15 Popular Christmas Mule Cocktails

There’s just something about a simple mule cocktail that turns festive with a few holiday twists, don’t you think?

The ginger beer, those fresh flavors, and seasonal touches make it almost too easy to bring cheer to any gathering.

You can take a classic drink and give it a holiday spin that feels both fun and refreshing.

When I start trying different versions, it’s wild how each one highlights a different part of the season. Some lean into warm spices, others go for bright fruits or sweet flavors.

These ideas make it easy to serve drinks that feel special, but not fussy. Isn’t that what we want during the holidays anyway?

1) Classic Christmas Mule with Ginger Beer and Cranberry Juice

I honestly love making a Classic Christmas Mule—it’s so simple and always hits that refreshing note. The combo of ginger beer and cranberry juice gives it that crisp, slightly tart flavor that just screams holiday season to me.

Usually, I grab a copper mug, fill it with ice, and pour in the vodka. Cranberry juice goes next, then a generous splash of ginger beer.

The balance of sweet and spicy flavors makes it way too easy to enjoy. For a festive look, I toss in fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary—it’s almost too pretty.

Those red and green colors really pop, and suddenly the drink just feels more seasonal. I’ll squeeze a bit of lime juice in too for extra freshness.

That tangy kick plays so well with the ginger beer. The cocktail comes together fast, which is perfect for when I’m hosting and don’t want to fuss.

If I want it lighter, I just cut back on the vodka and add more cranberry juice. Same festive vibes, just a bit easier to sip.

This drink works for both small hangouts and bigger parties. The ingredients are easy enough to find, and you can double or triple the recipe without any headaches.

The best part? It’s so versatile. I can keep it classic or try out little twists, but that ginger beer and cranberry juice base always makes it feel like Christmas.

2) Spiced Apple Mule with Apple Cider and Cinnamon

A Spiced Apple Mule is my go-to when I want something cozy but still bright. The mix of apple cider, ginger beer, vodka, and cinnamon just feels like holiday comfort in a mug.

I’ll fill a copper mug with ice, pour in the vodka, and add a splash of apple cider. Then comes the ginger beer for that crisp, fizzy bite.

I like to stir in a pinch of ground cinnamon or drop in a cinnamon stick. It’s subtle, but that hint of spice balances the apple.

For garnish, I’ll toss in a few apple slices or stick a cinnamon stick right in the mug. It’s simple but looks like I tried harder than I did.

This mule is easy to make in small batches, but honestly, it’s even better when you mix up a pitcher for a group. Less work, more fun.

The Spiced Apple Mule lands somewhere between sweet, tart, and spicy. It’s refreshing but still has that cozy, wintry touch I’m always after in a Christmas cocktail.

3) Pomegranate Moscow Mule with Pomegranate Seeds

Adding pomegranate juice to a Moscow Mule is such a simple upgrade. It gives the Pomegranate Moscow Mule a gorgeous red color and a little tartness that plays well with the lime and ginger beer.

It’s festive, but not cloyingly sweet. I start with a copper mug full of ice, pour in vodka, a squeeze of lime, and a good splash of pomegranate juice.

Ginger beer goes on top, and that’s basically it. I always sprinkle in some pomegranate seeds—they look pretty and give a fun crunch if you catch one while sipping.

Sometimes I’ll add a lime wedge or a little mint sprig for extra color. Those tiny touches make it feel party-ready.

This mule is crazy easy to mix and doesn’t eat up much time. The ingredients are basic, but the drink looks and tastes special.

People usually notice the bright red color first. I think that’s half the fun.

The flavors hit that sweet-tart-spicy balance. Ginger beer keeps it lively, pomegranate gives it a seasonal twist.

I always chill the mug beforehand. It keeps the drink colder, longer, and honestly just feels more festive.

It’s a great batch cocktail too. I’ll mix a few at once, keeping the ginger beer cold and adding it last so nothing goes flat.

