Stir Up the Season with This Spiced Cranberry Yule Mule

The first time I had a proper holiday cocktail, it wasn’t at some fancy bar. It was at my friend Caroline’s annual Christmas cookie exchange. Amid the platters of snickerdoodles and iced sugar cookies, she was serving these gorgeous, festive drinks in frosty copper mugs. It was a Moscow Mule, but with a festive twist of cranberry. It was delicious, but I knew right away I could take it a step further.

The wheels in my head started turning right there, next to the gingerbread men. I loved the combination of spicy ginger and tart cranberry, but it felt like it was missing that certain something, that cozy, warm-spice flavor that really says “holidays” to me. I went home that night on a mission.

After a bit of tinkering in my own kitchen, I found the secret. Spiced pear liqueur. It was the missing piece of the puzzle. It adds a gentle, fruity sweetness and a whisper of cinnamon and clove that brings everything together. That’s how my signature Yule Mule was born. It’s now the official welcome drink at my own holiday gatherings, and everyone asks for the recipe.

It’s crisp, refreshing, and just so beautifully festive. It truly is Christmas in a cup.

Skip to My Special Recipe!

Why This Yule Mule Recipe Works

The Moscow Mule is a classic for a reason. Its simple combination of vodka, spicy ginger beer, and sharp lime juice is a perfectly balanced and refreshing cocktail. It first became popular in the 1940s and has seen a huge resurgence, partly thanks to those iconic and photogenic copper mugs. Over the years, it has become a fantastic canvas for seasonal variations, from autumnal apple cider versions to summery strawberry and basil twists.

For the holidays, the most common variation is the Cranberry Mule, sometimes called a Mistletoe Mule. It’s a simple, lovely drink that just adds cranberry juice to the classic formula. And while it’s perfectly nice, my version takes that holiday spirit to a whole new level.

The real magic in this Yule Mule recipe is the addition of spiced pear liqueur. This single ingredient elevates the entire drink. It introduces a layer of warmth and complexity that you just don’t get from cranberry alone. The liqueur’s subtle notes of pear, cinnamon, and allspice beautifully complement the fiery kick of the ginger beer and the tartness of the cranberry and lime.

This creates a cocktail that is perfectly balanced. It is not overly sweet, but it is full of deep, festive flavor. The spiced pear smooths the edges of the vodka and bridges the gap between the spicy ginger and the tart fruits, resulting in a sophisticated and incredibly delicious holiday drink that will have all your guests talking.

Ingredients for Yule Mule

The beauty of a great cocktail is often in its simplicity and the quality of its components. This Yule Mule is no exception. While the list isn’t long, choosing the right ingredients will make all the difference in the final taste. Each element plays a crucial role in creating that perfect festive balance.

The absolute star of this show, my little secret ingredient, is the spiced pear liqueur. This is what transforms a standard holiday mule into something truly special. It adds a layer of warmth and sophisticated sweetness that perfectly captures the essence of the season. Don’t skip this part, it truly makes the recipe pop.

Here is exactly what you will need to craft this perfect holiday cocktail:

• 2 oz vodka
• ¾ oz spiced pear liqueur
• 1 oz 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz chilled ginger beer
• Ice
• For Garnish:
  • Fresh cranberries
  • A sprig of fresh rosemary
  • 1 cinnamon stick

A few notes on these ingredients are important. For the vodka, use something smooth that you enjoy. Since it’s the base spirit, a mid-shelf brand like Tito’s or Ketel One works beautifully. For the cranberry juice, it is essential to use 100% unsweetened juice. The sweetened cranberry juice cocktail is far too sweet and will throw off the balance of the drink. Finally, choose a good, spicy ginger beer, not ginger ale. Brands like Fever-Tree or Reed’s have a strong ginger kick that is vital for a true mule experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Yule Mule

Putting together this gorgeous cocktail is as easy as it is rewarding. There’s no complicated shaking or straining involved, which makes it perfect for serving at a party. You can whip one up in just a minute or two, leaving you more time to spend with your guests. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect Yule Mule every time.

