Pomegranate Yule Mule Cocktail

The Pomegranate Yule Mule Cocktail is a bright and cheery cocktail worthy of all holiday merriment. Tart and a little spicy, this sparkling Moscow mule drink will be a hit among your friends and family!

The holidays are here! Wow, what a year, right? We so earned them.

I’m so looking forward to some time away from obligations to celebrate this time of the year, even though it looks a little (okay, a lot!) different this time around.

Traditions may be on hold this year, but we can still try to enjoy the holidays. Maybe we can all make some new traditions? And of course, remember the good times, honor those we’ve lost and let our loved ones know we love them.

Without a doubt, this will be a holiday to remember, so let’s make it count.

Every year at some point between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I make a batch of Yule Mule cocktails. It’s become one of my holiday traditions, and I intend to carry it through this year.

My Yule Mule recipe is consistently one of my top recipes this time of year. Today’s recipe is a pomegranate version of this Christmas Moscow Mule.

What is in a Yule Mule?

The Yule Mule is a holiday version of the traditional Moscow Mule cocktail that contains vodka, lime juice and ginger beer, plus the added flavor of cranberry juice or pomegranate juice.

Add a festive garnish like fresh fruit, a rosemary sprig or cute straw, and you have yourself a merry little cocktail.

It is absolutely perfect for holiday gatherings or for sipping solo by a warm fireplace.

What I love about Moscow mules is that they are really versatile. If you prefer gin over vodka, it can add an extra layer of herbal goodness to this cocktail. Or if you are a bourbon lover, try using that for that smoky complexity that it brings to the holiday table.

Pomegranate Moscow Mule

You’ve seen pomegranates at the store, but have you ever made drinks with them?

Cutting open a pomegranate is always my favorite part of making drinks with these fruits. The neatly arranged, rutilant gems inside? There’s nothing like seeing that bejeweled beauty. (You’ll want to follow this guide to cutting open a pomegranate.)

But they are hard to juice, so you’ll want to spring for pomegranate juice at the store. It offers a tart flavor, which makes it a perfect pairing with sweet and spicy ginger beer.

You can usually find pomegranate juice with the fancy juices in the produce section or in the juice aisle. Sometimes it’s mixed with cherry, blueberry or cranberry juice, which is fine! I prefer the straight up pomegranate juice myself.

Pomegranate juice is so good in lots of cocktails. If you end up loving this Pomegranate Moscow Mule (and I really hope you do), you should try this sparkling pomegranate port wine cocktail which is made with port and pomegranate juice. This pomegranate bourbon fizz is a great one for the bourbon lovers you know.

Best Ginger Beer for Moscow Mules

To make a Pomegranate Yule Mule, you will need some limes, a pomegranate, pomegranate juice, vodka (or gin) and a spicy, non-alcoholic ginger beer.

So… which ginger beer?

I love a spicy ginger beer, so I think the spicier the better when it comes to ginger beer! My favorite is Blenheim’s, which I can usually find on the shelves of specialty grocery stores here in North Carolina.

You can also use a ginger beer syrup to tailor the flavor to your liking.

If you can’t find either of those, I also love both Reed’s and Bundaberg (my second favorite).

Can you use ginger ale in a Moscow mule?

Ginger ale will also work in a pinch, but I find it can make the drink too sweet and it lacks the spicy punch of ginger beer that I love. 

However — if you are scared of ginger beer or simply want a sweeter drink, ginger ale can provide that balance for you. It’s all about your personal preference.

Christmas Moscow Mules For A Party

Pomegranate Yule Mules would be so easy to whip up for a holiday party. Everyone will rave about your these holiday Moscow mules! 

To prepare your Yule Mule mix for your holiday party, just make a big batch of the pomegranate/lime/vodka base.

Then top each glass with ginger beer right before you serve the drinks.

Non-Alcoholic Moscow Mules 

Looking for a mocktail version of your Pomegranate Yule Mule for the non-drinkers, kiddos or pregnant guests at your holiday party? No problem!

You can cut the alcohol completely and have a drink that’s non-alcoholic but still delicious. Ginger beer is non-alcoholic, so there’s nothing to worry about. (However, it is a tad spicier than ginger ale so you may want to use that for kiddos.)

You could also serve this Christmas Spa Water — it’s a stunning centerpiece for any drinks table at a holiday party!

Holiday Moscow Mule Mugs

Yule Mules are perfect for smaller crowds, too, which makes it a perfect time to bring out the copper mule mugs. They are great for keeping your drinks super chilled.

If you don’t have one, an old-fashioned glass will do just fine!

Looking for some more festive Moscow mule recipes to make in your copper mugs? Try a Pumpkin Spice Moscow Mule, an Apple Cider Moscow Mule or an Asian Pear Moscow Mule! 

I hope you’ll love these Pomegranate Moscow Mules! Happy Thanksgiving and cheers to some new traditions. // susannah