4) Holiday Citrus Mule with Blood Orange and Lime

I can’t get over how fresh Holiday Citrus Mule tastes. The mix of blood orange and lime brings a bright, tangy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.

Plus, the colors make it look festive without any fancy tricks. I start with vodka and ginger beer as my base, then add fresh blood orange juice and a squeeze of lime.

The ginger beer adds a spicy kick that keeps the citrus from being too sharp. I think it makes the drink more interesting.

I serve it in a copper mug packed with ice. That mug keeps things icy cold and gives it the classic mule vibe.

A slice of blood orange on the rim? It just looks good. For garnish, I’ll sometimes use a little rosemary sprig or a lime wheel.

It’s a simple move, but instantly makes the drink look holiday-ready. Fresh citrus and ginger beer really are the secret to keeping this mule crisp and clean.

It’s easy to tweak, too. If I want it sweeter, I’ll add a bit of simple syrup. More tart? Just squeeze in extra lime.

I like making this one when friends drop by in December. It feels seasonal but not heavy, and the flavors stay bright.

When I need a quick holiday drink, this is usually what I reach for. It’s colorful, easy, and always goes over well.

5) Peppermint Mule with Crushed Candy Canes

A Peppermint Mule is just fun to make during the holidays. It’s festive, a little playful, and super refreshing.

That cool peppermint with the sharp ginger beer—such a good combo. Plus, it looks like I put in way more effort than I actually did.

To start, I rim the mug with crushed candy canes. It’s sweet, crunchy, and just screams holiday.

I dip the rim in lime juice first, then press it into the crushed candy. For the drink, I use vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, and peppermint schnapps.

The schnapps gives it that minty kick, but I’ll adjust depending on how strong I want the peppermint. Pour it all over ice, and you’ve got something crisp, bubbly, and wintery.

For garnish, I usually pop in a small candy cane stir stick. It’s cute and adds more sweetness as it melts.

Sometimes I’ll add a fresh mint sprig for color, just because. This mule is easy for single servings, but it works for a pitcher too if you’re having people over.

The flavors stay balanced either way. Guests always notice the candy cane rim first—it’s a conversation starter.

I like that it feels playful but still grown-up. The peppermint twist makes it stand out from a regular mule, but it’s not weird or hard to drink.

Definitely one of my favorite holiday cocktails.

6) Gingerbread Mule with Molasses and Nutmeg

Sometimes I want a Gingerbread Mule that just feels cozy and festive, and this mule totally nails it. The gingerbread flavors remind me of holiday baking, and the molasses brings a deep, rich sweetness.

I start with vodka and lime juice, then add a spoonful of molasses. It’s sticky, but it blends in if you stir well.

Ginger beer goes on top for fizz and to cut through the sweetness. I’ll sprinkle a little nutmeg on top—just enough to smell warm and inviting.

Sometimes I add a cinnamon stick for garnish. This one’s best in a copper mug packed with ice.

The cold metal keeps things crisp, while the molasses and nutmeg make it bold and flavorful. I like serving this when friends come by because it’s familiar but still a little different.

It’s got that gingerbread cookie comfort, but you can drink it. Not too heavy, either.

A Gingerbread Mule is easy to mix and fun to share, which is probably why I keep coming back to it.

7) Cranberry Lime Mule with Fresh Cranberries

A Cranberry Lime Mule is one of my favorites for the holidays. It just looks so festive, and the flavor is bright and refreshing.

The tart cranberries and zesty lime make it perfect for winter get-togethers. I use vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice as the base, then add a splash of cranberry juice.

Dropping in a few fresh cranberries makes the drink pop with color. Sometimes I’ll chill the cranberries first—they act like tiny ice cubes and keep the drink cold without watering it down.

For garnish, I’ll add a thin lime wheel on the rim. The green and red together always look so good.

Copper mugs are my go-to for mules since they keep everything cold and have that classic vibe. But if I’m feeling wild, a clear glass shows off the cranberry color nicely too.