Step 1: Chill and Fill Your Mug

The first step is all about the foundation: a properly chilled vessel. If you’re using a traditional copper mug, its material will get frosty cold and keep your drink chilled to the last sip. If you don’t have one, a highball glass or a sturdy rocks glass will work just fine. Fill your chosen glass all the way to the brim with ice. Don’t be shy here, more ice means the drink stays colder longer without getting diluted too quickly.

Step 2: Combine the Spirits and Juices

Now it’s time to build the flavor base. Pour the vodka, the special spiced pear liqueur, the unsweetened cranberry juice, and the freshly squeezed lime juice directly over the ice in your mug. You can see the beautiful ruby color start to form. This is where all the core notes of the cocktail come together before the fizz is introduced.

Step 3: A Gentle Stir

With the main liquid ingredients in the mug, take a bar spoon or even a simple chopstick and give it a gentle stir. You’re just looking to combine the ingredients, not agitate them. A few seconds is all it takes to make sure the vodka, liqueur, and juices are well acquainted. We do this before adding the ginger beer to avoid stirring out all those lovely bubbles.

Step 4: Top with Ginger Beer

This is the final touch that gives the mule its name and its signature fizz. Slowly pour the chilled ginger beer over the mixture until the mug is full. Pouring it slowly helps preserve the carbonation. You’ll see it bubble up beautifully through the other ingredients, creating a lovely layered look for a moment before it all settles.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

A cocktail isn’t complete without the perfect garnish. Drop a small handful of fresh cranberries into the drink, they will float on top like little holiday jewels. Gently clap a sprig of fresh rosemary between your hands to release its fragrant oils before placing it in the mug. Finally, add a cinnamon stick. These garnishes add incredible aroma and make the Yule Mule a feast for the eyes too. Serve it immediately while it’s cold and bubbly.

How To Serve Yule Mule

Serving this Yule Mule is all about embracing the festive spirit. The classic way, of course, is in a gleaming copper mug. There’s just something about the way the copper frosts up that feels special, and it genuinely does keep the drink colder for longer. Holding that chilly handle on a cozy evening is part of the whole experience. If you’re hosting a holiday party, investing in a set of copper mugs makes for a beautiful presentation on your bar cart.

But please don’t feel like you need to run out and buy special mugs to enjoy this recipe. It tastes just as delightful served in a clear highball glass, which has the added benefit of showing off the beautiful, deep red color of the drink and the festive garnishes floating within. A simple rocks glass also works perfectly well for a shorter, stronger-feeling version.

This cocktail is perfect for a variety of holiday occasions:

• Christmas Parties: Set up a “Mule Bar” where guests can build their own. Pre-mix the vodka, liqueur, and juices, and have chilled ginger beer, ice, and bowls of garnishes ready to go.
• Thanksgiving Dinner: It’s a wonderful pre-dinner cocktail. The ginger and cranberry flavors are a perfect match for a traditional Thanksgiving menu.
• Cozy Nights In: You don’t need a crowd to enjoy this. It’s the perfect drink to sip by the fire while wrapping presents or watching a favorite holiday movie.

For an extra touch, you can even sugar the rim of your glass. Just dip the rim in a little lime juice and then into a plate of coarse sugar before you start building the drink. It adds a little sparkle and a touch of sweetness with every sip.

How To Store & Reuse Yule Mule Leftovers

A freshly made cocktail is always at its best, especially one with carbonation like this Yule Mule. Once you add that ginger beer, the clock starts ticking on its fizziness. Because of this, I don’t recommend mixing a full cocktail and then trying to store it. It will lose its delightful bubbly personality and end up tasting flat and a little sad, which is the last thing we want.

