Peppermint Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe

When the holidays show up, I honestly can’t resist giving classic cocktails a little makeover. A Moscow Mule is already so crisp and refreshing, but when you throw peppermint into the mix? It gets a whole lot more festive—maybe even a bit playful.

A Peppermint Moscow Mule is basically vodka, ginger beer, lime, and peppermint, all coming together for a cool, seasonal drink. It’s simple, but somehow it just feels a bit more special when you hand one to a friend.

I love that this recipe barely takes any effort, yet it’s totally party-worthy. The peppermint cools things down and balances out the spicy ginger beer, while the lime keeps everything bright.

You can whip up a big batch for a crowd, or just make one for yourself after a long day. It’s kind of perfect for a holiday party or just a cozy night when you want something minty and refreshing.

Peppermint Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe

I usually make this one when I’m craving something crisp but still want a little holiday flair. That combo of peppermint, lime, and ginger beer? It’s cool, it’s a bit spicy, and it just feels right this time of year.

Equipment

Honestly, you don’t need much. A copper mug is the classic go-to and keeps your drink extra cold, but if you don’t have one, any sturdy glass will do.

I always grab a bar spoon to stir things up gently—nobody wants flat ginger beer.

• Copper mug or sturdy glass
• Jigger or shot glass for measuring
• Bar spoon for stirring
• Small plate for crushed candy canes (if you’re feeling fancy)
• Knife and cutting board for limes
• Ice scoop or just a regular spoon

I like to have everything ready before I start, so I’m not hunting for stuff mid-cocktail. Chilling the mug in the freezer? That’s a little trick that really works.

Ingredients

I try to get the flavors balanced so the peppermint doesn’t totally take over. Fresh lime juice is a must—bottled just doesn’t cut it. And for garnish, crushed candy canes or a few mint leaves make it look (and smell) extra nice.

• 2 oz vodka or peppermint vodka
• ½ oz peppermint schnapps (if you want more minty punch)
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• 4-6 oz ginger beer
• Ice cubes
• Fresh lime wedge for garnish
• Mint leaves for garnish
• Crushed candy canes for rim or topping (totally optional)

I usually play with the amount of ginger beer, depending on how strong I want it. More ginger beer = lighter, more refreshing.

Instructions

I just build the drink right in the copper mug. If I’m feeling extra, I’ll rim the mug with crushed candy cane first—but you don’t have to.

Order matters a bit here, since it helps keep the flavors in check and the ginger beer fizzy.

• Fill your mug with ice cubes.
• Pour in the vodka (or peppermint vodka).
• Add peppermint schnapps if you’re using it.
• Squeeze in that fresh lime juice.
• Top it off with ginger beer, pouring slowly to save the bubbles.
• Stir gently with your bar spoon.
• Garnish with a lime wedge, mint leaves, or a sprinkle of crushed candy cane.

I always sneak a taste before serving and add a little more lime if it’s too sweet for me.

Notes

I’ll be honest—I like peppermint vodka for the extra mint, but regular vodka totally works if that’s what’s on hand. Fresh lime juice just brightens everything up, so I try not to skip it.

If I want to go lighter, I leave out the schnapps and just use more ginger beer. Sometimes I’ll rim the mug with crushed candy canes for a bit of fun, or just toss in some fresh mint leaves.

This cocktail’s great for small gatherings because it’s so easy to make a bunch at once. I usually prep the mugs with ice and garnishes ahead of time, then just pour and stir when people arrive.

Tasting Notes

The first sip? It’s honestly crisp and really refreshing. Peppermint brings this cool edge that just sets it apart from your usual mule.

Ginger beer throws in a light spice, which I think balances out the sweetness of the peppermint pretty nicely. I love how those two flavors sort of dance together—neither one totally stealing the show.

The lime juice cuts through with this sharp, clean note. It stops the drink from getting too sweet and just brightens everything up.

Vodka? It kind of hangs out in the background, staying smooth. It lets the peppermint and ginger take the spotlight, but you can still feel its strength in there.

Drinking it cold, especially out of a copper mug, the chill just makes that peppermint pop even more. Honestly, it feels perfect for a Christmas cocktail—the flavors really do remind me of the holidays.

The finish is fresh, a little mint and spice lingering after each sip. I like how light it comes across, even though the flavors are pretty bold.