Pomegranate Christmas Mule
This pomegranate Christmas mule is a festive twist on the classic Moscow mule. It’s made with vodka, tart pomegranate juice, fig jam, fresh ginger, and lime, then topped with fizzy ginger beer. It takes just 5 minutes, and the fig jam gives it a jammy body and a deep, cozy sweetness that’s perfect for the holidays.
When I’m able to get a cocktail, 9 out of 10 times it’s going to be a flavored mule. I love ginger beer! It’s light and refreshing, and the ginger always gives it a little zing. I also love a little fizz in a cocktail, even though I’m not a soda drinker at all.
This is one of those drinks I literally crave, and it’s the perfect holiday mule with both pomegranate and fig. You’ve got to make it for your next Friendsgiving or holiday hosting event.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Moscow Mule
- Ready in 5 minutes: Just shake, pour, and top with soda.
- Light and refreshing: The soda water keeps it bubbly instead of syrupy.
- Cozy fall flavor: Pear, honey, and thyme taste like fall in a glass.
- Easy to customize: Swap in bourbon, make a mocktail, or turn it into a pear martini.
Pomegranate Mule Ingredients
- Vodka: A smooth, unflavored vodka keeps this a classic pomegranate vodka cocktail.
- Pomegranate juice: Use 100% pomegranate juice for the best tart flavor and deep red color.
- Fig jam: It adds a jammy body and a rich sweetness that plays perfectly with tart pomegranate.
- Fresh ginger: Grated fresh ginger adds an extra kick on top of the ginger beer.
- Lime juice: Fresh lime keeps the drink bright.
- Ginger beer: Choose a spicy ginger beer, not ginger ale, for that classic mule zing.
- Garnish: Pomegranate arils, a cinnamon stick, a lime wedge, and a slice of fresh ginger make it look festive.
How to Make a Pomegranate Christmas Mule
Step 1: Add the base
Add the vodka, lime juice, pomegranate juice, fig jam, and grated ginger to a cocktail shaker.
Step 2: Add ice
Fill the shaker about halfway with ice and seal it.
Step 3: Shake well
Shake hard for about 1 minute, until the fig jam fully breaks up.
Step 4: Strain into a copper mug
Strain the cocktail into a copper mug filled with ice.
Step 5: Top with ginger beer
Top with ginger beer and give it one gentle stir.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Add pomegranate arils, a cinnamon stick, a lime wedge, and a slice of ginger. Serve right away.
Holiday Mule Variations
This is one of my favorite Moscow mule variations, and it’s easy to make your own.
- Cranberry Moscow mule: Swap the pomegranate juice for cranberry juice and garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary.
- Fig mule: Add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of fig jam for a stronger fig flavor.
- Sparkling: Top with prosecco instead of ginger beer for a holiday toast.
- Mocktail: Skip the vodka and add an extra splash of pomegranate juice. It’s still a festive holiday mule for everyone at the table.
Christmas Mule Serving Ideas
Serve this Christmas Moscow mule in copper mugs for the classic look, or in clear glasses so the red color shines. For a holiday drink spread, pair it with my Apple Cider Sangria with Pears, Easy Pear Cocktail, or Pear Cider with Cranberries. For dessert, set out my Christmas cookies with almond paste or eggnog bread pudding, and keep a pot of homemade hot chocolate warm for anyone skipping the cocktails.
Pomegranate Mule FAQs
Do I need a copper mug?
This drink is a Pear Collins. A Collins is a spirit, lemon juice, and a sweetener topped with soda and served over ice. A martini, on the other hand, is served chilled without ice or soda. For a pear martini, follow the variation above.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
No. Copper mugs keep the drink extra cold and look classic, but any glass works.
What can I use instead of fig jam?
Apple butter works well, or try a spoonful of cherry or raspberry jam. Each changes the flavor a little.
Why do I need to double strain?
Fig jam has small seeds, and the grated ginger leaves fibers. A fine mesh strainer gives you a smoother drink.
Is a pomegranate mule the same as a Moscow mule?
It’s a variation. A classic Moscow mule is vodka, lime, and ginger beer. This one adds pomegranate juice, fig jam, and fresh ginger.
Pomegranate Christmas Mule
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep the mug: Fill a copper mug or cocktail glass with ice and set it aside.
- Grate the ginger: Peel the ginger and finely grate it with a microplane or small grater.
- Add the base: Add the vodka, lime juice, pomegranate juice, fig jam, and grated ginger to a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice: Fill the shaker about halfway with ice and seal it tightly.
- Shake: Shake hard for about 1 minute, until the fig jam is fully broken up and the shaker feels very cold.
- Strain: Strain into the prepared mug. If your fig jam has seeds or skin pieces, pour through a fine mesh strainer too for a smoother drink.
- Top with ginger beer: Taste first. If you’d like it sweeter, shake in another 1/2 tablespoon of fig jam. Then top with the ginger beer and stir gently once.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with pomegranate arils and add a cinnamon stick, a lime wedge, and a slice of fresh ginger. Serve right away.
Nutrition
Notes
- Shake well: Fig jam is thick, so shake longer than you would for a regular mule.
- Double strain: Use a fine mesh strainer if your fig jam has large seeds or skin pieces.
- Sweeter: Add another 1/2 tablespoon of fig jam before topping with ginger beer.
- Mocktail: Skip the vodka and add an extra splash of pomegranate juice.
- Big batch: Mix everything except the ginger beer in a pitcher a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Top each glass with ginger beer when serving.
