Mistletoe Mule Recipe
Christmas is here! If you’re looking for a fun, festive cocktail to enjoy, the Mistletoe Mule is the perfect choice.
It’s a cheerful twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with fresh holiday flavors that’ll keep everyone in the spirit.
Not only is the Mistletoe Mule a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also easy to make and full of flavor. With its bright, zesty taste and a splash of festive cheer, this drink is sure to become a holiday favorite.
Why You'll Love the Mistletoe Mule
Before we get into the recipe, here are a few reasons why you’re going to love this drink:
Refreshing: The ginger beer gives the mule its signature spicy fizz, while the lime juice provides a crisp, citrusy kick. It’s refreshing but still hearty enough for winter.
Festive: With the addition of cranberry and a sprig of fresh mint or rosemary, the Mistletoe Mule is like Christmas in a glass.
Easy to Make: The ingredients are simple, and it only takes a few minutes to whip up. It’s the perfect drink for a party or when you just need something special to sip on while you enjoy the holiday cheer.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness to your liking and even switch up the booze. If vodka’s not your thing, gin or rum would work well too!
Ingredients for the Mistletoe Mule
The Mistletoe Mule is easy to prepare, and the ingredients are simple to find. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
For the Cocktail:
2 oz Vodka (A smooth vodka works best, but you can also use gin or rum for a twist.)
4 oz Ginger Beer (The fizz is essential in a mule, and ginger beer adds the perfect kick. Make sure to use a good-quality, spicy ginger beer.)
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice (Fresh is key! Lime juice gives the cocktail that zesty, tart flavor.)
1 oz Cranberry Juice (This adds a festive red color and a slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with the ginger beer.)
Ice (To chill the drink and keep it refreshing.)
For the Garnish:
Fresh Cranberries (A handful for a pop of color and to make it extra festive.)
Fresh Mint or Rosemary Sprigs (For that finishing touch of holiday cheer.)
Lime Wedges (To enhance the lime flavor and for a beautiful garnish.)
A Mistletoe Sprig (Optional) (For a little extra holiday magic and, of course, a nod to the drink’s name.)
How to Make the Mistletoe Mule
Now let’s get down to it! The Mistletoe Mule is easy to make and requires just a few steps. Here’s how to bring this festive drink to life:
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
Start by choosing your glass. Traditionally, a mule is served in a copper mug, which helps keep the drink nice and cold.
If you don’t have a copper mug, a highball glass will work just fine.
Fill the glass with ice. You want to have plenty of ice so the drink stays cold and refreshing.
Step 2: Add the Liquids
Pour 2 oz of vodka into the glass. Vodka is the classic spirit for a mule, but feel free to experiment with other liquors like gin or rum for a different twist on the drink.
Add 1 oz of fresh lime juice to give the drink that zesty, tangy flavor. Fresh lime juice is a must. It adds a brightness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Next, pour in 1 oz of cranberry juice. This not only gives the drink its holiday color but also brings a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the lime and ginger beer.
Step 3: Top with Ginger Beer
Now, top off the drink with 4 oz of ginger beer. This is the part that gives the mule its signature fizz and spice.
Make sure you use a good-quality ginger beer that’s flavorful and not too sweet. You want that refreshing ginger kick to shine through.
Give the drink a quick stir to combine the ingredients. You want everything to mix, but not too much, this cocktail is all about maintaining the fizzy, bubbly texture.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Now, it’s time for the finishing touches. Drop a few fresh cranberries into the drink for a pop of color and a festive touch.
The cranberries also look great floating in the drink, and they add a bit of tartness if you decide to munch on one.
Add a sprig of fresh mint or rosemary. Not only does this add a lovely aroma to the drink, but it also gives the cocktail a fresh, seasonal vibe.
The rosemary is a great option for a more aromatic touch, but mint brings a refreshing coolness.
For a final touch, place a lime wedge on the rim of the glass or drop it into the drink.
If you’re feeling extra festive, you can even add a sprig of mistletoe on top for a fun holiday-themed garnish.
Tips for the Perfect Mistletoe Mule
Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always use fresh lime juice instead of bottled. It really makes a difference in the taste.
Customize the Sweetness: If you like your drinks a little sweeter, you can add a splash of simple syrup or use cranberry juice with added sugar. You can also experiment with flavored cranberry syrups for a unique twist.
Make It a Mocktail: If you want to make a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the vodka and add more cranberry juice and ginger beer for a delicious, refreshing mocktail.
Chill Your Glass: For an extra touch of refreshment, chill your copper mug or glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the drink. This helps keep everything cold without diluting it too much with ice.
Add a Sparkling Twist: If you want a little more sparkle, you can top the drink off with a splash of sparkling water or soda. It adds a nice effervescence and lightens up the drink.
Why the Mistletoe Mule is Perfect for the Holidays
The Mistletoe Mule is a perfect holiday cocktail for a number of reasons. First, it’s light, refreshing, and easy to sip on, even after a big holiday meal.
The ginger beer provides that lovely fizz, while the cranberry juice adds a seasonal touch that just screams “holiday cheer.”
It’s also incredibly easy to make, meaning you can whip up a batch of Mistletoe Mules for your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
The garnishes are simple, but they make the drink look extra festive - cranberries, fresh herbs, and even a sprig of mistletoe will make this cocktail stand out.
Another reason this cocktail works so well for holiday gatherings is that it’s customizable.
If you want a little more spice, add extra ginger beer. If you prefer it a little sweeter, adjust the cranberry juice. It’s a cocktail that can be tailored to suit any taste.
Similar Recipes
Finally, if you enjoy this recipe, I’d recommend taking a look at these festive recipes;
As for Christmas drink resources, we recommend checking out;
Mistletoe Mule
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a mule mug with cubed ice.
- Stir and garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary. If you have it, it's also good to garnish with mistletoe.
Notes
Try replacing the ginger beer with extra flavored gingered beer such as Old Jamaica's fiery ginger beer or the London Essences Spiced Ginger beer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
190Fat
0 gSat. Fat
0 gCarbs
16 gFiber
0 gNet carbs
16 gSugar
14 gProtein
0 gSodium
12 mgCholesterol
0 mgThe nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Final Thoughts
The Mistletoe Mule is the perfect cocktail for adding a little sparkle and cheer to your Christmas celebrations. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and easy to make, with just the right amount of festive flair.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, ringing in the New Year, or simply enjoying a night with friends, this drink will help keep the holiday spirits high.
So, next time you’re looking for a fun, flavorful drink that’s perfect for the season, reach for the Mistletoe Mule.
With its zesty lime, spicy ginger, and bright cranberry, it’s sure to be the hit of your holiday parties. Cheers to the season of giving, good times, and great drinks!
Search Drinks
Cocktails, Non-alcoholic, Wine, Coffee, Drink guides, Techniques, Fermentation
All Recipes
Hi, I’m Cameron, guv’nor of Smartblend. If you liked this then you’re in luck, I have a bunch more recipes like it. I share only vegetarian and pescatarian food recipes, cocktails, and drink guides with a sprinkling of wellness and mindful drinking. If that sounds like you, then stick around!
Related Recipes
Smartblend is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co.uk and amazon.com. Smartblend does earn a small commission on goods purchased through the included links. Don't worry, it doesn't cost you any more, but we do appreciate your referral!