Introduction

The Yule Mule is a festive twist on the classic Moscow Mule, combining fresh rosemary, citrus, and cranberry for a refreshing holiday cocktail. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or celebrating the season with a vibrant, flavorful drink.

A copper mug filled with a golden-brown drink, topped with clear ice cubes scattered throughout. Floating on the surface are bright red cranberries and a half ring of orange with a visible juicy texture. Two green rosemary sprigs rest on the top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors inside the mug. The outside of the copper mug is dotted with condensation, emphasizing the coldness of the drink. The mug sits on a white marbled surface, with a few more red cranberries placed around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (2″) sprig fresh rosemary, plus more for serving
1 (2″) orange peel
1 1/2 oz. vodka
Ice
1 1/2 oz. fresh orange juice
1 oz. unsweetened cranberry juice
Ginger beer, for topping off
Orange wedge and fresh cranberries, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the rosemary sprig and orange peel to release their oils. Add the vodka and muddle again until well combined and fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Strain the mixture into a copper mug filled with ice. Add the fresh orange juice and cranberry juice, then stir until the cocktail is chilled and condensation forms on the outside of the mug, about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Top off the drink with ginger beer. Garnish with an orange wedge, fresh cranberries, and a rosemary sprig before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a sweeter twist, add a splash of simple syrup or swap the unsweetened cranberry juice for sweetened cranberry juice.
Use a copper mug to keep your cocktail cold and enhance the traditional mule experience.
If fresh rosemary isn’t available, try a small pinch of dried rosemary or substitute with fresh thyme for a different herbal note.
Experiment with flavored vodkas like citrus or vanilla to add a unique dimension to the drink.

Storage

The Yule Mule is best enjoyed fresh and should be served immediately after preparation. If you need to prepare ingredients ahead, keep the juices refrigerated separately and combine just before serving. Leftover mixed cocktails can be kept covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours but may lose some carbonation and fresh flavor.

How to Serve

Three shiny copper mugs filled with crushed ice sit on a white marbled tray. Each mug has bright red cranberries and a green rosemary sprig resting on top of the ice. There is a fresh orange slice placed inside each mug near the rim. The mugs have small droplets of water on the outside, showing coldness. Around the tray, there are extra orange slices, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs on the white marbled surface. The background is plain with a soft gray tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the Yule Mule non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Simply omit the vodka and increase the ginger beer slightly for a refreshing, alcohol-free version that still delivers great flavor.

What is the best ginger beer to use?

Choose a high-quality, naturally fermented ginger beer with a strong ginger flavor and moderate sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberry and orange juices.

Yule Mule Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 392 reviews

The Yule Mule is a festive and refreshing cocktail perfect for holiday celebrations, combining the zesty flavors of fresh orange and cranberry juices with aromatic rosemary and a spicy ginger beer finish. Served in a classic copper mug, this drink offers a bright and herbaceous twist on the traditional Moscow Mule.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Category: Cocktail
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Herbs and Garnishes

1 (2″) sprig fresh rosemary, plus more for serving
Orange wedge, for garnish
Fresh cranberries, for garnish

Liquids

1 1/2 oz. vodka
1 1/2 oz. fresh orange juice
1 oz. unsweetened cranberry juice
Ginger beer, for topping off

Other

1 (2″) orange peel
Ice

Instructions

Muddle Rosemary and Orange Peel: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh rosemary sprig and orange peel to release their oils and fragrances.
Add Vodka and Muddle: Add the vodka to the shaker and continue muddling for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well combined and fragrant.
Strain Over Ice: Strain the muddled mixture into a copper mug filled with ice.
Add Juices and Stir: Pour in fresh orange juice and unsweetened cranberry juice, then stir the cocktail for about 30 seconds until it is chilled and condensation forms on the outside of the mug.
Top with Ginger Beer and Garnish: Top off the drink with ginger beer. Garnish with an orange wedge, fresh cranberries, and an additional rosemary sprig for a festive touch.

Notes

Use fresh orange juice for the best bright and natural flavor.
Unsweetened cranberry juice balances the sweetness and adds tartness.
Ginger beer should be of good quality and spicy enough to complement the drink.
Serve in a copper mug for the traditional presentation and enhanced chill.
For a non-alcoholic version, omit vodka and add extra ginger beer.

Keywords: Yule Mule, holiday cocktail, vodka cocktail, ginger beer cocktail, festive drinks, Christmas cocktail, rosemary cocktail, orange cranberry cocktail