This pomegranate Moscow mule is a festive twist on the classic cocktail, made with pomegranate juice, vodka, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer. Perfect for holiday gatherings!

Pomegranate Moscow mule in a copper mug garnished with fresh mint leaves, pomegranate arils, and lime.

A classic Moscow mule is a simple cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice, usually served over ice in a copper mug.

For this festive version, I added pomegranate juice and garnished it with fresh mint and pomegranate arils. The result is a refreshing, slightly tart cocktail that’s ideal for the next holiday party you’re hosting or attending.

Recipe Highlights

  • Quick and easy: Ready in just 2 minutes, with no cocktail shaker or special equipment required.
  • Perfect for the holidays: The beautiful red color and fresh garnishes make it a lovely Christmas or Thanksgiving cocktail.
  • Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and ginger flavor to your taste, or make a non-alcoholic version.
  • Great for parties: Prepare a pitcher ahead of time and add the ginger beer just before serving.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Vodka: I recommend using a good-quality vodka. I like Tito’s or Absolut, but other brands are fine too.
  • Pomegranate juice: I prefer 100% unsweetened juice for its slightly tart flavor. You can also use a variety with added sugar, but it will make the cocktail sweeter.
  • Fresh lime juice: Freshly squeezed juice has a brighter, fresher taste than bottled lime juice.
  • Ginger beer: There are many brands to choose from, ranging from mild to quite spicy. My favorite is Fever-Tree. It’s made with natural ingredients, isn’t overly sweet, and has a pleasant kick. You can substitute ginger ale, but the cocktail will taste different, as it’s usually sweeter and milder.

See the recipe card below for a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions.

How to Make a Pomegranate Moscow Mule

  1. Fill the copper mug or glass with ice.
  2. Add the pomegranate juice, vodka, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
  3. Pour in the chilled ginger beer.
  4. Give everything a gentle stir, then garnish with fresh mint, pomegranate arils, and a lime wedge. Serve immediately.

Copper mugs are traditional and feel especially cold when filled with ice, but a highball glass or mason jar works just as well.

Two copper mugs of pomegranate Moscow mule.

Recipe Variations

  • Seasonal flavors: Try cranberry or orange juice in winter, apple cider in the fall, or fresh peach, watermelon, or berry purée in summer.
  • Extra ginger kick: Choose a spicier ginger beer or add a few slices of fresh ginger.
  • Change the liquor: Swap vodka for tequila to make a Mexican mule, bourbon for a Kentucky mule, or gin for a gin mule.
  • Add herbs or spice: Fresh rosemary, basil, or a few slices of jalapeño add an aromatic twist.
  • Non-alcoholic version: Omit the vodka and replace it with extra ginger beer or sparkling water. Adjust the pomegranate juice and lime to taste.

Elena’s Tips

  • Keep everything chilled: Cold ingredients help keep the cocktail refreshing without the ice melting too quickly.
  • Adjust the sweetness: If your pomegranate juice or ginger beer is sweet, add a little extra lime juice to balance it.
  • Make for a crowd: Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed. Mix the pomegranate juice, vodka, and lime juice in a pitcher and refrigerate. Add the ginger beer just before serving to preserve the fizz, and pour into individual glasses filled with ice.

Make Ahead & Storage

Make ahead: Combine the pomegranate juice, vodka, and lime juice up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add the ginger beer and ice just before serving.

Leftovers: This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, as ginger beer loses its fizz over time. If you have any leftover mixture without ginger beer, cover and refrigerate it until the following day.

Overhead view of two copper mugs filled with a pomegranate mule cocktail.

More Cocktail Recipes

If you’ve made this pomegranate Moscow mule recipe, leave a comment and rating below. I’d love to know how it turned out for you.

Copper mug filled with a pomegranate cocktail, garnished with lime and fresh mint leaves.
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How To Make It: Pomegranate Moscow Mule

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1
(5 stars) 8 ratings
This festive pomegranate Moscow mule combines vodka, pomegranate juice, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer for a refreshing cocktail that's perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and holiday parties.

Ingredients

  • ice cubes or crushed ice
  • 2 oz (60 ml) 100% pomegranate juice
  • 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
  • juice of half a lime
  • 4 oz (120 ml) ginger beer, chilled

Garnishes (optional)

  • pomegranate arils
  • lime wedges or slices
  • fresh mint leaves

Equipment

Instructions

  1. Fill your copper mug or glass with ice.
  2. Add the pomegranate juice, vodka, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
  3. Pour in the chilled ginger beer.
  4. Give everything a gentle stir, then garnish with pomegranate arils, lime, and fresh mint. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ginger beer: Choose a brand with the level of spice and sweetness you enjoy. I like Fever-Tree for its mild kick and balanced sweetness.
  • Pomegranate juice: I prefer 100% unsweetened juice. You can also use a variety with added sugar.
  • For a crowd: Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed. Add ginger beer and ice just before serving.
  • Make ahead: Mix the pomegranate juice, vodka, and lime juice in advance. Refrigerate and add ginger beer and ice just before serving.
  • Mocktail: Omit the vodka and replace it with extra ginger beer or sparkling water.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cocktail, Calories: 220 kcal, Carbohydrates: 21 g, Sodium: 11 mg, Sugar: 18 g
Did you make this recipe?Leave a comment or share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #aseasyasapplepie. We’d love to see what you come up with!
Author: Elena Tomasi
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American