Festive Cherry Twist on the Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe

A Festive Twist on a Classic Cocktail

The Moscow mule is a refreshing vodka-based cocktail that has become a modern classic. Typically made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime, the Moscow mule is the perfect drink for any occasion. This holiday season, give the classic Moscow mule a festive makeover with the addition of sweet cherry juice and syrup.

The Classic Moscow Mule

The Moscow mule was first created in 1941 by John G. Martin, the president of liquor company G.F. Heublein Brothers. The story goes that Martin had an excess supply of vodka and wanted to find a new way to market it to American consumers who were not yet familiar or enamored with the clear spirit.

At the same restaurant, Jack Morgan of Cock’N Bull Products wanted to sell his ginger beer, which had proved unsuccessful. The two men had the idea to combine Martin’s vodka with Morgan’s ginger beer, and the Moscow mule was born when they added lime juice to the mix.

The combination of vodka, spicy ginger beer, and tart lime juice turned out to be extremely refreshing and popular. The mule was traditionally served in signature copper mugs, which helped keep the drink cold and added to its appeal.

Give Your Mule a Festive Twist

The Moscow mule's balanced flavors and refreshing fizz make it the perfect cocktail for the holidays. By adding a splash of sweet cherry juice and rich cherry syrup, you can give this classic drink a seasonal makeover that's perfect for Christmas parties and celebrations.

The sweet and tart cherry flavor pairs beautifully with the spicy ginger and vodka. The rich, crimson hue also makes it a gorgeous holiday-hued cocktail. It's sure to be a hit at your next Christmas gathering or New Year's Eve party!

Cherry Moscow Mule Recipe

This festive Cherry Moscow Mule cocktail recipe puts a fresh twist on the classic drink by incorporating sweet cherry juice and syrup. It comes together quickly in just 5 easy steps, making it perfect for entertaining. The ingredients are simple and affordable, ensuring this will be your new favorite holiday cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 oz R.W. Knudsen cherry juice
• 2 oz simple syrup
• Ginger beer
• Fresh mint and lime wheels for garnish (optional)
• Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. In a Moscow mule mug or copper cup, combine vodka, lime juice, cherry juice and simple syrup. Stir to combine.
2. Fill mug with ice and top off with chilled ginger beer, leaving a bit of room at the top for the ginger beer to bubble up.
3. Gently stir and garnish your Cherry Moscow Mule with mint, lime wheels or maraschino cherries speared on a cocktail pick.
4. For an extra cherry flavor boost, wet the rim of your Moscow mule mug in cherry syrup before coating it with sugar or red sugar crystals.
5. Enjoy immediately while the ginger beer is nice and bubbly.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cherry Moscow Mule

With just a few simple tips, you'll be serving up professional-quality Cherry Moscow Mules in no time!

• Use fresh lime juice for maximum flavor and tartness to balance the sweet cherry.
• Chill your mugs before building your cocktails so they stay extra cold.
• For an authentic experience, use real copper mugs. Otherwise stainless steel mugs work too.
• Choose a bold, spicy ginger beer that won't get lost behind the other flavors.
• Use 100% cherry juice with no added sugar for clean cherry flavor.
• Garnish with fresh mint, lime and maraschino cherries on a cocktail pick.
• Add extra cherry syrup to wet glasses if you really want to play up the cherry theme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of vodka works best?

A good quality, neutral vodka is best for Moscow mules so the ginger beer, lime and cherry flavors really stand out. Avoid flavored vodkas. Good affordable options include Sobieski, Titos and Russian Standard.

Can I make it without alcohol?

Yes! Omit the vodka for a refreshing, non-alcoholic mule. Increase cherry juice to 3-4 oz and simple syrup to 1-2 oz to balance the sweetness.

What type of glass should it be served in?

For authenticity, serve Moscow mules in traditional copper mugs or Moscow mule mugs. Otherwise, use tall Collins or highball glasses.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

You can prepare the vodka, lime juice and cherry juice mixture ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before guests arrive, fill glasses with ice, top with chilled ginger beer and garnish.

A Moscow Mule with a Cherry on Top

The Moscow mule cocktail has stood the test of time, remaining a perennial favorite for its refreshing flavor profile. This holiday season, give the classic mule an extra dose of Christmas cheer with the addition of sweet cherry juice and ruby-red syrup. One sip of this festive Cherry Moscow Mule, and your friends will be asking for it year-round!

FAQs

Can I make the Cherry Moscow Mule without alcohol?

Yes! Simply skip the vodka. You can increase the cherry juice to 3-4 oz and simple syrup to 1-2 oz to balance the sweetness.

Can I use cherry vodka instead of regular vodka?

You can, but we recommend using a neutral vodka so the cherry juice can really shine. Using more cherry syrup helps intensify the cherry flavor as well.

Is this drink seasonal or can I enjoy it year-round?

Feel free to enjoy this twist on the Moscow Mule any time of year! The holiday spices make it perfect for Christmas parties, but it's tasty in summer too.

What is the best way to keep the drink cold?

Chill your copper mule mugs or glasses ahead of time before adding ice and chilled ingredients. The copper also helps regulate temperature.

Can I prepare the drinks ahead of time?

Yes, combine vodka, lime juice and cherry juice up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add ginger beer and garnish with mint, limes and cherries just before serving.