If you love chocolate covered fruit and cocktails, then you need this chocolate cherry mule recipe! Chocolate and cherry flavors meet the classic lime and ginger beer duo of a mule in this unique twist. It’s a great option for Valentine’s Day and even Easter thanks to the sweet spin!
This chocolate cherry mule is a simple cocktail to make, but packs a punch in flavor! Sweet notes of chocolate and tart cherries pair with bubbly ginger beer and zesty lime to check all the flavor boxes!
It’s a riff on the classic mule recipe, which features vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. I’m just adding a fruity, sweet twist to the base concept!
Like most cocktails, there are a variety of different ingredients you can use to achieve the flavor profile, so I’ll make sure to give you some options depending on what your local store has available (or what you already have on hand).
Since this drink only takes a few minutes to throw together, it’s perfect for entertaining! The chocolate cherry combination is perfect for date night and Valentine’s Day, but the candy-like vibes also make it a great choice for adults on Easter.
For another great Valentine’s Day option, make sure to check out my Love Potion Cocktail too!
Ingredients List
2 ounces chocolate vodka (such as Van Gogh Dutch chocolate or 360 double chocolate)
1 ounce tart cherry juice
½ ounce fresh lime juice
3 ounces ginger beer
Ice (I prefer crushed)
Cocktail cherries (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can also use plain or cherry flavored vodka with 5-6 shakes of chocolate bitters, ½ ounce of creme de cacao, or with 1 Tbsp chocolate flavored syrup (like Torani). I don’t recommend an ice cream style thick chocolate syrup, as it adds a lot of sugar and doesn’t blend in well in my experience
For less bold ginger flavor, swap ginger beer for ginger ale
The cocktail cherries are optional, but nicely reinforce the cherry flavor. You could also use maraschino cherries, or brandied cherries to add some extra strength!
Garnishes are optional, but could include a slice of lime, sprig of mint, or a skewer of cocktail cherries
Step By Step Instructions
Fill a copper mug (or similar glass) with ice
Add chocolate vodka, cherry juice, and lime juice, stirring to combine them
Top with ginger beer (adjust amount if needed based on glass size)
Scatter a few cocktail cherries on top (or add them to a toothpick or skewer)
Garnish with a mint sprig or slice of lime if desired, and enjoy
How is a Chocolate Cherry Mule Different from a Classic Moscow Mule?
A chocolate cherry mule is a variation of the classic Moscow mule, featuring a unique blend of chocolate, cherry, and traditional mule ingredients for a rich and flavorful twist.
The base ingredients are the same, but the use of a chocolate flavored vodka and cherry juice is what sets it apart.
Can I Use Any Type of Chocolate for the Chocolate Cherry Mule?
The best option for the chocolate flavor in a chocolate cherry mule is a chocolate-flavored liquor. Vodka is the traditional choice, but you could use creme de cacao or a similar liquor as well.
Alternatively, a chocolate flavored syrup made for drinks, such as Torani or a similar brand, is another good choice, as it blends well in liquids. Avoid cocoa powder or thick ice cream chocolate syrups, which do not blend as well.
What Cherry Ingredients Work Best for Infusing the Chocolate Cherry Mule?
Cherry juice is the easiest option for adding cherry flavor to the chocolate cherry mule. Alternatively, you can muddle fresh cherries if they are in season.
Other options would be cherry flavored drink syrups (like Torani) or a cherry-flavored liquor (but this will add to the strength of the drink).
Are There Non-Alcoholic Versions of the Chocolate Cherry Mule for Those Who Don’t Drink Alcohol?
Absolutely! You can create a non-alcoholic mocktail chocolate cherry mule by omitting the vodka and using a chocolate flavored sparkling water instead.
You can also use chocolate drink syrup to flavor plain sparkling water, additional ginger beer, or sparkling apple juice.
How Do I Garnish a Chocolate Cherry Mule?
