• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Work With Me
  • Contact

CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Holiday Mule

drinks· Fall Flavors· Holiday Favorites
December 26, 2022

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Holiday Mule – Ginger beer, cranberry juice, vodka, apple cider, and Prosecco are combined to make this perfect drink for the Holiday season.

two copper mugs filled with holiday mule drinks and a pitcher in the background

The holidays ain’t over yet! We have New Year’s Eve coming in a few days so we need a great cocktail to ring in 2023. This Holiday Mule is just the drink you need. This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for any gathering.

To make this mule, you’re just throwing the ingredients in a pitcher with some fruit and giving it a stir. That’s it! There’s no reason to not make this holiday mule before the end of 2022!

Here is my Holiday Mule!

overhead shot of holiday mules in copper mugs
close up of holiday mule in a copper mug
pitcher of holiday mule mix with fruit

Tricks & Tips

  1. Do not make ahead. Drinks with bubbles should not be made ahead because those bubbles turn flat over time. The Prosecco and ginger beer have bubbles so this drink cannot be made ahead of time. Also, the rind in the fruit leaves an odd taste in the mules if there for more than 24 hours. So the best thing to do is to make this the day you plan to serve it.
  2. Unsweetened cranberry juice. Do not use cranberry juice cocktail in this drink. It has too much sugar. Instead, use an unsweetened cranberry juice.
  3. Ginger beer vs ginger ale. Ginger beer is less sweet and packs more of a bite than ginger ale. You shouldn’t interchange these because ginger beer
holiday mules in copper mugs
Print Recipe

Holiday Mule

Prep Time10 minutes mins
Servings: 8 drinks

Ingredients

  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 1½ cups unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 1½ cups vodka
  • 12 ounces ginger beer
  • 1 750-mL bottle Prosecco
  • 1 granny smith apple
  • 1 orange
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • cinnamon sticks for serving

Instructions

  • Add the cider, vodka, and cranberry juice in a very large pitcher (you may need two pitchers for this recipe). Stir together. Add in ginger beer and Prosecco. Finish off by slicing apple and orange into thin rounds and placing into the pitcher. Add in the cranberries and stir.
  • To serve, add glass to a copper glass or serving glass. Fill with punch, letting some cranberries and a slice of fruit get into the glass. Serving with a cinnamon stick.

More drinks you’ll love:

Cranberry Lime Mojitos
cranberry lime mojitos with cranberries and slices of lime
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
a ladle filling a mug with mulled wine with cinnamon sticks and jars of spices in the background, shot from a side angle
Cranberry Orange Aperol Spritz
two stemmed glasses of Cranberry Orange Aperol Spritz with orange slices and rosemary sprigs with cramberries rosemary and half an orange on the table underneath, shot from the front

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

17 Comments

« Mocha Trifle
Salted Caramel Banana Cream Puffs »

Comments

  1. mrsumitroy98 says

    January 29, 2025 at 1:08 pm

    India has emerged as a leading exporter of drinking chocolate powder, supplying premium-quality cocoa blends to bakeries, ice cream manufacturers, and beverage companies worldwide. With its rich flavor, smooth texture, and versatile applications, drinking chocolate powder is a must-have ingredient for creating indulgent desserts and beverages. Indian exporters ensure that their product meets international quality standards, catering to the growing global demand for Drinking Chocolate Powder Exporter in India high-quality chocolate-based ingredients. The bakery industry relies on drinking chocolate powder to add a deep, authentic chocolate flavor to various products. It is widely used in cakes, brownies, muffins, cookies, and pastries, providing a rich, cocoa-infused taste. Bakers also use it to prepare chocolate-based frostings, glazes, and fillings, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture. Additionally, it is often sprinkled over donuts, cupcakes, and tarts for a visually appealing and flavorful finishing touch. Indian exporters supply premium drinking chocolate powder to bakeries across the world, ensuring consistent quality and superior taste.

    Reply
  2. Hayley Dhanecha says

    January 2, 2023 at 4:53 am

    Such a tasty and easy drink! Used up all those leftover cranberries we bought for Christmas. Guest loved it too!

    Reply
  3. Tristin says

    January 2, 2023 at 12:48 am

    This mule was simple to make and tasted amazing! A new favorite that I will be making every year!

    Reply
  4. Amanda says

    January 1, 2023 at 3:08 pm

    I made these last night for New Year’s Eve, and they were a hit! Loved the cranberry and apple cider together — such a tasty combo.

    Reply
  5. Jamie says

    December 31, 2022 at 5:19 am

    This is such an awesome drink, looks so delicious! The color and aura it gives just make this so enticing! Everybody would definitely love it!

    Reply
  6. Erin says

    December 30, 2022 at 1:50 pm

    These were so festive and cheery! They were a hit among everyone who had one. Thanks!

    Reply
  7. Ann says

    December 29, 2022 at 9:25 am

    Moscow Mules are my favorite drink! This one was so delicious! I will be making this all year round! Thanks for the recipe share!

