health conditions affected by alcohol. Moderation is key, and you should never drink and drive. If you prefer, feel free to substitute non-alcoholic alternatives so everyone can enjoy the dish safely.