Christmas Moscow Mule With Pomegranate

Pour yourself a cup of holiday cheer with this Christmas Moscow mule with pomegranate! The classic cocktail you love gets a festive twist from fresh pomegranate arils and a splash of pomegranate juice. It’s flavorful, eye-catching, and it’s so easy to make.

two copper mugs filled with ice and topped with pomegranate arils and a lime slice

Reasons to Love This Recipe

Moscow mules are refreshing any time of year, but their effervescence and spicy ginger flavor make them the perfect drink during the holidays. Adding pomegranate to this classic cocktail takes it up a notch.


I think pomegranate arils look like little jewels (just me?). They give your drink a little sparkle and vibrant red color – perfect for Christmastime! As you drink your Christmas Moscow mule, the pomegranate arils burst with each sip and crunch. A splash of pomegranate juice adds a touch of sweetness, too.

Have I convinced you to try it yet?

sprinkling pomegranate arils into a Moscow Mule mug

Cultural Notes

Contrary to its name, the Moscow mule cocktail recipe isn’t linked directly to Russia. According to many sources, the recipe was a collaboration between a US-based ginger beer-maker, the Smirnoff vodka company. The copper mug was added to keep the drink cold and compliment the taste and scent of the cocktail.

Preparation Tips

This cocktail couldn’t be simpler. Just add the vodka and juices to your mug, then top with ice and ginger beer. Give your drink a good stir, then top with pomegranate arils and a slice of lime.

That’s it!

pomegranate Moscow mule ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a copper mug for a Moscow mule?

Not necessarily. If you don’t have a copper mug, it’s okay to drink your cocktail out of whatever glass you have! The copper mug helps keep the drink cold and enhances how the drink tastes and smells though, so if you can get your hands on one, that’s awesome!

What is the best vodka for a Moscow mule?

Any plain vodka will do. I know it’s inexpensive, but I really love Sobieski vodka. It’s ultra-smooth and a standard bottle runs just over $10. Totally affordable and it blends seamlessly into just about any cocktail.

What is the best ginger beer for Moscow mules?

It depends on how much spice you prefer. I’ve tried quite a few ginger beers, but in my experience, Reed’s has the purest ginger flavor without being overly sweet. Reed’s Extra was used in this recipe, but they also make an ‘Original’ version that’s less spicy and a ‘Strongest’ version for spice lovers!

two copper mugs filled with ice and topped with pomegranate arils and lime slices

Recipe Modifications

  • Make multiple servings – This recipe could definitely be multiplied as needed and made in a pitcher for a crowd, but I think it’s easiest to make right in the glass, one drink at a time.
  • Use a different fruit – If you don’t have pomegranate arils or if you don’t like them, this recipe would taste great with raspberries, cranberries, or blackberries. You can use pomegranate juice with either of these variations or sub in cranberry juice.
  • Make it a mocktail – Omitting the vodka will still leave you with a tasty, non-alcoholic drink!
copper mug filled with ice and topped with pomegranate arils and a lime slice
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Christmas Moscow Mule with Pomegranate

Pour yourself a cup of holiday cheer with this pomegranate Moscow mule! Pomegranate arils and a splash of pomegranate juice give the traditional mule you love a festive twist.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cocktail, holiday
Servings: 1
Calories: 195kcal
Author: Chelsea Jackle, RDN

Equipment

  • copper mug

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • ½ oz pomegranate juice
  • crushed ice
  • 4 oz ginger beer about ½ cup
  • 1 tbsp pomegranate arils
  • 1 slice lime

Instructions

  • Add vodka, lime juice, and pomegranate juice to a copper mug. Fill the mug with crushed ice, then add ginger beer and stir.
  • Top with pomegranate arils and a lime slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Please note that nutrition facts are an estimate and can vary widely based on amounts and specific types used. 

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

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5 from 1 vote

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