The Moscow Mule Sangria is the perfect centerpiece of your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving feast! Featuring white wine, apple butter, vodka, ginger beer, and seasonal fruit, it’s the best festive batch cocktail.

If you’re hosting this year, youโ€™ll also want to try my Pom Collins Punch (Batch Gin Pomegranate Cocktail) and Easy Apple Cider Moscow Mule (Batch Recipe).

A cocktail glass with Moscow Mule Thanksgiving Sangria. With a cinnamon stick and star anise as garnish. Lime and persimmon are on table behind it and a pitcher of sangria is visible.

I’ve got the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your Thanksgiving celebration – the Moscow Mule Sangria! This batch cocktail combines the flavors of two classic drinks –ย white sangria and the moscow mule cocktail. The addition of seasonal fruit flavors makes this pitcher cocktail perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.

The traditional moscow mule ingredients of vodka, ginger beer and lime create a fresh and zesty base for the Moscow Mule Sangria. Adding crisp white wine, cinnamon and tangy apple butter really transform the summery mule into a libation thatโ€™s perfect for the season.

This Thanksgiving sangria pitcher cocktail comes together quickly and serves 6 to 8 people so whip up a batch (or 2) for your next get together.

Recipe Ingredients

See the recipe card for quantities.

  • White Wine: Choose a crisp and refreshing white wine. I used a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
  • Vodka: Opt for a quality, premium vodka.
  • Apple Butter: Grab a jar of apple butter (not apple sauce) for this recipe.
  • Ginger Beer: Use whichever brand of ginger beer you like. I used Q Mixers. You can substitute ginger ale in this recipe but will lose that zesty ginger spice.
  • Sliced lime: One of the traditional Moscow mule ingredients, lime adds tartness that really balances this drink.
  • Fresh Seasonal Fruit: Sliced apples and persimmon add a burst of color and bright and vibrant flavors to the mix. Feel free to use whatever seasonal fruit you have on hand. Pears, pomegranate and oranges would also work well in this Thanksgiving sangria.
  • Cinnamon sticks and Star Anise: For garnish.
A cocktail glass with orange liquid, a cinnamon stick and star anise as garnish. Lime and persimmon are on table behind it.

Tools & Equipment List

You can check out my favorite glasses here!

How to Make This Recipe

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ Expert Tip: This recipe tastes best if you let the flavors meld together! So if you have the time, start making your Moscow Mule Sangria 30 minutes to an hour before you want to serve it.

Step 1: Prepare your fruit – start by cutting your lime, apple and persimmon into thin slices.

Step 2: Next, add vodka and apple butter to a pitcher (I love this one from CB2). Stir the mixture until the apple butter dissolves. Next, add your sliced fruits and white wine to the mix and stir to combine. Let the mixture infuse together in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 3: When youโ€™re ready to serve the Moscow Mule Sangria, pour chilled ginger beer into your pitcher and give it a gentle stir. Divide the drink into glasses over ice. For an extra touch, garnish each glass with cinnamon sticks and star anise!

Watch How to Make This Recipe

@thesocialsipper

This was one of my most loved batch cocktails for Friendsgiving last year, and I will definitely be mixing it up at least 5 times this month ๐Ÿคช #batchcocktails #friendsgivingdinner #friendsgiving #friendgiving2024 #cocktailrecipes #craftcocktails #cocktailsathome

โ™ฌ original sound – The Social Sipper

Tips for Making Thanksgiving Sangria

  • I recommend letting the mixture infuse together in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour, but the recipe will still be great if you skip this step.
  • Use chilled wine and ginger beer.
  • Mocktail Version: Omit the vodka or replace with a non-alcoholic spirit. Replace the wine with sparkling water or non-alcoholic wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What alcohol goes with a mule?

A Moscow Mule traditionally features vodka as its primary spirit. The smooth and clean taste of vodka, especially premium choices, complements the zesty kick of ginger beer and the vibrant flavors in the Moscow Mule Sangria.

What is a sangria made of?

Sangria is a versatile and fruity beverage typically made with wine, mixed fruits, sweeteners, and occasionally additional spirits. The Moscow Mule Sangria elevates the classic recipe with the infusion of white wine, the richness of apple butter, and the fizzy charm of ginger beer.

Can I Customize Moscow Mule Sangria to Suit Different Seasons?

Moscow Mule Sangria is perfectly adaptable to reflect the changing seasons. During the warmer months,ย incorporate seasonal fruits like berries, peaches, or citrus for a refreshing twist. In the colder months, infuse deeper, warming notes by adding a touch of mulled spices or opting for a richer red wine instead of white.

What exactly is apple butter?

Apple butter is a spread crafted from slow-cooked apples, typically seasoned with spices like cinnamon and cloves. Distinct from traditional butter, it contains no dairy and achieves its luxurious consistency through a lengthy cooking process. The result is a velvety, intensely flavored apple creation.

Which white wine is best for sangria?

Selecting the right white wine for your sangria can enhance its overall flavor profile. Opt for a crisp and refreshing white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the fruity and vibrant elements in the Moscow Mule Sangria.

Can I make the Moscow Mule Sangria in advance?ย 

Yes, you can prepare the Moscow Mule Sangria in advance to streamline your hosting experience. Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of adding the chilled ginger beer. Mix the vodka, apple butter, and sliced fruits with white wine, then cover and refrigerate the mixture. When you’re ready to serve, add the ginger beer and give it a gentle stir. This allows the flavors to meld, creating a well-balanced and refreshing Thanksgiving sangria for your celebration.

More Festive Recipes to Try

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A cocktail glass with orange liquid, a cinnamon stick and star anise as garnish. Lime and persimmon are on table behind it and a pitcher of sangria is visible.
5 stars (1 review)

Moscow Mule Sangria

Servings: 8
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
The Moscow Mule Sangria is the perfect centerpiece of your Friendsgiving feast! Featuring vodka, white wine, ginger beer, and fresh seasonal fruit.
Print Leave a Review Pin Recipe

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1/3 cup apple butter
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • 1 persimmon, sliced
  • 1 lime, sliced
  • 1 bottle white wine
  • 2 cups ginger beer
  • For garnish: cinnamon sticks and star anise

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Add vodka and apple butter to a pitcher. Stir to dissolve the apple butter. Add sliced fruit and white wine to the pitcher. Let flavors meld together for 30 minutes to an hour.
  • When ready to serve, add chilled ginger beer and stir to combine.
  • Divide into glasses over ice. If desired, garnish with cinnamon sticks and star anise.

Notes

  • I recommend letting the mixture infuse together in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour, but the recipe will still be great if you skip this step.
  • Use chilled wine and ginger beer.
  • Mocktail Version: Omit the vodka or replace with a non-alcoholic spirit. Replace the wine with sparkling water or non-alcoholic wine.
Did you Make this Recipe?Let me know what you think in the comments below, or tag @thesocialsipper on Instagram!