However, there is a fantastic way to prep this drink ahead of time, which is an absolute lifesaver when you’re hosting a party. You can create a “Yule Mule base” that is ready to go when your guests arrive. This allows you to serve fresh, sparkling cocktails on demand without having to measure out every single ingredient for each glass. It’s my favorite party trick for serving impressive drinks without being stuck behind the bar all night.

Here is how you can prepare the batch ahead of time:

• Create the Base: In a large pitcher or a bottle with a lid, combine the vodka, spiced pear liqueur, 100% unsweetened cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice. Scale the recipe up based on how many servings you need. For example, for 8 drinks, you would mix 16 oz vodka, 6 oz spiced pear liqueur, 8 oz cranberry juice, and 4 oz lime juice.
• Chill Thoroughly: Stir the base mixture well and place it in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, or up to two days in advance. The colder the base, the better the final drink will be.
• Serve on Demand: When you’re ready to serve, simply fill a mug with ice, pour in your pre-made base until the glass is about two-thirds full, and then top each individual glass with chilled ginger beer. Give it a quick garnish, and you’re done.

This method ensures that every single Yule Mule you serve is perfectly chilled, bubbly, and delicious. It’s the best of both worlds: the convenience of a big-batch cocktail with the quality of one made fresh to order.

Substitutions & Variations For Yule Mule

One of the things I love most about a simple cocktail recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your own tastes or to what you have on hand. This Yule Mule is wonderfully versatile. While I think the combination of spiced pear and cranberry is holiday perfection, feel free to play around and make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

You can easily switch up the base spirit for a different flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of vodka, or just want to try something new, consider using a different liquor. A good gin, especially one with botanical or citrus notes, would create a more complex and herbaceous version. For something warmer and spicier, a good quality spiced rum would be absolutely delicious and would pair beautifully with the ginger and pear.

Here are some other fun and festive variations:

• Try a Different Liqueur: If you cannot find spiced pear liqueur, don’t worry. You could substitute it with an apple brandy like Calvados, a cinnamon schnapps for a spicier kick, or even an orange liqueur like Grand Marnier for a citrusy twist.
• Make It a Mocktail: For a non-alcoholic version that everyone can enjoy, simply omit the vodka and spiced pear liqueur. You can add a splash of non-alcoholic pear nectar or a spiced simple syrup to mimic the flavor of the liqueur. Top it all off with the cranberry juice, lime juice, and ginger beer for a festive and refreshing drink.
• Swap the Juice: While cranberry is classic for the holidays, 100% pure pomegranate juice would be a fantastic substitute. It has a similar tartness but a deeper, slightly more complex flavor that also works wonderfully with ginger and pear.
• Add Some Heat: If you like things extra spicy, muddle a couple of slices of fresh jalapeño in the bottom of your mug before adding the ice. It adds a surprising and pleasant kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the pear.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. The core formula of spirit, spice, fruit, and fizz is a winning one, so you can have a lot of fun creating your own signature holiday mule.

5 FAQs About Yule Mule

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this Yule Mule recipe.

What is a Yule Mule and how is it different from a Moscow Mule?

A classic Moscow Mule is a beautifully simple and refreshing cocktail made with vodka, spicy ginger beer, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. It’s known for its zesty, sharp flavor profile and is traditionally served in a copper mug. A Yule Mule is a festive, holiday-themed variation of this classic. It takes the fundamental structure of the Moscow Mule and dresses it up for the winter season.

My version starts by adding 100% unsweetened cranberry juice, which gives the drink its gorgeous ruby color and a layer of festive tartness. The real key differentiator, however, is the addition of spiced pear liqueur. This ingredient introduces a gentle sweetness and warm baking spice notes like cinnamon and clove that are quintessential holiday flavors. The result is a more complex, aromatic, and seasonally appropriate cocktail that still retains the refreshing, spicy kick of the original mule.

Do I really need a copper mug for my Yule Mule?