    Reply
  8. Dennis says

    December 29, 2022 at 7:45 am

    What a perfect holiday cocktail! I served these at my party last weekend and everyone loved them.

    Reply
  9. Gloria says

    December 28, 2022 at 9:35 am

    A fun and festive drink for the holidays. Perfect for parties. Always a hit with the guests.

    Reply
  10. Veronika says

    December 28, 2022 at 8:21 am

    We loved this cocktail! The ginger wasn’t too strong and the apple cider and prosecco made is so delicious.

    Reply
  11. veenaazmanov says

    December 27, 2022 at 9:34 pm

    Amazing presentation and tempting color. This Holiday Mule is a burst of flavors. I will surely love to make it.

    Reply
  12. megane says

    December 27, 2022 at 4:15 pm

    Just in time for New Years! I know what we will be having now! Thanks for another great cocktail.

    Reply
  13. Maike says

    December 27, 2022 at 11:44 am

    This recipe could not come at a more perfect time. I’m throwing a holiday party later in the week and have been looking for a fun, festive cocktail. My family loves traditional mules, and this one sounds like it’s right up our alley.

    Reply
  14. Beth says

    December 27, 2022 at 11:38 am

    The flavors here are absolutely perfect for the holidays. I think this might be the best holiday cocktail I”ve seen.

    Reply
  15. Stephanie says

    December 27, 2022 at 11:15 am

    This was absolutely delicious! I love the flavor the ginger gives the cranberries.

    Reply
  16. Dana says

    December 27, 2022 at 10:15 am

    Love holiday mules! I’m not a big fan of a classic mule, I think because the ginger always comes out strong. But with a nice blend of flavors in the mix, it’s just awesome.

    Reply
  17. Tayler says

    December 27, 2022 at 10:03 am

    I made this mule last night for our friend gift exchange and everyone loved it! So flavorful and easy to make!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, my name is Sharon. I’m an accountant by day, risk-taking baker and food enthusiast by night. Come join me as I share my favorite recipes and test out new ones along the way!

fall flavors

portion of sweet potato gratin being removed from casserole dish, revealing gooey center

Sweet Potato Gratin

close up of a slice of pumpkin crumb cake separated from the rest of the cake but not on a plate yet

Pumpkin Crumb Cake

a stack of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies and individual cookies on a sheet pan with chocolate chips around them and a stack of pumpkins in the background, shot from a side angle

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

slices of iced pumpkin scones drizzled with frosting on a wire rack on top of parchment paper, shot from overhead

Iced Pumpkin Scones

a bowl of Butterscotch Vanilla Bean Sauce with a spoon in it and a bowl of brown sugar with a spoon in it on a cloth napkin, shot from a side angle

Butterscotch Vanilla Bean Sauce

pumpkin challah bread sliced with a knife

Pumpkin Challah Bread

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

Breakfast
Appetizers
Entrees
Salads
Sides
Drinks
Desserts
Roundups
Holidays

Browse by Date

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy

holiday favorite

angled shot of french almond cakes sitting on a white plate

French Almond Cakes (Financiers)

salted caramel banana cream puffs on a round serving plate with bananas in the background

Salted Caramel Banana Cream Puffs

stacked maple walnut cookies on a red orange napkin and one cookie with a bite removed

Maple Walnut Cookies

overhead shot of pistachio creme brulee with a few bites take out and sugar cracked

Pistachio Crème Brulee

plate of mini ham and cheese quiche with caramelized onions and a plan of quiche in the back

Mini Ham & Cheese Quiche with Caramelized Onions

 

Y'all, I need to talk about these Kentucky Derby C Y'all, I need to talk about these Kentucky Derby Cookie Bars because they might just be the most decadent thing I've ever created!

So here's the deal: I love taking traditional recipes and giving them a major upgrade. 

Traditional Derby Pie is delicious, but I wanted to make something even MORE special. And these bars? They're Derby Pie on steroids!

Here's what makes them absolutely incredible:
The Cookie Crust: Instead of regular pie crust, we're using a thick chocolate chip cookie base. Game. Changer.
The Filling: Loaded with pecans, chocolate chips, and a hint of bourbon that adds this rich, complex flavor. The filling is more dense and cakey than traditional Derby Pie, which gives you the perfect chewy texture.
The Bourbon Caramel: This homemade bourbon caramel sauce is what takes these bars over the top. It's sweet, buttery, and has that gorgeous bourbon depth. And yes, the alcohol cooks out, so it's safe for everyone (even made these while I was pregnant!)!

Important tips:
Don't chop your pecans too finely—leave nice chunks for better texture
If the bars start browning too quickly, just cover them with foil while the center finishes baking
Don't over-thicken the caramel sauce on the stove—it will thicken as it cools!

These bars are perfect for Derby Day (obviously!), but honestly, they're amazing for any summer gathering, BBQ, or potluck. 

Want the full recipe with that bourbon caramel sauce? 💌 Comment 'DERBY' below and I'll send you the link!

#DerbyPie #CookieBars #BourbonDesserts #PecanDesserts
Y'all, I just made the BEST hot chocolate of my li Y'all, I just made the BEST hot chocolate of my life and I need you to try it immediately!

