Yuletide Mule

When the holiday season rolls around, I love giving classic cocktails a festive twist and this Yuletide Mule is my new go to. Inspired by the crisp flavor of a traditional Moscow Mule, this version gets a merry makeover with tart pomegranate juice, a splash of fresh orange juice and a fragrant rosemary simple syrup that tastes like winter in a glass. It’s refreshing, yet cozy, making it perfect for everything from holiday parties to quiet nights by the fire. Served in a copper mug with a sprig of rosemary and a few pomegranate seeds, it’s as pretty as it is delicious and guaranteed to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Making the Yuletide Mule

There is not a lot of prepping for this recipe, but it’s easier to make if you have your ingredients all ready. Start by peeling a thin, two-inch peel from an orange using a Vegetable Peeler, being careful to avoid the white pith.

Then, cut an orange into wedges using the Trimmer.

Cut the pomegranate using either a 4″ Gourmet Paring Knife or 4″ Paring Knife.

If you’ve never cut a pomegranate or need a refresher on how to do it, check out our video tutorial, How To Cut a Pomegranate, and easily remove the arils.

Gather the orange peel, rosemary simple syrup, vodka, orange and pomegranate juices, and ginger beer.

This recipe is for one Yuletide Mule and I recommend making each drink separately to ensure the ingredients work together.

Start by muddling the orange peel in a cocktail shaker to release the oils. Add the rosemary simple syrup and vodka, muddling until the mixture becomes fragrant. You can find rosemary simple syrup at most liquor stores, but make sure you get rosemary and not just the plain simple syrup. The rosemary flavor adds an earthiness to the drink that balances the sweet elements.

Strain the orange peel mixture into a copper mug filled with ice. Add in the freshly squeezed orange juice and unsweetened pomegranate juice. Stir until the drink is cold. Add ginger beer until the mug is full and top with an orange wedge, pomegranate arils and a rosemary sprig.

This Yuletide Mule is the holiday makeover you were waiting for. Tart, sweet and fragrant, this drink is smooth and refreshing. Serve it at your next holiday gathering or toast in the New Year. Cheers!