Shake Up the Holidays with an Orange Pomegranate Mule
- by LaShayla Simpson
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Looking for an unexpected holiday delight? Well, here it is!
On Day 4 of the Holiday Mocktail Countdown, meet the Orange Pomegranate Mule, a festive fusion of tangy pomegranate juice, zesty blood orange (one of my favoriteeeeee things!), refreshing mint, and the bold fizz of ginger beer. This holiday delight is served in a classic copper mug, topped with jewel-like pomegranate seeds, and garnished with a vibrant orange wheel, a lime wheel, and fresh mint for the extra wow factor.
Perfect for sipping at parties or cozy nights in, this mocktail is the refreshing twist your holidays need. It's also a sparkling twist on a classic mule.
Watch HERE to learn how to mix up this royal treat and dazzle your guests!
So, what the heck is a mule/Moscow mule and how did it get its name?
A Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail known for its refreshing combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, typically served over ice in a copper mug. The signature copper mug isn’t just to look cute; it keeps the drink icy cold and enhances the flavors, especially the spicy kick of the ginger beer.
The name “Moscow Mule” has an interesting origin rooted in marketing and innovation. Here’s how it came to be:
- “Moscow”: In the 1940s, vodka was still relatively unfamiliar in the United States and often associated with Russia, hence the “Moscow” part of the name.
- “Mule”: The “Mule” part is believed to refer to the drink’s bold and zesty “kick,” thanks to the ginger beer and lime.
The Moscow Mule was invented in 1941 by John G. Martin and Jack Morgan in Los Angeles. Martin, who owned the rights to Smirnoff vodka, and Morgan, who owned a ginger beer company, were looking for ways to promote their products. They combined their ingredients, served them in distinctive copper mugs for flair, and the Moscow Mule was born. The drink became an instant hit and played a significant role in popularizing vodka in America.
Today, the Moscow Mule remains a beloved classic, with countless variations—including non-alcoholic versions like THIS Orange Pomegranate Mule!
Check out the ingredients, recipe, and video tutorial:
Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredient List:
- Pomegranate Juice - 1/2 Cup
- Orange or Blood Orange - 1/4 Cup *Juice or syrup will work if you can’t find the actual fruit
- Ginger Beer - 1 Can or Bottle
- Limes - 2
- Simple Syrup or Your Favorite Sweetener - 1-2 Tbsp
- Mint
- Ice
Garnish:
- Orange/Blood Orange Wheel
- Lime Wheel
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Mint
Recipe
Into your copper mug: Add 3-5 mint leaves, the juice of one (1) lime, ¼ cup of orange/blood juice or syrup, and 1-2 tablespoons of simple syrup (or your favorite sweetener).
Grab a muddler or a sturdy kitchen utensil and muddle (aka smush) your ingredients together.
Next, add ice (however much you’d like), then add ½ cup of pomegranate juice.Top the rest of your mocktail with ginger beer. Taste and add more simple syrup if needed. Garnish with an orange wheel, a lime wheel, pomegranate seeds, and mint. Grab a holiday themed straw, and you’re ready to sip until Santa Claus comes to town!
Don’t forget to repeat the same steps for your second (or third) serving. We won’t judge.
*To turn this mocktail into a cocktail, add 1-2 ounces of your favorite vodka.
What do you think? Will you give this recipe a try this season? Comment to let us know!
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