This pomegranate molasses cocktail, inspired by the ever-popular Moscow Mule, is a refreshing twist on a classic. Turns out pomegranate molasses is ideal for any part of your meal โ sweet, savory, or beverage! (This post was first published in October 2016, updated October 2019)
A Simple but Stunning Pomegranate Molasses Cocktail
When I developed an all pomegranate molasses menu for a video collaboration with the Food Guru video production company, I knew I wanted it to include a cocktail. And the idea of adding some tangy pomegranate molasses and a bit of fresh mint to a classic Moscow Mule just seemed right. After a few attempts at the method and proportions, I came up with this easy recipe for a Minty Pomegranate Molasses Cocktail.
Why Serve this Cocktail in a Copper Mug
When I was first introduced to the Moscow Mule cocktail โ a classic combination of ginger beer, vodka, and lime โ I fell in love with the copper mug as much as the beverage inside. (I have a wee bit of a copper fetish). The mug not only looks swanky, it also keeps the drink cold for a nice long time while you savor the spicy ginger beer and tangy lime.
Added Bonus? This may not warm you up on a cold day, but it sure will dress up your holiday gathering โ a few pomegranate arils and a copper mug is a quick decoration for any festive occasion.
How to Turn this into a Pomegranate Mocktail
Want to serve this without alcohol for a luncheon or a crowd of young guests, just eliminate the vodka, add in some sparkling water and itโs a very refreshing mocktail.
How to Muddle Mint for a Pomegranate Molasses Cocktail
Muddling mint sounds so much more complicated than it is. Muddling is just extracting the flavor of a leafy herb like mint (or spices or fruit) by essentially squishing it. Yes, you can buy an actual muddler and itโs a lovely addition to your bar supplies. But you can also just use the end of a wooden spoon.
What Kind of Vodka Should I Use?
In our house we always have some Absolut or Grey Goose. Any vodka you prefer will work. My rule of thumb is that I generally donโt use the most nuanced liquor for a mixed drink. But use what you like or if you need to buy a bottle, go for something mid-range. Not the cheapest, not the most expensive.
Can I use Ginger Ale instead of Ginger Beer?
In a pinch, you could make the substitute but they are not the same. Ginger ale is a soda flavored with ginger. Ginger beer is actually brewed and fermented but it is non-alcoholic. It will taste more strongly of ginger, which is a good thing and it will generally be less sweet than ginger ale. You may be able to find it at the grocery store โ I know they carry it at Trader Joeโs and of course at large beverage markets like Beverages and More.
Where Can I Buy Pomegranate Molasses? (or Can I Make it?)
You can find pomegranate molasses online (see my affiliate links below) or in your local International or Middle Eastern Market. Or you can make your own! If you can boil water, you can make pomegranate molasses. All you need is a bottle of pomegranate juice which I have found at large chain grocers like Safeway as well as Trader Joeโs and small Middle Eastern markets.
Basic Method to Make a Pomegranate Molasses Cocktail
- Gather your supplies โ ice, shot glass, shaker, mint, ginger beer, vodka, lime and copper mugs or serving glasses of your choice.
- Fill the copper mug with ice so itโs ready to go.
- Muddle the mint in the cocktail shaker
- Add the lime, pomegranate molasses and vodka.
- Fill with ice and shake.
- Pour over ice-filled copper mug and then fill the mug to the top with ginger beer.
- For Mocktail: sub club soda for the vodka
What Should I Serve with this Pomegranate Mule?
Have a pomegranate molasses party like I did! Make this pomegranate molasses cocktail recipe with an all pomegranate molasses-infused meal of lemony seared flank steak and a fig and arugula salad with pomegranate molasses dressing.
Serve this with cocktail cookies โ your guests will swoon not only at the beautiful drink but the very unexpected savory appetizer cookie.
Or how about a pomegranate cheese ball?
Do you love pomegranates as much as I do? In addition to my own page filled with pomegranate molasses recipes, head over to this pomegranate recipe page on the Family Spice blog. Youโll be inspired, I promise.
Helpful Supplies for Making this Cocktail with Pomegranate Molasses
This post contains Amazon affiliate links โ if you click on one and purchase something, I receive a very tiny percentage of the sale. Your price is never affected.
Also check out my Amazon shop that includes some of my favorite food and food-related products. I am always updating it โ please visit often. And let me know if you need specific products recommendations โ I am happy to help!
Other Pomegranate Molasses Recipes on OMG! Yummy
- How to Make Pomegranate Molasses
- Pomegranate Molasses Dressing
- Fig and Arugula Salad with Pomegranate Molasses Dressing
- Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Two Ways
- Roasted Delicata Squash
- Roasted Fruit with Pomegranate Molasses and Port
- Instant Pot Brisket with Pomegranate Molasses
- Lemony Flank Steak with Pomegranate Molasses
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Pomegranate Molasses
Minty Pomegranate Mule Cocktail
Beth LeeIngredients
- 4-5 mint leaves
- ยฝ a lime, squeezed
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- 2 ounces vodka
- 4 oz ginger beer
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug or serving glass of your choice with ice.
- Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, lightly muddle the leaves with the end of a wooden spoon or a muddler if you have one โ no need to mush or muddle them too much โ just release the flavor โ youโll be able to smell the minty aroma.
- Squeeze the lime and drop the wedge in the shaker.
- Add the pomegranate molasses and vodka. Give it a quick mix.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes, cover and shake vigorously.
- Pour the liquid from the shaker over the ice-filled copper mug and then add the ginger beer. Give it a quick mix again. Decorate with a lime wedge, mint and or pomegranate seeds if you like!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Christina
great recipe!! not a fan of ginger beer though. can i use lemonade to make it sweeter?
Beth Lee
Hi Christina,
Do you mean lemonade instead of ginger beer? I would say try it - you might be inventing a new cocktail!
Lucy Parissi
So pretty and very tasty. I love this spin on the classic cocktail.
wilhelmina
I am a big fan of mules and I really enjoyed this pomegranate version! I am adding it to our holiday menu!
Sandi Gaertner
This is a gorgeous cocktail for the holidays!! I can't wait to give it a try!
Beth Lee
Easy too - that's high on my priority list as well!!
Sharon Vinicm
Could be my thanksgiving cocktail.
Beth Lee
Well if it makes your Thanksgiving day event, then I know I've arrived!
Laura
I've never tried a Moscow Mule, so I think that your pomegranate mule should be my first! Definitely my kind of drink!
Beth Lee
Wish I could have one waiting for you when you finish today's project!! So refreshing and easy to drink.
Taryn
Such a fun twist on a classic cocktail! Thanks for a great recipe!
Beth Lee
You're welcome and luckily, it's almost always 5PM somewhere in the world right?
Jennifer Farley
I'm a fan of the classic as well, but this is such an easy twist! I love it.
Beth Lee
Right? All the pomegranates starting to appear in the store are making me thirsty!!!
Erin
I have a colander full of just-picked pomegranates!! And I LOVE moscow mules, too. Genius idea!
Beth Lee
I'll be over at 5PM! Cocktails at your place!
Hannah
What a creative cocktail, Beth! The addition of pomegranate molasses sounds so good and perfect for this season. L'chaim! xx
Beth Lee
A virtual l'chaim to you as well dearest Hannah!