Garnish your chocolate cherry mule with chocolate shavings, cocktail cherries, or even a sprig of mint to elevate its visual appeal and add a touch of freshness.
A slice of lime is a more classic mule garnish choice, but one that works here as well.
What Type of Glassware Is Best for Serving a Chocolate Cherry Mule?
The classic copper mug is perfect for serving a chocolate cherry mule. The copper mug enhances the drink’s chill, while the highball glass offers a sleek presentation.
If you don’t have a copper mug, a highball glass is a good alternative.
Can I Prepare a Batch of Chocolate Cherry Mule in Advance for a Party?
Yes, you can pre-mix a batch of chocolate cherry mules (excluding the ginger beer and ice) in advance and refrigerate. The recipe scales well for multiple servings.
Add ice and ginger beer just before serving to prevent dilution and maintain effervescence.
Recipe Pro Tips
Mule mugs vary in size quite a lot. You can double this recipe to fill a larger mug, or top it off with more ginger beer (but note this will weaken the overall flavor and strength of the drink)
To adjust the strength, add more ginger beer or tart cherry juice for a weaker drink, or add more chocolate vodka (or supplement with some cherry vodka) for a stronger drink
Storage and Presentation Tips
This recipe scales well for parties. You can mix everything but the ice and ginger beer (including the cocktail cherries if desired) ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Add the ice and ginger beer just before serving to prevent dilution and maximize fizz
This chocolate cherry mule is a fruity, chocolatey twist on the classic cocktail. With the use of tart cherry juice and chocolate vodka, this simple drink is perfect for Valentine’s Day or Easter!
With just 4 base ingredients and a few minutes needed to throw it together, this mule is also a great option for entertaining. If you love chocolate covered cherry vibes, you’ll want this one on your regular drink rotation!
You could also enjoy it after dinner alongside my easy Air Fryer Cherry Cobbler for the perfect complement!
Simple Chocolate Cherry Mule Recipe
This chocolate cherry mule recipe has just 4 base ingredients plus ice for a cocktail that’s simple yet delicious. This fruity sweet twist is perfect for Valentine’s Day or Easter!
2Ounceschocolate vodka(such as Van Gogh Dutch chocolate or 360 Double chocolate vodka)
1Ouncetart cherry juice
½Ouncefresh lime juice
3Ouncesginger beer
Ice(I prefer crushed)
3Cocktail cherries(optional)
Instructions
Fill a copper mug (or similar glass) with ice
Ice
Add chocolate vodka, cherry juice, and lime juice, stirring to combine them
2 Ounces chocolate vodka, 1 Ounce tart cherry juice, ½ Ounce fresh lime juice
Top with ginger beer (see notes on adjusting for glass size)
3 Ounces ginger beer
(Optional) Scatter a few cocktail cherries on top (or add them to a toothpick or skewer)
3 Cocktail cherries
Garnish with a mint sprig or slice of lime if desired, and enjoy
Notes
You can also use plain or cherry flavored vodka with 5-6 shakes of chocolate bitters, ½ ounce of creme de cacao, or with 1 Tbsp chocolate flavored syrup (like Torani). I don’t recommend an ice cream style thick chocolate syrup, as it adds a lot of sugar and doesn’t blend in well in my experience
For less bold ginger flavor, swap ginger beer for ginger ale
The cocktail cherries are optional, but nicely reinforce the cherry flavor. You could also use maraschino cherries, or brandied cherries to add some extra strength!
Garnishes are optional, but could include a slice of lime, sprig of mint, or a skewer of cocktail cherries
Mule mugs vary in size quite a lot. You can double this recipe to fill a larger mug, or just top it off with more ginger beer (but note this will weaken the overall flavor and strength of the drink)
To adjust the strength, add more ginger beer or tart cherry juice for a weaker drink, or add more chocolate vodka (or supplement with some cherry vodka) for a stronger drink
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, size of glasses, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
