Cranberry Pomegranate Mexican Mule
As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a vibrant, refreshing cocktail that brings together the best flavors of the season. This Cranberry Pomegranate Mexican Mule recipe is perfect for cozy winter gatherings or as a lively addition to your nightly wind-down routine. Each sip is bright and festive.
The beauty of this tequila mule cocktail lies in its simplicity and visual appeal. Picture bright, ruby-red cranberries and glistening pomegranate arils floating amidst effervescent bubbles in a gorgeous copper mug. Add to that the fresh, green pop of mint and the citrusy twist of lime wedges, and you have a drink that’s a holiday decoration that you can sip!
With just a few steps – adding ice to your glass, pouring in the liquid ingredients, topping with fruit, and giving it a gentle stir – you’ll have crafted a masterpiece. So grab a glass, stir up this simple yet sophisticated drink, and toast to the joys of the season.
What is a Mexican Mule?
At it’s most basic, a Mexican mule is simply a Moscow mule with tequila. This simple switch transforms the drink, infusing it with a warmth and complexity that pairs perfectly with the Moscow Mule’s traditional ginger beer zing and citrusy brightness.
But, since it’s the holidays, I’m bringing you a festive twist on a classic favorite! In addition to the traditional Mexican mule ingredients of tequila, ginger beer, and lime, we’re adding a duo of sweet-tart, ruby-red fruits to the mix. Cranberry and pomegranate add a punch of color and seasonal flavor that’s tough to resist!
The tartness of cranberry juice beautifully complements the deep, slightly sweet notes of pomegranate, creating a luscious balance with the spicy kick of ginger beer and the smooth, earthy undertones of tequila.
Whether you’re toasting to the season or simply enjoying a quiet moment by the fireside, this Christmas-inspired Mexican Mule is the perfect companion to make your holiday moments even more special.
Why You’ll Love This Tequila Mule Recipe
When it comes to finding the perfect cocktail recipe, it’s all about striking the right balance between flavor, simplicity, and versatility. Here’s why this tequila pomegranate mule recipe is a must-try this holiday season:
- Perfect for Pairing: This tequila Moscow mule is the perfect companion to traditional Mexican holiday fare. Its refreshing and vibrant flavors complement the rich and hearty tastes of Christmas favorites like tamales and ensalada de noche buena.
- Ideal for Parties: Hosting a holiday party? This tequila mule recipe is your go-to. It’s not just a crowd-pleaser in terms of taste, but its also a snap to throw together. Set up a DIY cocktail station with the ingredients, and your guests can have fun creating their own personalized drinks.
- Festive and Photogenic: Let’s not forget the visual appeal! This Mexican Moscow mule is a feast for the eyes, with its bright colors and festive garnishes. It’s sure to be a hit on social media, making your holiday celebrations not just memorable but also share-worthy.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This tequila mule recipe has just a few ingredients:
- Cranberry-Pomegranate Juice – While I typically buy it pre-mixed, you’re welcome to use a 50/50 blend of cranberry juice and pomegranate juice if you prefer.
- Tequila – I used reposado for its warm flavor and soft finish, but feel free to use blanco for a brighter flavor, or añejo for more vanilla and oak undertones.
- Ginger Beer – Opt for a high-quality ginger beer like Reed’s or Cock ‘n Bull for a robust ginger flavor.
- Lime – Repeat after me: fresh is always best, especially when it comes to lime juice!! To get the most from your fruit, roll it firmly on the counter for 10-15 seconds before slicing in half and juicing.
- Cranberries, Pomegranate Seeds, Lime Wedges & Mint Sprigs – I’m a maximalist when it comes to cocktail garnishes, but feel free to mix and match with whatever you have on hand.
How To Make A Mexican Mule
This delicious cranberry pomegranate mule with tequila is as easy as 1-2-3!
Step 1: Fill copper mugs with ice. Don’t be shy!
Step 2: Pour in the juice, tequila, and ginger beer.
Step 3: Garnish with cranberries, pomegranate arils, lime slices, and mint. Enjoy!
Optional Variations
There’s more than one way to pour a mean Mexican mule drink. Here are a few ideas to get your creative wheels turning:
- Mexican Mule Mocktail – Omit the tequila for a mocktail and just add extra ginger beer. Ginger beer is non-alcoholic.
- Traditional Mexican Mule Cocktail – Replace the pomegranate cranberry juice with more ginger beer. Omit the cranberry and pomegranate garnish.
Expert Tips
- Serve in Copper Mugs: If you have them, serve your Mexican Mules in traditional copper mugs. They keep the drink extra cold and add a touch of bling to your presentation.
- Consider a Salt Rim: For an extra twist, rim your glass with salt or a mix of salt and lime zest.
- Experiment with Ice: While regular ice cubes work fine, try freezing some cranberries and mint in water similar to making floral ice cubes.
Frequently Asked Questions
My favorite are these copper mugs from Amazon.
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings you need and mix everything except the ginger beer in a large pitcher or punch bowl. When it’s time to serve, give it a good stir, then pour it over ice-filled glasses, topping each glass off with ginger beer. Don’t forget the garnishes for that festive touch! This way, your guests can help themselves, and you get to enjoy the party too.
While you certainly can trade ginger ale for ginger beer, I don’t recommend that you do. Most of the commercially available ginger ales (*cough*Canada Dry*cough*) don’t actually contain ANY real ginger. For the best – and spiciest – ginger flavor, I suggest using a real ginger beer.
Most well-stocked grocers now carry at least one brand of ginger beer — try looking for Cock ‘n Bull or Reed’s. If your store doesn’t carry any of the good stuff, you can try making your own ginger syrup and mixing it with club soda.
More Christmas Cocktail Recipes
- Poinsettia Punch
- Ponche Navideño
- Christmas Sangria
- Pomegranate Campari Grapefruit Cocktail
- Cranberry Margarita
- Winter White Sangria
- Pomegranate Grapefruit Paloma
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #muybuenocooking.
Cranberry Pomegranate Mexican Mule
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Cranberry/Pomegranate juice
- 2 ounces tequila, recommend Reposado
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- Juice from 1/2 lime
- Cranberries, pomegranate seeds, lime slices, and mint to garnish
Equipment
Instructions
- Fill copper mugs with ice.
- Pour in the juice, tequila, and ginger beer.
- Garnish with cranberries, pomegranate arils, lime slice, and mint. Enjoy!
Notes
- Serve in Copper Mugs: If you have them, serve your Mexican Mules in traditional copper mugs. They keep the drink extra cold and add a touch of bling to your presentation.
- Experiment with Ice: While regular ice cubes work fine, try freezing some cranberries and mint in water similar to making floral ice cubes.
- Consider a Salt Rim: For an extra twist, rim your glass with salt or a mix of salt and lime zest.
- Customize to Your Guests: If you’re serving a crowd with varied tastes, consider offering a few variations. Some might prefer a sweeter drink, while others might enjoy a spicier or more tart version.
Photography: Jenna Sparks