While you absolutely do not need a copper mug to make or enjoy a delicious Yule Mule, there is a reason they are the traditional vessel. Copper is an excellent thermal conductor, meaning it takes on the cold temperature of the drink very quickly. This creates a frosty, chilled sensation on your hands and lips and helps keep the cocktail icy cold from the first sip to the last, which is especially important for a drink served over ice.

That being said, the taste of the cocktail itself is what truly matters. If you don’t own copper mugs, any highball glass, Collins glass, or even a simple rocks glass will work perfectly well. A clear glass has the advantage of showing off the drink’s beautiful festive color and the pretty garnishes inside. So, use the copper mugs if you have them for the full experience, but don’t let a lack of specific glassware stop you from enjoying this wonderful recipe.

What is the best ginger beer for a Yule Mule?

This is a fantastic question because the quality of your ginger beer can make or break any mule cocktail. The most important thing to remember is to use ginger beer, not ginger ale. Ginger ale is much sweeter and has a very mild ginger flavor, while true ginger beer is brewed and fermented, giving it a much spicier and more robust ginger kick that is essential for cutting through the other flavors in the drink.

When you’re at the store, look for brands known for their strong ginger flavor. My personal favorites are Fever-Tree, which has a wonderful, clean spice, and Q Mixers, which is extra carbonated and very crisp. Reed’s is another great option, especially if you like things extra spicy. The right ginger beer should add a fiery warmth to the back of your throat that complements the tart cranberry and sweet pear, creating that perfect balance that makes the Yule Mule so special.

Can I make a large batch of Yule Mule for a party?

Yes, and it’s actually my preferred way to serve this cocktail when I have guests over. The trick is to batch everything *except* the ginger beer. Mixing the carbonated element in advance will cause it to go flat. Instead, you create a cocktail base that can be chilled and ready to go. To make a pitcher that serves about 8 people, you would combine 2 cups (16 oz) of vodka, ¾ cup (6 oz) of spiced pear liqueur, 1 cup (8 oz) of unsweetened cranberry juice, and ½ cup (4 oz) of fresh lime juice.

Stir this base mixture well in a large pitcher and keep it in the refrigerator until your guests arrive. When someone wants a drink, all you have to do is fill a mug with ice, pour the chilled base over it until it’s about two-thirds full, and then top it off with fresh, bubbly ginger beer right before serving. This ensures every drink is perfectly fizzy and delicious, and it saves you from measuring out individual cocktails all night long.

What if I cannot find spiced pear liqueur for this Yule Mule recipe?

Spiced pear liqueur is what makes this recipe unique, but I understand it might not be available in every liquor store. If you can’t find it, you have a few excellent options to achieve a similar flavor profile. Your best bet would be an apple brandy, such as Calvados, or even a pear brandy. These will provide that lovely orchard fruit note that is so important to the drink.

Another great alternative is a cinnamon-flavored liqueur or schnapps, which will lean into the warm spice aspect of the recipe. You could also use a good quality orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Cointreau, which would shift the flavor profile to be more citrus-forward but still wonderfully festive. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even make your own spiced pear simple syrup by simmering pear slices, sugar, water, a cinnamon stick, and a few cloves for about 20 minutes, then straining the liquid. This gives you great flavor and can also be used in a non-alcoholic version.

Try These Recipes Next

If you loved the festive flavors of this Yule Mule, you’re sure to enjoy some of my other favorite holiday drink recipes.

• Nostalgic Mulled Wine: Nothing says cozy like a warm mug of spiced red wine. This recipe is packed with classic holiday aromas and is perfect for a chilly evening.
• Pear and Ginger Martini: If you loved the pear and ginger combination in the mule, you have to try this elegant martini. It’s sophisticated, spicy, and absolutely delicious.
• Brown Butter Bourbon Eggnog: This is not your average store-bought eggnog. The brown butter adds an incredible nutty richness that takes this holiday classic to a whole new level.

I hope you have as much fun making these cocktails as I do sharing them.