Grapefruit Bourbon Yule Mules

Grapefruit Bourbon Yule Mules. This holiday-inspired spin on the classic Moscow Mule features the warming flavors of Brown Sugar Bourbon and ginger beer, as well as plenty of citrusy grapefruit. It's the perfect drink to unwind during the Christmas season.

This post is sponsored by Heritage Distilling. Use code "HostToast10" to get $10 off each 2018 Spirit Advent Calendar.

You know that feeling-- the one you get when you walk into a department store on a warm, fall day, and they're already pushing light-wrapped wreaths and candy cane decorations? Yeah, fair warning: I'm about to lay a whole lot of that on you. And listen, I know that it's not even Halloween. I know that most people aren't ready for Christmas music quite yet. If you're rolling your eyes at the idea of planning your holiday menu in October, I understand.

But allow me this one little indulgence. Let me introduce you to these Grapefruit Bourbon Yule Mules and I think you'll be singing to a different tune. A Christmas carol, perhaps?

GETTING INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

I'll tell you honestly, I'm not normally one to jump into the holidays ahead of schedule, but when I heard that my friends over at Heritage Distilling put out a 2018 Spirits Advent Calendar, well, it really got me into the Christmas spirit. Get it? Spirit? 

Alright, enough corny jokes. The need to infuse a little more liquor into the holiday season is a serious one. For all of the joy and merriness that Christmas brings, there's also a lot of stress, so I think us adults deserve a little drink at the end of the day to unwind, don't you? Luckily, the Spirits Advent Calendar includes 24 mini bottles of assorted bourbons, gins, and vodkas to make that possible for every day leading up to Christmas. 

Again, I know it's a little early to be talking about Christmas, but these calendars are likely to sell out quickly. I wanted to make sure I let you know about them before that happens! You can get yours now in stores or online at the Heritage Distilling website. By the way, if you use the code "HostToast10" when you order online, you'll get $10 off each calendar you purchase!

WHAT'S IN A GRAPEFRUIT BOURBON YULE MULE?

As I mentioned, there are a variety of different spirits in the Spirits Advent Calendar, and each one is delicious in its own right. However, when I taste-tested, one particular spirit stood out as my favorite above the rest: Brown Sugar Bourbon.

It's incredibly smooth with pronounced (but not overwhelming) cinnamon and brown sugar flavors-- a profile that reminded me of my favorite Christmas cookies. And what better pairing to make the most of that comforting combination than some warming ginger beer? 

Given the spice of the ginger beer and sweet, caramel notes of the bourbon, I thought the cocktail could use citrus to balance it all. Generally, Moscow Mules use lime juice for this purpose, but grapefruit is another winter citrus that works even better here.

Grapefruit is naturally bitter, which can be off-putting to some, but that bitterness brings out the best in other flavors-- sweetness, especially. In fact, one of my favorite ways to enjoy grapefruit is by caramelizing it. When sprinkled with brown sugar and broiled, grapefruit becomes sweet and tangy in the best way. That effect is mimicked in these Grapefruit Bourbon Yule Mules, with a little extra holiday spin. 

It's completely optional, but I also like to add a slight herbal twist by using fresh rosemary sprigs as swizzle sticks, and an additional seasonal garnish in the form of fresh cranberries. A little Christmas decoration for your drinks, if you will!

AN EASY CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL

This cocktail is incredibly simple-- just combine fresh grapefruit juice (or unsweetened / lightly sweetened bottled grapefruit juice will work as well), ginger beer, and the Brown Sugar Bourbon, and garnish as desired. Easy as that, you've got a great drink on your hands for the busy holiday season. 

It was important to me to keep the time, number of ingredients, and amount of effort required for to make the Grapefruit Bourbon Yule Mules minimal. There's no need to boil your own simple syrups, infuse spirits overnight, or muddle any herbs-- just mix and enjoy. Because as we all know, during the holiday havoc, the last thing you need is one more task on your plate.

I think one more drink in your cup is always welcome, though.

MAKE IT YEAR-ROUND

I know I've been blabbering on about Christmas, but truthfully, this cocktail is great for enjoying year-round, so don't feel like you have to wait until December rolls around to relax with a Grapefruit Bourbon Yule Mule. I know I've been drinking them in October!

I actually bought a bunch of the ingredients so I can make a big batch of them for my next party-- this drink works great when served in pitchers or in a punch bowl. Simply set out some copper cups and a ladle and let your guests go to town! 

Grapefruit Bourbon Yule Mules

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5 from 4 reviews

• Author: Morgan
• Total Time: 3 minutes
• Yield: 1 drink 1x

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ounces fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
• 1 (50 ml) mini-bottle Brown Sugar Bourbon
• 3 ounces ginger beer
• Ice, to serve
• Grapefruit wedges, rosemary sprigs, and cranberries, to garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pour grapefruit juice and bourbon over ice in copper cups. Top off with ginger beer. Serve with grapefruit wedges, rosemary sprigs, and cranberries.

• Prep Time: 3 mins