The best thing? This cocktail comes together in minutes. Just a few ingredients, and suddenly you’ve got something special for friends or family.

It’s low effort, high reward—honestly, that’s the holiday spirit right there.

8) Maple Bourbon Mule with Maple Syrup

I’ve gotta say, making a Maple Bourbon Mule during the holidays just feels right. There’s something about bourbon, ginger beer, lime, and maple syrup that makes the whole thing taste like winter in a cup.

The maple syrup brings in a natural sweetness that smooths out the sharp lime and spicy ginger beer. Honestly, I think it’s way better than simple syrup—less sticky sweet, more mellow.

I always use a copper mug packed with ice. The mug stays frosty, and the drink keeps its edge, while the bourbon and maple give it that deep, cozy flavor.

Here’s how I do it: bourbon first, squeeze in some fresh lime, then a spoonful of maple syrup. Ginger beer goes on top, and I give it a gentle stir.

For garnish, I’ll toss in a lime wedge or maybe a cinnamon stick if I’m feeling fancy. Both work, and neither is fussy.

This drink’s a lifesaver when I’m hosting. It’s quick to throw together, so I’m not missing the fun while mixing up a few.

The flavor’s bold but not too much. That maple syrup just smooths the bourbon out, and ginger beer keeps it lively.

9) Winter Spice Mule with Clove and Star Anise

I love making a Winter Spice Mule when I’m in the mood for something cozy but still want a bit of zing. The clove and star anise give it this warm, spiced kick that’s perfect for the holidays.

It’s really just a twist on the classic mule, but it stands out. I use vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice for the base—nothing wild.

Then I’ll drop in a clove or two and a star anise pod as I mix. These spices add a subtle depth, not too heavy, so the ginger still pops.

Always in a copper mug with plenty of ice. The mug chills the drink, and the spices warm it up from the inside out. A lime wedge on the rim does the trick for garnish.

Sometimes, if I have a minute, I’ll simmer the clove and star anise in a little water first. That spiced water blends in better and makes the flavors rounder.

For garnish, I just drop a star anise pod on top. It looks cool and gives a gentle aroma with every sip. Cinnamon stick works too if I want even more spice.

This mule feels special but isn’t much work. I can whip up a couple fast, and people always seem to notice the spices.

10) Cinnamon Vanilla Mule with Vanilla Extract

This Cinnamon Vanilla Mule is my go-to when I want something cozy but still refreshing. The combo of cinnamon and vanilla extract just screams holiday to me.

I start with ginger beer for that spicy, crisp base. Vodka’s next—keeps things clean and lets the other flavors shine.

A splash of vanilla extract goes in to make it taste a little richer. I’ll use a cinnamon stick to stir, so the spice comes through without being too much.

Always in a copper mug packed with ice. The cold makes the cinnamon and vanilla flavors pop.

A cinnamon stick or maybe an orange slice for garnish—simple, but it looks festive enough for any get-together.

It’s so easy to share with friends. Just a few ingredients, but it feels thoughtful, like you put in some effort.

11) Caramel Apple Mule with Caramel Sauce

I’m a sucker for anything that tastes like caramel apples, and this mule nails it. The sweet caramel and crisp apple flavors are cozy but not too rich.

Caramel sauce adds that smooth sweetness, balancing out the ginger beer. It’s a nice twist.

To make Caramel Apple Mule, I start with vodka, apple cider, and ginger beer. Before pouring, I’ll drizzle caramel sauce inside the mug so it looks pretty and you get a little caramel with each sip.

Copper mug, always. It keeps things cold, and the caramel clings to the sides so every sip is a treat.

For garnish, I’ll throw in apple slices or a cinnamon stick. Sometimes I can’t resist a little extra caramel on top.

It’s a great one for holiday gatherings because you can make a bunch at once. People love the apple-caramel combo, and it’s a nice break from the usual cocktails.

If I use a good spiced ginger beer, the flavors really pop. The spice keeps the drink from getting too sweet, which I appreciate.

