A pomegranate mule takes the familiar snap of a Moscow Mule and gives it a juicy, jewel-toned upgrade. It’s crisp, tangy, and a little bit sweet, with that gingery fizz you can hear across the room. This is the kind of drink that feels at home at a holiday party, a summer patio hang, or a quiet night in.
The color alone makes it feel special, but it’s the balanced flavor that keeps you coming back. If you want a cocktail that looks festive and tastes refreshing, this one checks every box.
What Makes This Special
Pomegranate brings a bright, tart depth that plain lime can’t match. It rounds out the ginger beer without drowning it, and the result is layered, not cloying.
You still get the classic mule backbone—lime, ginger, and a chill copper mug—but with a more interesting finish. It’s also incredibly flexible. You can use vodka for a clean, crisp version or swap in bourbon, tequila, or gin for a spin that matches your mood.
And if you’re skipping alcohol, a zero-proof mule with pomegranate still tastes celebratory.
Shopping List
- Vodka (2 ounces per drink) – clean and neutral, it lets the pomegranate shine.
- Pomegranate juice (100% juice, not a cocktail blend) – 1 to 1.5 ounces per drink.
- Fresh lime juice – about 0.5 to 1 ounce per drink.
- Ginger beer – strong and spicy, chilled. Plan on 3 to 4 ounces per drink.
- Simple syrup (optional) – a splash if you prefer a sweeter profile.
- Ice – crushed or cubed; crushed gives the best mule texture.
- Garnishes – pomegranate arils, lime wheel or wedge, and fresh mint.
- Salt (optional) – a tiny pinch can sharpen flavors.
How to Make It
- Chill your mug or glass. A chilled copper mug or highball keeps the fizz crisp and the ice from melting too fast.
- Build the base. Add 2 ounces vodka, 1 to 1.5 ounces pomegranate juice, and 0.75 ounce fresh lime juice to the mug.
- Taste and adjust sweetness. If your pomegranate juice is very tart, add 0.25 to 0.5 ounce simple syrup. If it’s already sweet, skip it.
- Ice it up. Fill the mug to the top with crushed ice.
This chills fast and gives that frosty mule feel.
- Top with ginger beer. Pour in 3 to 4 ounces of chilled ginger beer. Stir gently once or twice to combine without killing the bubbles.
- Add a pinch of salt (optional). Just a few grains can brighten the flavors without making it taste salty.
- Garnish and serve. Add a lime wheel, a sprig of mint, and a teaspoon of pomegranate arils. Serve immediately while it’s icy and effervescent.
Keeping It Fresh
Pomegranate and lime shine when they’re freshly squeezed or opened.
If you’re batching for a group, mix the vodka, pomegranate juice, and lime juice in a pitcher and chill it thoroughly. Don’t add ginger beer until serving; you’ll keep the carbonation lively. Store leftover pomegranate juice in a sealed container in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze it in ice cube trays for future cocktails. Simple syrup keeps for about a month in the fridge.
Mint wilts fast—rinse, pat dry, wrap in a slightly damp paper towel, and tuck into a bag or container in the crisper.
Health Benefits
Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants like polyphenols, which support heart health and help fight oxidative stress. It also offers vitamin C and potassium, which are helpful for immune function and fluid balance. Lime adds a bit more vitamin C and a clean, bright acidity that can help you use less added sugar.
That said, this is still a cocktail. Keep portions moderate, and consider a low-sugar ginger beer or a splash of soda water to lighten things up if you prefer. The mocktail version delivers most of the flavor with none of the alcohol—and it’s just as festive.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Using pomegranate cocktail blends. These can be sugary and flat. Choose 100% pomegranate juice for real flavor.
- Over-sweetening. Ginger beer can be sweet on its own.
Add simple syrup only after tasting.
- Warm ingredients. Warm ginger beer foams and goes flat fast. Keep it cold.
- Too much dilution. If your ice is melting quickly, your mug isn’t cold enough or you’re stirring too much.
- Bland ginger beer. The drink lives or dies by the ginger beer. Pick a brand with a real ginger bite.
- Skipping fresh lime. Bottled lime juice tastes dull.
Fresh is worth the extra minute.
Alternatives
- No-alcohol option: Swap vodka for cold soda water or a zero-proof spirit. Keep the pomegranate, lime, and ginger beer the same.
- Bourbon pomegranate mule: Rounder, warmer, great for fall and winter. Use 2 ounces bourbon instead of vodka.
- Tequila pomegranate mule: Bright and zesty.
Blanco tequila pairs well with lime and ginger.
- Gin pomegranate mule: Herbal and aromatic. Choose a gin with citrus-forward botanicals.
- Spiced variation: Add 1–2 dashes of aromatic bitters or a thin slice of fresh ginger for extra heat.
- Herbal twist: Clap a basil or rosemary sprig and use it as garnish, or lightly muddle mint in the mug before adding liquids.
- Lighter fizz: Split the ginger beer with soda water for a drier, less sweet drink.
FAQ
Can I make a pitcher of pomegranate mules?
Yes. Mix vodka, pomegranate juice, and lime juice in a pitcher and chill well.
When serving, pour over ice and top each glass with ginger beer to keep it bubbly.
What’s the best ginger beer for this?
Choose a brand with real ginger heat and not too much sugar. If you like a spicier mule, go for a ginger beer with strong bite; if you prefer smoother, pick a milder one.
Do I need a copper mug?
No, but it helps. Copper gets frosty and keeps the drink colder longer.
A chilled highball glass is a fine substitute.
Can I use pomegranate molasses instead of juice?
You can, but use it sparingly. It’s concentrated and tangy—start with 0.25 ounce and add a little extra lime and water or soda to balance.
How do I make it less sweet?
Skip the simple syrup and choose a drier ginger beer, or replace 1 to 2 ounces of ginger beer with soda water. Extra lime can also sharpen the profile without adding sugar.
What vodka works best?
A clean, mid-range vodka is perfect.
There’s no need for a luxury bottle—save that for martinis. The ginger and pomegranate carry the flavor.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime is best for aroma and brightness. If you must use bottled, reach for a high-quality, 100% lime juice and adjust to taste.
How do I garnish it nicely?
Use a lime wheel, a sprig of mint, and a spoonful of pomegranate arils.
The arils add color and a juicy pop with each sip.
Wrapping Up
A pomegranate mule is everything you want in a refreshing cocktail: sharp citrus, juicy fruit, and gingery fizz, all in a frosty mug. It’s easy to make, easy to batch, and easy to customize with different spirits or a zero-proof swap. Keep your ingredients cold, choose a punchy ginger beer, and let the pomegranate do the talking.
One sip, and it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chill your mug or glass. A chilled copper mug or highball keeps the fizz crisp and the ice from melting too fast.
- Build the base. Add 2 ounces vodka, 1 to 1.5 ounces pomegranate juice, and 0.75 ounce fresh lime juice to the mug.
- Taste and adjust sweetness. If your pomegranate juice is very tart, add 0.25 to 0.5 ounce simple syrup. If it’s already sweet, skip it.
- Ice it up. Fill the mug to the top with crushed ice. This chills fast and gives that frosty mule feel.
- Top with ginger beer. Pour in 3 to 4 ounces of chilled ginger beer. Stir gently once or twice to combine without killing the bubbles.
- Add a pinch of salt (optional). Just a few grains can brighten the flavors without making it taste salty.
- Garnish and serve. Add a lime wheel, a sprig of mint, and a teaspoon of pomegranate arils. Serve immediately while it’s icy and effervescent.
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