This Pomegranate Moscow Mule is an easy, fresh twist on a cocktail classic. Tart pomegranate juice adds an extra flavor along with ginger and lime, and it gives this drink a pink hue!

My favorite cocktail is a toss-up between a margarita and a Moscow mule. Lime/citrus flavors play a big role in both, with the drink overall not being too sweet. In fact they have a pretty nice bite!

While a classic mule is always welcome, I'm partial to adding in a bit of juice to alter the flavor (and color) when I make them at home.

This spicy, fizzy pomegranate Moscow mule is pink in color, which is just the beverage to toast with for Valentine's Day, but adding the classic lime wedge for serving makes a reddish/green combo wonderful for Christmas.

Not that this pomegranate mule is meant to be reserved just for holidays! It's so easy and features basic ingredients, so it's one of my top choices for happy hour at home.

Cocktail ingredients

A Moscow Mule is a vodka-based cocktail that includes ginger beer and lime juice. It's not fussy and features one of my very favorite carbonated beverages (ginger beer). Most ginger beer isn't alcoholic (though some brands make them - they'll be labeled as such), so it acts as a BOLD and zippy mixer.

Traditionally you'll see mules served in copper mugs to help keep the drink icy cold for longer. On top of it all, they have a stunning presentation! As per sort-of usual, I'm late to the Moscow mule game (did you hear about the rash of copper mug thefts a few years ago?), but I can definitely understand its surge in popularity. Hello, delicious and refreshing.

This version is dressed up with a splash of tart pomegranate juice and garnished with pomegranate arils. The tart pomegranate juice pairs well with spicy ginger beer and lime juice, and adds a touch of sweetness that makes this pomegranate Moscow mule even more special.

Ginger beer preference

I've tried several ginger beer varieties and my favorite two brands are Cock'n Bull and Gosling's. Nothing is sponsored here, BTW. Gosling's is the kind I can reliably find in bigger chain grocery stores, while Cock'n Bull is something I pick up at liquor stores, though I've had a hard time finding it recently.

Both of these brands are on the spicier side as far as ginger beers go (in my opinion) and their boldness works well in a mixed drink.

When it comes to being a mixer in cocktails, most of the time I prefer regular (non-diet) varieties of sodas/juices because I find it balances the drink better, but in this case I don't find anything lacking with diet ginger beer. You don't lose any flavor and it keeps this pomegranate Moscow mule lower in sugar and calories.

Stir, don't shake

A cocktail recipe like this certainly doesn't need much step-by-step explanation, but the only thing I will say here is to please stir it - don't shake!

Ginger beer is carbonated and the built-up pressure in a cocktail shaker is a serious no-go. When it's time to relax with a cocktail, it's usually never the time to have to clean up a sticky mess from your kitchen floor to ceiling when it erupts out of the shaker.

Another fruitier mule I love is a cranberry Moscow mule. It's also pink and brings a tart and slightly sweet note to a mule. When serving mules to a crowd, I like to have both juices on hand. That way guests can have easily customized cocktails.

Recipe notes

While the pomegranate arils don't add much to the flavor, they help make this pomegranate mule extra festive with garnish. If you don't feel like breaking down a whole pomegranate for a few drinks, I've found fresh pomegranate arils in the produce section as well as frozen arils along with the frozen fruit at my local grocery store. Big shortcut.
Add your preferred quantities! More juice in relation to ginger beer, etc.