Christmas Mule Cocktail Recipe

When the holidays show up, I honestly just want something that’s easy but still feels special. A Christmas Mule—some people call it a Yule Mule—is one of those cocktails I keep coming back to for winter gatherings.

It’s crisp, refreshing, and just festive enough without being fussy. You get ginger, lime, and a little bit of that holiday flavor that makes it feel right for the season.

This holiday mule fits in at any get-together, really. It’s got the familiar kick of a classic mule, but with a twist that just works for Christmas.

The flavors are easy to like, whether you’re throwing a party or just hanging out in pajamas. I can’t help but appreciate how fast this drink comes together.

No fancy gadgets or weird ingredients—just a cozy, refreshing cocktail that looks pretty in the glass. And, honestly, it tastes even better than it looks.

Christmas Mule Cocktail Recipe

I usually make this when I want something festive but don’t feel like fussing with complicated recipes. The combo of vodka, ginger beer, and cranberry juice just hits the spot for the holidays.

Equipment

• Copper mug – keeps your drink cold longer and gives it that classic mule vibe.
• Jigger – makes measuring vodka, juices, and syrup a breeze so things stay balanced.
• Bar spoon – lets you stir things up without killing the fizz.
• Citrus juicer – perfect for squeezing fresh lime in seconds.
• Ice cubes – fill your mug right to the top so it stays nice and cold.
• Cocktail pick – I use this if I want to add cranberries or a rosemary sprig on top.

Honestly, the copper mug makes a big difference. It’s not just for looks—your drink actually stays colder than it would in a regular glass.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka (I usually reach for Grey Goose or Absolut, but use what you like)
• 3 oz ginger beer (ginger ale works if you want it a bit sweeter)
• 2 oz cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail
• 0.5 oz lime juice (fresh is always best)
• 0.5 oz simple syrup (totally optional, for extra sweetness)
• Ice cubes
• Garnishes: fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, lime wedge, cinnamon stick

Sometimes I swap in pomegranate juice if I’m feeling like a change—it gives a deeper flavor. The rosemary sprig isn’t just for looks; it adds a nice aroma. Cinnamon stick? That’s for a little hint of holiday spice.

Instructions

• Fill your copper mug all the way up with ice cubes.
• Measure out the vodka with a jigger and pour it right over the ice.
• Add the cranberry juice and squeeze in some fresh lime juice.
• Give it a gentle stir with your bar spoon to mix things up.
• Top off with ginger beer or ginger ale, depending on your mood—sharper or sweeter, totally your call.
• Garnish with cranberries, a rosemary sprig, lime wedge, or maybe a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling fancy.

Don’t shake this cocktail—just trust me on that. The ginger beer will lose its fizz way too fast. Stirring keeps it light and bubbly.

Notes

I almost always go for ginger beer instead of ginger ale because I like a bit of a bite. If I’m serving guests who aren’t into spice, ginger ale makes it smoother and sweeter.

Fresh lime juice makes a difference. It brightens everything and balances the vodka, which is what you want. Sometimes I’ll add a splash of soda water if I want it lighter.

For that extra holiday vibe, I float a few cranberries in the mug and tuck in a rosemary sprig. Not only does it look festive, but the herbal note is a nice surprise when you take a sip.

Tasting Notes

So, the first sip—it’s crisp and really refreshing, honestly. The ginger beer jumps out with this sharp bite, while the vodka just kind of keeps everything clean and smooth.

There’s a tart edge from the cranberry juice that balances out any sweetness. I actually love how the fruitiness is there, but it doesn’t try too hard or overpower anything.

When I throw in some fresh cranberries as a garnish, there’s this gentle, fruity aroma that hits before I even taste the drink. If I go with sugared cranberries, they add a little crunch and a touch of sweetness—feels pretty festive, if you ask me.

The lime juice? It just brightens everything up. It slices right through the ginger beer’s spice and the cranberry’s tartness, so every sip stays balanced.

As the ice starts melting, I notice the flavors shifting a bit. The drink lightens up, and those cranberry notes get softer, which honestly makes it easy to sip slowly.

Flavor highlights:

• Tart cranberry
• Spicy ginger
• Bright lime
• Light sweetness from sugared cranberries