If I want something lighter, I just use less caramel and more apple cider. Still festive, just not as heavy.

12) Orange Cranberry Mule with Fresh Orange Slices

Making this Orange Cranberry Mule always puts me in a festive mood. The cranberry juice and fresh orange slices bring a crisp, fruity flavor that feels bright and seasonal.

It’s simple, but it really looks special in the glass. I fill a copper mug with ice, pour in vodka, cranberry juice, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Then comes the ginger beer for that classic mule fizz. I slice up a fresh orange and drop a few wedges right in.

Those orange slices add color and a little citrus kick. Plus, they make the drink look way more inviting.

Sometimes I’ll toss in a few whole cranberries on top. They float and give it that holiday vibe. The mix of red and orange just pops.

I like that I can tweak this one—more cranberry for sweetness, more lime for tang. Depends on who’s drinking, honestly.

People always notice the garnish first at parties. It’s a simple recipe that looks festive without much fuss.

13) Mulled Wine Mule with Red Wine and Mulling Spices

Mixing the cozy taste of mulled wine mule with the crisp fizz of a mule is just genius, if you ask me. This one blends red wine, mulling spices, ginger beer, and lime for a drink that’s both warm and refreshing.

I start by heating red wine with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Once it’s got that spicy aroma, I let it cool a bit before pouring it into a copper mug.

Fresh lime juice goes in next, then I top it with ginger beer for that fizzy mule finish. The ginger beer cuts through the richness and keeps it lively.

For garnish, I’ll use an orange slice or a cinnamon stick. Sometimes I’ll add cranberries for a pop of color.

It’s a fun twist that gives you the best of both worlds—comforting spice and sparkling refreshment.

14) Chai Mule with Chai Tea and Ginger Beer

I’m always up for a twist on a classic, and the Chai Mule hits the spot. Warm chai tea meets fizzy ginger beer, and it’s somehow cozy and refreshing at the same time.

I brew a strong cup of chai, let it cool, then pour it over ice with vodka and ginger beer. A squeeze of lime brightens the whole thing up.

Chai brings in cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves—all those warming notes. They play off the sharp ginger for a drink that feels festive but not fussy.

For garnish, I’ll go with a lime wedge or cinnamon stick. Looks good, smells even better. Little touches like that make it feel special.

It’s great when I want something different for the holidays. Easy to make, but people always notice the chai.

Best part? I can tweak the strength—more tea, more ginger beer, whatever. Never feels too heavy.

15) Pumpkin Spice Mule with Pumpkin Puree

I’ve always liked throwing a fall spin on a classic mule. The Pumpkin Spice Mule just nails it for me.

Pumpkin puree gives it this creamy, almost velvety texture. But the ginger beer keeps everything bright and crisp, so it’s not too heavy.

Here’s what I do: I mix up vodka, lime juice, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice in a shaker. After a good shake, I pour it into a copper mug loaded with ice, then top it off with ginger beer.

The way the pumpkin puree and spice come together—it’s honestly kind of cozy. It always reminds me of autumn holidays, maybe because of the warmth.

Lime juice really helps keep things balanced, so the drink doesn’t get overly sweet or dense. That’s important, right?

For garnish, I’ll usually pop in a cinnamon stick or dust a little nutmeg on top. It makes the mule look festive and gives off a nice aroma.

If you’re making this at home, it’s seriously easy. I’ve brought it to a couple of holiday parties, and people always seem to love it.

Sometimes I want more pumpkin flavor, so I’ll just add extra puree. Other times, I keep it lighter and let the ginger beer do more of the talking.

Honestly, this cocktail feels like it bridges fall and winter. It just fits right in at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any casual get-together.

The simplicity is what I like most. With just a handful of ingredients, you get something that feels special without a ton of fuss.

There’s something about the pumpkin spice—it adds this gentle warmth that stands out from the usual holiday drinks.

Every time I make this mule, it feels festive and a little different, but still super approachable. Isn’t that what you want in a seasonal cocktail?

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