You’ll love this seasonally-inspired twist on the classic mule cocktail. Pomegranate Moscow mules are not only beautifully colored, but they’re also easy to mix and delicious too!
Moscow mules have always been a drink of interest to me, mostly because they’re a story of marketing genius! The cocktail was first created in the 1940s by Jack Morgan, founder of Cock ‘n’ Bull ginger beer and a distributor for the then small company, Smirnoff vodka. Another version of the story attributes the creation of the drink to his head bartender.
Either way, the Moscow mule gained popularity after a beverage distributor traveled around the country marketing it along with Smirnoff vodka. At the time, vodka wasn’t very popular in the United States either.
If it hadn’t been for the marketing campaign, featuring the distinctive copper cups, who knows if any of us would have ever tried a Moscow mule?
Fascinating, isn’t it? It’s incredible how many “iconic” foods have stories like this.
Anyway, you’re here for the cocktail recipe… so let’s chat.
A classic Moscow Mule cocktail has ginger beer, vodka, and a twist of lime or lemon. And, for a “proper” experience, you serve it in a copper mug. Or a copper-colored mug.
How do I make pomegranate Moscow mules?
It’s super easy! To make this seasonal version on the Moscow mule, add a bit of pomegranate juice to your cocktail glasses. Float some pomegranate arils in your cup, and you’re set!
I also swap out the lemon juice for lime. Lemon juice will also work, but we preferred the lime. Use what you have, there’s no wrong way to do this.
Can I make these non-alcoholic?
Yes… I’ll let you in on a secret too. One of the cups in the picture has no vodka. It’s just the pomegranate juice, lime juice, and ginger beer. It was delicious!
It’s always good to have zero-proof options for designated drivers and those who choose not to imbibe for whatever reason. The great thing about this pomegranate mule recipe is how simple it is to modify so everyone can enjoy it!
If I were making these for a crowd, I’d likely mix up a pitcher with everything except the vodka. Vodka would be available on the side for those who wished to add.
This is one of my best hostess tips… as a family that moves around a lot, and likes to entertain regularly, many people are welcomed into our home (in normal circumstances).
The beverage table can be awkward for people to navigate, especially if they’d like to drink something other than water, but might also be the DD. So the easier and more inclusive you can make it, the more relaxed your guests.
Does ginger beer have alcohol?
No, ginger beer does not contain alcohol. Despite having the name “beer”, ginger beer is just a soft drink. In flavor, it’s like a far more potent ginger ale.
The difference between ginger beer and ginger ale is in how they are made.
Ginger beer is brewed with actual ginger, giving it a pretty strong and zingy ginger flavor. Ginger ale is carbonated water flavored with ginger syrup – like most of your standard colas.
Do I have to serve Moscow Mules in the copper mugs?
The purists will probably say yes. I’m going to say, no. Please don’t leave me angry comments if you disagree. I still love you.
If you have the mugs, go for it! They are really fun. But if you don’t, and Moscow mules aren’t a drink you will make regularly, don’t! The only other exception is if you’re also taking food photos and need to visually cue “these are Moscow mules”.
Otherwise, whatever glass you have is fine.
The benefit to serving in a copper cup is in the drinking experience. Copper is an excellent conductor of thermal properties. So it will get much colder than a standard glass when it contains a cold drink. So, sipping a cold mule cocktail from a cold mug gives you more of a cooling sensation.
I hope you enjoy this recipe for pomegranate Moscow mules, darlings! Cheers!
Pomegranate Moscow Mules
You'll love this easy and delicious pomegranate cocktail! Pomegranate Moscow mules can be mixed for one, or in a pitcher for a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- juice from half a lime (about half an ounce)
- 2 ounces pomegranate juice
- 2 ounces ginger beer (see notes)
- fresh pomegranate arils for garnish (optional)
- a sprig of fresh mint or rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place ice in your glass.
- Pour in the vodka, lime juice, and pomegranate juice.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint or rosemary and float some pomegranate arils up to garnish, if desired.
Notes
- You can eyeball the ingredients, especially the pomegranate juice and ginger beer. Start with about an equal amount of each, then adjust if needed, to taste.
- Always add the ginger beer last, regardless if you are mixing the cocktails in mugs or in a pitcher for serving multiple people. That way you lose less carbonation.
- If you'd like to serve this as a non-alcoholic punch for some, omit the vodka! The mocktail version tastes fabulous!
- Look for ginger beer in the soda section at your grocery store! You may also substitute ginger ale. The ginger flavor won't be as strong, and it's a bit sweeter.
- You don't have to use copper mugs, but they do complete the "Moscow mule" experience. Copper is an excellent conductor of hot and cold, so a cold glass paired with the zingy ginger makes the drink taste extra frosty! If you are using standard glass cups, put them in the freezer for 10 minutes or so to make them very cold!
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