Meet the Mistletoe Mule, a holiday mule that’s as cheerful and bright as the season itself. This Yule mule recipe, with its blend of tart cranberry, zesty lime, and the warm, earthy tones of demerara syrup, is a drink that’s not just a toast to good cheer but a celebration of flavor. Easy to make and so refreshing, this is one holiday and Christmas cocktail recipe you can’t do without!
I LOVE mules. I love that it’s a hefty drink that takes more than 3 sips to finish, and I love that it’s boozy as you like it to be without overpowering the drink. I’m also a huge fan of ginger beer…but that’s another story!
Mules like this are so great around the holidays. Even the mugs look festive! I’ll often make a batch of mix, combining all but the vodka, and then let friends and family serve themselves and add as much vodka as they like, or keep it a mocktail.
What You’ll Love About Mistletoe Mule
- The vibrant blend of flavors perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays.
- Its beautiful presentation makes it a standout at any party.
- Easy to make but with a sophisticated taste that will impress your guests.
- It’s a versatile and balanced cocktail that you can tweak to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
- Demerara syrup – See below.
- Rosemary sprigs – You’ll need 2 sprigs.
- Cranberry juice
- Lime juice
- Vodka
- Sparkling pear juice – Or sparkling cider.
What is Demerara Syrup?
Demerara syrup is a simple syrup made from demerara sugar, a type of raw sugar with a natural caramel-like flavor. Look for turbinado sugar or Sugar in the Raw to make this syrup. This syrup adds a rich, deep sweetness to cocktails, different from the white sugar-based simple syrup. Its molasses notes and golden color bring an extra layer of complexity and warmth, making it perfect for holiday drinks like this Mistletoe Mule.
How to Make Demerara Syrup
To make it demerara syrup, add equal parts turbinado sugar and water to a small saucepan and stir over medium heat until dissolved. Chill before using.
How to make a Mistletoe Mule
- Muddle the rosemary sprig and demerara syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. This step is crucial for infusing the syrup with the fragrant oils of the rosemary, adding an aromatic depth to the cocktail.
- Next, add 4-5 ice cubes, followed by the cranberry juice, lime juice, vodka, and sparkling pear juice.
- Shake the mixture well and strain it into a chilled mule mug with a few ice cubes.
- Finally, garnish your Mistletoe Mule with a fresh rosemary sprig and a few cranberries.
- Cheers!
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. The freshness really makes a difference in cocktails.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of demerara syrup.
- If you want a non-alcoholic version, omit the vodka and add more sparkling pear juice.
- To make a large batch for a party, multiply the ingredients as needed and mix in a pitcher, then serve over ice in individual mugs.
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What to Pair with a Mistletoe Mule
The Mistletoe Mule pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday dishes. Serve it alongside a platter of savory appetizers like Beer Cheese Dip or Smoked Queso. For a heartier meal, it complements meatier dishes like Smoked Ribeye Roast or a slow-cooker favorite wonderfully. And don’t forget the sweet treats – this cocktail perfectly accompanies holiday Cranberry Bars and cookies!
Mistletoe Mule
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 1 cocktail muddler
Ingredients
- 1 ounce demarara syrup
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary divided
- 2 ounces lime juice
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- 1 ounce vodka
- 2 ounces sparkling pear juice or sparkling apple juice
Instructions
- Muddle the rosemary sprig and demerara syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. This step is crucial for infusing the syrup with the fragrant oils of the rosemary.
- Add 4-5 ice cubes, followed by the cranberry juice, lime juice, vodka, and sparkling pear juice.
- Shake the mixture well and strain it into a chilled mule mug with a few ice cubes.
- Garnish your Mistletoe Mule with a fresh rosemary sprig and a few cranberries.
- Cheers!
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. The freshness really makes a difference in cocktails.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of demerara syrup.
- If you want a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka and add a bit more sparkling pear juice.
- To make a large batch for a party, multiply the ingredients as needed and mix in a pitcher, then serve over ice in individual mugs.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
I just wanted to drop in to say that I made these for a Christmas party and we liked them so much that I’ve been making them through all of January! It’s not an overstatement to say that this is our favorite cocktail and I don’t even care what time of year it is. Thanks for a great recipe!