SWITCHING OUT VODKA FOR JAGER TO MAKE THE BEST FALL/WINTER MULE!
There's a reason why so many people ADORE mules. They are crisp, have the right amount of sweetness when made right, and okay...let's just say it, a copper mug just makes things a LOT more fun. ALWAYS. While I am not here to convince you to purchase copper mugs (an excellent investment if we were to get into it...the ones in the picture to our left came in a set of 2 at TJ Maxx for $12 dollars)...
I AM HERE TO CONVINCE YOU TO USE FRESH POMEGRANATE this time of year for your Moscow mules.
The fresh pomegranate is unlike pomegranate juice, which while lovely...the sweet yet tart flavor of the seeds is excellent in this cocktail and there is just something special about fresh pomegranate during the holidays.
Moreover, the seeds are muddled with lime juice in this recipe, ensuring the flavor is PRESENT AND GIVING main character energy. :) Now, let's get to the Jagermeister add. While I NEVER would have found myself reaching for Jager...I wanted to bring spice into this to balance out the tartness of the fresh pomegranate. When recipe testing (and when I say testing... we get really creative around here)...I was first thinking about adding whole spices and infusing my vodka. Little did I know, my partner (who happens to love Jager) had a few mini airplane bottles on the bar cart of Jager, and...well, here we are. I know what you are thinking...Jager = licorice. But, hear me out!
Jager offers a lot more depth in its flavor profile...we're talking peppery notes, cinnamon, ginger, lemon zest, and even notes of dark chocolate. ALL FLAVORS THAT WE LOVE THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. This one is really easy to make (no cocktail shaker required) and if you were eyeing those stunning fresh pomegranates during your last visit to the grocery store, here's your sign to go on and buy them next time!
Now on the topic of all things holiday and festive...if you are following me on socials at @thetashmashup, you'll know that this is only recipe #2 in my holiday series. We have a long (dare I say, magical) road ahead of us. We have a lot more lined up and in store for you and I am excited to get things really festive here! Big big hugs!
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INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup of tightly packed fresh pomegranate seeds
1/2 oz of lime juice, freshly squeezed
6-7 oz of ginger beer (not to be confused with ginger ale)
1 1/2 oz of Jagermeister
Lime wheel (dehydrated or fresh), optional for garnish
Candied ginger, optional for garnish
DIRECTIONS
In a copper mug, add in your fresh pomegranate and lime juice. Muddle with a muddler or the back of a spoon until most of the pomegranate seeds release juice.
Then, add in your Jager.
Top with ginger beer.
Stir to combine.
If desired, garnish with a dehydrated or fresh lime wheel and/or candied ginger. Serve immediately.
~ Serves 1
Notes
When making mules at home, I know everyone's first question is "Can I use ginger ale?" Ginger ale is much sweeter and doesn't work as well as ginger beer does in this recipe. I've seen that more stores now carry ginger beer (often right next to ginger ale). I highly recommend using ginger beer for this recipe. If you are in a pinch, ginger ale will do but just know that the drink will be much sweeter than originally intended.
You can ALSO use vodka or whiskey for this recipe. While I think Jager makes for the ideal pairing with fresh pomegranate for the holiday season...you can use a variety of spirits, making this a hit at holiday parties. You could even make things fun and offer your guests a mule bar. If you do, I hope I am on the guest list. :)
You can easily double or quadruple this recipe. If hosting, I most definitely would put everything together (that is muddling the fresh pomegranate seeds and lime juice in a pitcher) before storing it covered in the fridge. Right when guests enter, I'd just top the pitcher with ginger beer and be good to go!