Pick up some pearly kumquats, cut some fresh rosemary and combine for a totally new way to appreciate winter citrus. The Rosemary Kumquat Moscow Mule is a bright and refreshing variation on everyone’s favorite cocktail with vodka and ginger beer. Copper mug optional, but totally encouraged.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and buy something, Feast + West receives a small commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are our own.
Right after the holidays, I made a last-minute trip to the grocery store to get, like, three things.
You know, those inevitable things that are mentally on your list — but not on your actual list — and always escape you in the moment?
I really despise those kinds of trips to the grocery store. If only I had just remembered to get those few things in the first place!

But this time, I spied some gems.
Gems in the form of kumquats, that is.
I’ve tried kumquat juices in cocktails at bars and in marmalade. But somehow I had never eaten the fruit! I brought home two pints and dared myself to eat them. Bravery in its finest.
These tiny citrus fruits have a sweet peel that you can eat. (Plus, they’re so small, you wouldn’t really want to peel them!)
The juice, pulp and seeds inside are much more tart, even bitter sometimes. Together, they make for a sweet and sour citrus fruit that’s fun to eat.

I thought they would be ultra delicious in a Moscow mule.
For this Rosemary Kumquat Moscow Mule, I started with a rosemary-infused simple syrup. Rosemary and citrus go well together, and a kumquat pairing is no different.
Then, I poured some of the rosemary simple syrup into a glass and muddled it with kumquat halves and vodka.
This helps the kumquat skin to release its sweetness and forces some of the juices out, too. Moscow mules usually contain lime, but here the kumquat works just as well.
This grapefruit Moscow mule uses the same idea — replacing the lime juice with another citrus juice.

Lastly, I topped the drinks with my favorite ginger beer. I garnished them with more kumquats and sprigs of fragrant rosemary.
By the way, aren’t those mule mugs amazing? I’m in love.
I picked them up at an antique store when I visited Phoenix last year and I have been saving them for just the right cocktail!
Thankfully the Internet has some similar glass and copper mugs that are just as cute, or you can go with a standard copper mug.
favorite mule mugs




So, if you spy kumquats on your next grocery trip, pick some up!
Try these little gems in your next cocktail. Eat them whole. Cut them up and put them in your salads. (Trying that next.) Be brave, friends.
Because sometimes? Bravery results in a Rosemary Kumquat Moscow Mule. You won’t be disappointed. // susannah


Rosemary Kumquat Moscow Mule
ingredients
For rosemary simple syrup
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 6-inches
For Rosemary Kumquat Moscow Mule
- ½ ounce rosemary syrup
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 kumquats halved, plus more for garnish
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary for garnish
- ice
instructions
- In a small saucepan on medium heat, combine sugar, water and rosemary sprigs. Stir until sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and remove from heat. Let cool completely. Store in a glass jar for up to 1 month.
- In two copper mule mugs or highball glasses, add rosemary simple syrup, vodka and 3 kumquat halves. Muddle the kumquats, mashing and squishing them so the juices and skins infuse their flavor into the vodka and syrup.
- Fill the glass completely with ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with a rosemary spring and a kumquat on the rim of the mug.
recommended products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Erin @ The Speckled Palate says
I feel you on the grocery store runs like that. Those are the story of my life these days. But hey – you got these beauties out of it, so it’s not all bad. 😉
Also, it’s 4 o’clock on a Friday afternoon, and I wish I had one of these in hand because they sound INSANELY tasty! Cheers to the weekend, friend!
Krista says
This looks SO good! I love moscow mules but you might have made me love them more now!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Kumquats: love. Rosemary: love. Beautiful and tasty cocktails: love! This cocktail is just want I need. It’s such a pretty mule and I bet it tastes amazing!
Katerina @ diethood .com says
This cocktail is calling my name!! It looks and sounds fantastic!!
Amy Stafford says
What a fun way to use kumquats! Looks and sounds refreshing and fun.
Maryanne | the little epicurean says
This sounds and looks delicious! (And I agree, those glasses are gorgeous!)
Brandy | Nutmeg Nanny says
Love the idea of the rosemary simple syrup! Such a great addition!
Sam @ The Culinary Compass says
I have to be honest and say I’ve never had a kumquat! This looks like the perfect reason to try them though!