Growing up, I only knew hot chocolate from those packets where you just add hot water. I had NO idea you could make it from scratch so easily! 

All it takes is hot milk, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and the secret ingredient... PEANUT BUTTER!

I've always been obsessed with the peanut butter and chocolate combo (if you've been following me, you know this is true!), but for some reason, it never occurred to me to add it to hot chocolate until recently. And now I'm officially never going back to regular hot chocolate!

What makes this recipe so special? The peanut butter adds this incredible creaminess and depth of flavor without overpowering the chocolate. 

Plus, you don't need to add any extra sugar because the chocolate chips provide all the sweetness you need. 

Top it with marshmallows and maybe a drizzle of chocolate and peanut butter sauce, and you've got pure heaven in a mug.

Important tips:
-Be careful not to overheat the chocolate and peanut butter—too much heat will cause the chocolate to harden
-Add the milk SLOWLY to the chocolate mixture and whisk constantly. It makes blending so much easier!
-This recipe makes 4 cups, and leftovers keep for 5 days in the fridge!

This is the ultimate cozy drink for cold winter nights, holiday gatherings, or honestly any time you need a little comfort. It's ready in less than 10 minutes!

Want the full recipe? 💌 Comment 'COZY' below and I'll send you the link!

What's your favorite hot drink for winter? Let me know in the comments! 
#HotChocolateRecipe  #HomemadeHotChocolate #WinterRecipes
When I had a serious craving for pain au chocolat When I had a serious craving for pain au chocolat but didn't want to spend DAYS making croissant dough, I had a brilliant idea: What if I used brioche instead?

And let me tell you... this might be even BETTER than the original!

Brioche au Chocolat gives you all the buttery, flaky flavor of croissants but with the soft, pillowy texture of bread. Plus, that melted chocolate center? Pure heaven! 

The best part is that the entire process is done in a stand mixer, which makes it so much simpler than traditional croissants.

Here's why this recipe is perfect:
🌙 The dough is made overnight, so you can just wake up and bake in the morning
✨ No lamination or complicated folding techniques required
🍫 Each bun has a hidden chocolate surprise in the center
💯 Foolproof method that works every time
🔑 Three tips for success:

Add the butter one tablespoon at a time and let each piece fully incorporate before adding the next (it might look like it won't mix in, then suddenly it disappears!)

The overnight refrigeration is essential—it lets the dough rest AND makes it so much easier to work with.

Don't skip the egg wash! It's what gives these buns their gorgeous golden sheen

These are best served slightly warm (just 10 seconds in the microwave will do!), so the chocolate gets perfectly melty. Trust me, you'll want to make these on repeat!

Want the full recipe? 💌 Comment 'BRIOCHE' below and I'll send you the link!

Have you ever made brioche before? Let me know in the comments! 👇

 #ChocolateBrioche #FrenchPastry #HomemadeBread #BreadBaking
Craving something fresh and healthy after all thos Craving something fresh and healthy after all those holiday treats? This Quinoa Harvest Salad is calling your name! 

I recently tried a similar salad on a business trip and became OBSESSED with the combination of roasted sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, and creamy goat cheese. So naturally, I had to recreate it at home!

What makes this salad special? The roasted sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy goat cheese and dried cranberries. Plus, the crunch from the pepitas adds amazing texture. 

Top it with grilled chicken and protein-rich quinoa, and you've got yourself a complete meal that's both satisfying and nutritious!

💡 Two important tips:
-Let your roasted sweet potatoes and quinoa cool completely before adding to the salad (warm ingredients = sad, wilted greens!)
-Whisk that homemade Dijon vinaigrette until smooth and emulsified

This salad is perfect for January when you're craving lighter, healthier options. It's also great for meal prep, post-workout meals, or bringing to gatherings!

Want the full recipe with my homemade creamy Dijon vinaigrette? Comment 'SALAD' below and I'll send you the link!

What's your favorite healthy salad combination? Let me know in the comments! 👇

#QuinoaSalad #HarvestSalad #SaladRecipe #SweetPotatoRecipes #NutritiousAndDelicious
Greek Pasta Salad — Mediterranean Freshness in E Greek Pasta Salad — Mediterranean Freshness in Every Bite! 

Say hello to your new favorite healthy pasta salad! This Greek Pasta Salad is made with al dente orzo, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, garbanzo beans, creamy feta, and a homemade Greek dressing for a fresh, satisfying side or light lunch. 

Pro Tips:
✔️ Salt your pasta water — flavor starts early
✔️ Let the dressing sit to deepen the Mediterranean flavor
✔️ Add romaine right before serving to keep it crisp

 Want the full recipe sent straight to you? Comment “RECIPE” below and I’ll send you the link instantly!

Perfect for lunches, meal prep, picnics, or BBQs — don’t forget to save this one 

#GreekPastaSalad #MediterraneanSalad #VegetarianRecipes

Copyright © 2026 Certified Pastry Aficionado · Web Design by Viva la Violet

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.