Christmas Peppermint Mule Cocktail

This Christmas Peppermint Moscow Mule is cool, refreshing, and perfectly festive with peppermint vodka, cranberry juice, and a splash of spicy ginger beer. It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you want to throw on a holiday sweater and start singing carols before the first sip!

There’s something about peppermint drinks during the holidays that just hits different. This one combines all the cozy winter flavors—minty, citrusy, and a little spicy—into one sparkly cocktail that’s as pretty as it is delicious. Bonus: it looks gorgeous in those classic copper mugs with a crushed candy cane rim!

Ingredients and Why They Work

Peppermint vodka brings that signature minty freshness and holiday flavor that turns a regular mule into a Christmas masterpiece. Lime juice adds the perfect tangy balance to all the sweetness. Cranberry juice gives a beautiful red color and a tart finish that keeps the drink bright and refreshing. Ginger beer adds a fizzy, spicy kick—every mule needs that signature zing!

Crushed candy cane makes the rim sparkle and adds a sweet, minty crunch. Whole candy cane doubles as a stir stick and a festive garnish (because who doesn’t love a cute drink?). Mint leaves give your mule that fresh aroma and restaurant-worthy finish. And of course, ice cubes keep everything cool and crisp.

How to Make a Christmas Peppermint Moscow Mule

Start by prepping your copper mug—it’s not a true mule without one! Add a few fresh mint leaves to the bottom, then squeeze in your lime juice. Use a muddler (or the back of a spoon) to press the mint leaves gently, releasing all that delicious mint oil into the juice.

Next, fill the mug with ice. Pour in your peppermint vodka, cranberry juice, and ginger beer. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. The smell alone will make you feel like you’re at a holiday cocktail party!

Now for the fun part—decorating! Sprinkle crushed candy cane on top for that pretty red-and-white sparkle. Add a fresh mint sprig and hook a whole candy cane on the side for the full Christmas effect. Raise your mug, toast to the season, and enjoy every fizzy, pepperminty sip.

This drink was born out of one of those holiday nights when I needed a cocktail fast. I had family over, Christmas music was blasting, and the tree lights were twinkling. I looked around, saw peppermint vodka from a gift exchange, a few stray candy canes, and—bam—the Christmas Peppermint Mule was born. My husband called it “Christmas in a cup,” and now it’s become a holiday staple at our gatherings. I make a mocktail version for the kids (just skip the vodka and add a little more ginger beer), and everyone feels included in the cheers.

FAQs About Christmas Peppermint Moscow Mule

Can I make this non-alcoholic? Yes! Just replace the peppermint vodka with a splash of peppermint syrup and extra ginger beer for the same festive flavor.
What’s the best ginger beer to use? Any brand you love works, but I prefer one with a bit of heat to balance the sweetness—think Fever Tree or Gosling’s.
Can I make this in a pitcher for a crowd? Absolutely! Multiply the recipe by however many guests you have, mix everything (except the ginger beer) ahead of time, then top with ginger beer and ice before serving.
Can I use regular vodka? You can! Add a few drops of peppermint extract or use crushed candy canes as a stir-in for that holiday mint flavor.
What kind of cranberry juice works best? I like 100% cranberry juice for a tangy finish, but cranberry cocktail will give you a sweeter flavor if that’s your vibe.

This Christmas Peppermint Moscow Mule is festive, easy, and absolutely gorgeous to serve. The peppermint vodka and cranberry combo make it taste like a winter wonderland, while the ginger beer keeps it refreshing and light. It’s a crowd-pleaser for holiday parties, Christmas Eve dinners, or cozy nights by the fireplace. Simple ingredients, big holiday energy—that’s the magic of this mule.

Here are some more amazing recipes to try during the holidays:

• Refreshing Strawberry Moscow Mule Drink
• Red Velvet Christmas Wreath Cake For The Holidays
• No Bake Chocolate Peppermint Pie For The Holidays
• Holiday Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Easy Christmas Crack Recipe