Yule Mule Cocktail Recipe

When the holidays show up, I’m always searching for a drink that feels festive but doesn’t ask for a ton of effort. A Yule Mule just nails it—basically, it’s a Moscow Mule dressed up for Christmas.

This cocktail brings together the crisp kick of ginger beer, a pop of cranberry, and a squeeze of lime. It’s honestly a great pick for any holiday get-together.

I love how this Christmas cocktail feels both familiar and a little special. That copper mug? It keeps things icy, and the garnish looks gorgeous.

Flavor-wise, it’s a nice mix of sweet and tart in every sip. It’s easy enough for a cozy night in, but it’ll also impress at a party.

If you like a Moscow Mule, you’ll probably enjoy this Christmas version too. It adds a new layer of flavor without making things complicated.

It’s one of those drinks that looks festive, tastes super refreshing, and honestly, takes maybe five minutes to throw together.

Yule Mule Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to the Yule Mule because it’s festive, but I don’t have to fuss over it. Bright citrus, spicy ginger beer, and a little cranberry sweetness—all balanced with vodka or bourbon, depending on what I’m feeling.

It looks extra nice in a copper mug with a few cranberries and a sprig of rosemary on top.

Equipment

• Copper mugs – These keep things colder, which I like. If I don’t have them, glass mugs are fine too.
• Jigger or shot glass – Handy for getting the right amount of spirits and mixers.
• Bar spoon – Lets me stir without killing the bubbles in the ginger beer.
• Cutting board and knife – For slicing limes and prepping the garnish.
• Small plate or bowl – I toss cranberries or rosemary here until I’m ready.
• Ice scoop or spoon – Easier for loading up the mugs with ice.
• Citrus juicer – Makes squeezing limes a lot faster.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka or bourbon (sometimes I’ll use whiskey if I want it richer)
• 3 oz ginger beer (Fever Tree is my go-to for that spicy kick)
• 1 oz cranberry juice (I stick with unsweetened for better balance)
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes, enough to fill the mug
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• 1 sprig of rosemary for garnish
• Optional: a lime wedge or wheel for serving

I like to keep the ingredients simple and fresh. Choosing between vodka and bourbon totally changes the vibe, so I just go with whatever I’m in the mood for.

Instructions

• Fill your copper or glass mug with ice.
• Pour in the vodka or bourbon.
• Add cranberry juice and lime juice.
• Give it a gentle stir with the bar spoon.
• Top off with ginger beer, leaving a little space at the top.
• Stir one more time, just enough to mix but not flatten the fizz.
• Garnish with cranberries, a rosemary sprig, and a lime wedge if you want.

I always add the ginger beer last—otherwise, the bubbles disappear too quickly. The garnish makes it look festive with barely any effort.

Notes

Honestly, the Yule Mule tastes brighter with vodka, but if I use bourbon or whiskey, it gets warmer and a little richer. A strong ginger beer like Fever Tree gives it more spice, which plays nicely with the tart cranberry.

Copper mugs are my favorite because they chill so fast and keep the drink super refreshing. Glass mugs work, though, if that’s what I’ve got.

Fresh lime juice is a must—bottled just doesn’t cut it. I’ll even freeze cranberries ahead of time so they double as ice cubes without watering things down.

Tasting Notes

That first sip? It’s crisp—super refreshing, honestly. The ginger beer hits with a sharp bite, and then the lime jumps in, bright and clean.

There’s this gentle tartness from the cranberry juice. It kind of balances things out, softening the ginger’s spice and smoothing everything over.

Vodka’s there, but it’s not trying to steal the show. It hangs back, letting the citrus and cranberry do their thing.

The finish is a bit dry, with just enough warmth. I really like how the lime hangs around on my tongue, leaving this fresh aftertaste.

Serving it cold in a copper mug just makes the flavors pop, you know? The chilled metal keeps every sip as refreshing as the first.

That sweet, tart, and spicy combo—honestly, it makes each sip go down easy. It’s festive, but not heavy or cloying.