Peppermint Mule With Crushed Candy Canes Cocktail Recipe

Mixing drinks that feel extra special during the holidays is kind of my thing, and honestly, a peppermint mule is perfect for that vibe. It takes the classic Moscow mule and gives it this playful, minty twist with peppermint and those crushed candy canes you always have too many of.

This holiday cocktail is all about crisp ginger beer, smooth vodka, and a cool burst of peppermint. It’s refreshing, looks ridiculously festive, and it’s the kind of drink people actually talk about after the party.

When I make this, I love how the crushed candy canes do double duty—flavor and decoration. The rim sparkles with color, and that peppermint just mellows out the spicy ginger beer in such a satisfying way.

It’s honestly pretty simple, too. Just a handful of ingredients and you’re good to go.

Peppermint Mule With Crushed Candy Canes Cocktail Recipe

What I like about this cocktail is the way the cool peppermint plays with the sharp ginger beer. Crushed candy canes give it a little sweetness and a fun look—kind of makes winter gatherings feel less stuffy.

Equipment

• Copper mug – keeps your drink cold and has that classic mule charm.
• Bar spoon – makes stirring easy without killing the fizz.
• Cocktail shaker – nice if you want to blend the juices and booze first.
• Small plate – for your crushed candy canes (rimming is messy otherwise).
• Muddler or rolling pin – for smashing candy canes into bits.
• Measuring jigger – so you don’t accidentally overpour (unless that’s your thing).
• Ice scoop – just makes life easier.
• Knife and cutting board – for slicing those lime wedges.

Honestly, the copper mug really does make a difference. It keeps everything way colder, and it just feels right for a mule.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka or peppermint vodka
• 0.5 oz peppermint schnapps
• 0.5 oz lime juice (fresh is best, but I won’t judge)
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 4 oz ginger beer (or ginger ale if you’re feeling mellow)
• Crushed candy canes (for rimming and garnish)
• Fresh cranberries (totally optional, but festive)
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge (for garnish and rimming)

If I can track down peppermint vodka, I’ll use it, but regular vodka plus schnapps does the trick too. Cranberry juice gives it a pop of color and keeps it from getting too sweet.

Instructions

• Smash up the candy canes on a plate—don’t pulverize them, just get them into little pieces.
• Run a lime wedge around the rim of your copper mug.
• Dip the rim into those crushed candy canes until it’s coated.
• Fill the mug with ice cubes.
• Toss vodka, peppermint schnapps, lime juice, and cranberry juice in a shaker.
• Give it a quick shake, then pour into your mug.
• Top with ginger beer—don’t be shy.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon, just enough to mix but keep the fizz alive.
• Garnish with cranberries and a lime wedge if you’re feeling fancy.

I always stir after adding ginger beer, never shake. Shaking kills the bubbles and nobody wants a flat mule.

Notes

You can play with the sweetness by picking a spicier ginger beer or swapping in ginger ale if you want it milder.

Crushed candy canes melt slowly, so you get more peppermint as you sip. If you’re not into super sweet, just rim half the mug.

Fresh cranberries look festive, but honestly, they don’t taste like much. Sometimes I freeze them so they double as ice cubes.

Serve this one right away—the candy cane rim starts to get sticky if it sits too long.

Tasting Notes

That first sip? There’s an immediate, crisp bite from the ginger beer—kind of wakes up your taste buds. Then, right after, a cool wave of peppermint sneaks in.

The crushed candy canes add this gentle sweetness, just enough to balance out the sharpness. It’s not cloying at all, which I honestly appreciate.

The peppermint flavor is fresh, but thankfully not overpowering. It hangs around for a bit, just enough to feel like a holiday treat.

Lime juice steps in and keeps everything bright and sharp, which is a nice touch.

I really like how the texture shifts with those crushed candy canes. They melt slowly, so you get these tiny bursts of sweetness every now and then.

Makes each sip feel a bit different, which keeps things interesting.

With this peppermint Moscow mule style drink, the vodka’s there—but it’s not trying to steal the show.

It just adds a gentle warmth in the background, letting the peppermint and ginger do their thing.

• First impression: Cool, minty, and refreshing
• Middle taste: Balanced mix of ginger spice and peppermint sweetness
• Finish: Light, clean, and slightly sweet with a hint of lime

Honestly, I think this combo works best when it’s served really cold.

The chill keeps the peppermint crisp and lets that ginger beer stay sharp and fizzy.