If you’re craving some IKEA, make a Dala Horse, a Swedish spin on the Moscow Mule with aquavit and lingonberry juice. This gingery berry cocktail is a stunner for any occasion.
About this Swedish Mule
Whenever I visit IKEA, I always hit up the food section. Not the restaurant, but the little grocery store. They have loads of chocolates and candies, beverages and other delicious treasures. I never know what I’ll find!
This time I brought home a bottle of lingonberry syrup. I love the lingonberry jam you get with the meatballs, so I figured I’d like the syrup too. (They also sometimes sell lingonberry juice and the jam, both of which you could use instead of the syrup.)
This cocktail is the best of Sweden: Herbal aquavit and bright lingonberry with lime and ginger beer. I named this lingonberry mule cocktail after the Dala Horse, a carved and painted wooden horse that’s a popular Swedish handicraft and souvenir.
What are lingonberries?
Lingonberries grow wild in many ancient forests throughout the Northern hemisphere. The berries’ bright flavor is a staple in Scandinavian cuisine. They are brilliant red in color and a bit tart in taste.
Lingonberries are less common in the United States, but you can find them in some northern states, including the Pacific northwest, Alaska, Massachusetts and Maine.
Ingredients
The Dala Horse cocktail puts a Swedish spin on a Moscow Mule. The lingonberry syrup adds a sweet-tart flavor to the classic mule recipe. Mixed together with ginger beer, lime and either Swedish vodka or Aquavit, this full-bodied cocktail is both smooth and refreshing.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- aquavit, or Swedish vodka (such as Svedka or Absolut)
- lingonberry syrup, jam or juice (if using jam, mix it with a splash of warm water to create a syrup consistency)
- ginger beer
- fresh lime juice
Instead of lingonberry, you could make this drink with another Swedish flavor like cloudberry or gooseberry.
This drink is totally delicious, one I will make again and again. I can’t wait to pick up some of IKEA’s other flavored syrups on my next visit. Until then, I’ll be making do with some Instant Pot Swedish meatballs at home.
More mule cocktails
When you swap vodka for another spirit in a Moscow mule, you wind up with a cocktail that has a very different name. Here are a few common swaps:
- Kentucky Mule (bourbon)
- Mexican Mule (tequila)
- Irish Mule (Irish whiskey)
- French Mule (brandy)
Dala Horse Cocktail
ingredients
- 1 ounce lingonberry syrup
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice equivalent to 1 tablespoon or about half a lime
- 2 ounces vodka
- crushed ice
- 4 to 6 ounces ginger beer chilled
- Lime slices
instructions
- Pour lingonberry syrup into the bottom of the glass. Stir in lime juice and vodka.
- Fill a Collins glass or a mule mug with crushed ice, then slowly pour in the ginger beer. Garnish with a lime slice, if desired. Serve, stirring gently before drinking.
notes
Allow to cool completely. Strain out any chunks through a sieve before using.
Store in a jar or other airtight container for up to 1 month.
recommended products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
nutrition information
amount per serving:
Grace says
Ooh! I love Moscow Mules, so this sounds so delicious. Thanks for all of the wonderful cocktail ideas. Also, I need to plan a weekend to visit Charlotte, so I can get some IKEA goodies!
Susannah says
Thanks Grace! Let me know if you come down and I’ll join you for some meatballs! 😉
Angie says
On my last visit to IKEA I picked up the rhubarb syrup, and have been enjoying it with some vodka, lime juice and seltzer. Delicious!
This looks great, too.
Susannah says
Oh, that sounds fabulous, Angie! This was my first time trying any of IKEA’s syrups, so I’ll have to branch out next time. I love rhubarb!
Dave says
My daughter prepared these for our latest family Christmas. A fun and tasty cocktail. I have modified it as I saw fit. This version may already exist, but I have not checked… What I now do is substitute the vodka with aquavit (which is pretty much vodka infused with herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile). It certainly adds some complexity. give it a try and let me know if you enjoy it. Cheers!
Susannah says
Hey Dave! Thanks for sharing this story — I’m so glad your family enjoyed it! I’ve been making this with Aquavit for a while now, and I’ve been meaning to come back and update this recipe — such a good tip. I love the fragrant flavors it brings to the ginger, lime and lingonberries, although a Swedish vodka like Absolut would also work nicely here.