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A traditional Moscow mule lightened up with cherry jam. It’s tart, flavorful, and a fun use of extra cherries! Cherries, vodka, lime and ginger beer - what’s an easier (or better) combination than that? This vodka cherry cocktail is the perfect Summer cocktail!
This cocktail with cherries is delicious! It’s the perfect all-year round drink because it uses cherry jam - not fresh cherries! Even better, Moscow mules are very low maintenance and a crowd pleaser.
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A Moscow mule is a Summer cocktail that I always love. It is so fizzy and tart - some of my favorite cocktails have tart tastes (aka skinny margarita hello!). For the Summer, what’s better than adding some cherries?
I’ve been wanting to make a cocktail with cherries lately. Something about craving a cherry limeade type of spiked cocktail got me thinking .. what about a cherry Moscow mule?! It feels like the perfect drink for when the weather warms up.
What is a Moscow Mule?
A traditional Moscow Mule is a vodka-based drink. It has freshly-squeezed lime juice and ginger beer. The spice of the ginger beer mixed with the fresh lime juice makes for a light and refreshing bubbly drink.
Do I have to use that copper mug?
Moscow mules are almost always served in a copper mug. There are a few reasons why, but mostly because of tradition and history.
The rumor goes that the creator of the moscow mule recipe first showed off the cocktail in a copper mug. That’s because the girlfriend owned a copper making company!
I find that copper mugs react well with the fizzy, tart taste of Moscow mules. The mugs also keep the drink the most cold, as copper is a strong thermal conductor.
How to make a cocktail with cherries
The best part about this Moscow mule recipe is it’s different! It’s got cherries, vodka, lime, ginger beer - all the best flavors!
Cherries have a really short period of being in season. In season is May to August for sweet cherries and only a few weeks in June or July for sour cherries. Using a jam helped make sure this vodka cherry cocktail is a year-round delight.
STEP ONE: Add lime juice, cherry jam and vodka into a cocktail shaker or mason jar.
STEP TWO: Shake for 15-seconds. Strain or pour into a copper mug.
STEP THREE: Top with ginger beer and enjoy!
Ingredients
This Cherry Moscow Mule uses only four all natural ingredients:
- Vodka
- Lime Juice (fresh is best!)
- Cherry Jam
- Ginger Beer
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of jam should I use?
Have you ever wondered how to use jam in a cocktail? I sure have! I used Trade St. Jam Co’s Sour Ginger Cherry jam. The cherry added that tartness, while the ginger played well with the ginger beer! It was a superb combination!
If you don’t have cherry jam, you can muddle some tart cherries (pit removed) before adding vodka.
Do I have to use vodka in a moscow mule?
NOPE! You can also use: tequila, gin, bourbon, or rum!
Should I use a cocktail shaker for a Moscow mule?
Technically speaking, yes. You should use a cocktail shaker with every cocktail that combines liquor and citrus. But no, you definitely don’t have to!
Can you use ginger ale in a Moscow mule?
You could but I do not suggest it. It tends to be a LOT sweeter than ginger beer. Ginger beer is more tart and fizzy. If you prefer sweeter drinks, you can definitely try it, but know the flavor will be sweet and less gingery.
Make it a mocktail
Make this cherry Moscow mule a mocktail by removing the vodka. Instead use all other ingredients as is or substitute for non-alcoholic vodka.
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📖 Recipe
Cherry Moscow Mule
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 2 OZ Vodka
- 1 TBSP Cherry Jam
- 1 Lime Juiced
- 6 OZ Ginger Beer
Instructions
- Add lime juice, cherry jam and vodka into a mason jar or cocktail shaker. Add ice cubes.
- Shake for 15-seconds (or stir if no lid).
- Pour into a copper mug filled with ice.
- Top with ginger beer.