This post is sponsored by Pernod Ricard, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

To kick off one of the best times of the year, we celebrated with some raspberry mules using Absolut Elyx. A twist on a simple and gently sweet Moscow mule, the raspberry cordial used gives the raspberry mules a hint of fresh fruit.

It’s not every day that I have the time or patience to put few cocktails together at home, but sometimes it’s a really nice change of pace. Now that we are all entertaining more than usual due to the holiday season, I’m getting into the habit of making and serving drinks at home when friends and family are over.

One of the best things about making cocktails at home? Getting to control all of the ingredients that go into the drink. Plus, it can be pretty fun to put cute cocktails together am I right?

I’m using Absolut Elyx. as the vodka in these raspberry mules. It’s the world’s first single estate copper crafted vodka, coming straight from Sweden.

What do we they mean by “single estate?” It’s pretty cool—all the wheat used in product is grown on one single estate in southern Sweden. And the entire production of the vodka takes place within a 15 mile radius. This is how Absolut can guarantee their high quality vodka. They control the entire process themselves.

How does Absolut Elyx taste? Simply put, really good. Absolut Elyx has a silky smooth taste to it due to the way it’s made. They actually use a unique copper catalyzation process to produce Absolut Elyx. Absolut works to make sure the vodka achieves maximum contact with copper. They also use hand operated copper techniques and skills that only a select few know. Copper isn’t just in the name, it’s part of the process. Copper makes it better!

With quality ingredients and state-of-the-art processing, it’s pretty easy to see why this luxury vodka deserves a place on our bar carts.

Raspberry cordial is simple to make, and making it at home instead of buying a bottle at the liquor store can make all the difference in how refreshing the cocktail tastes. Store brands may have additives you’re unaware of or high levels of sugar, which isn’t very healthy.

Knowing that I’m using high quality ingredients when I’m using freshly squeezed lime juice, homemade raspberry cordial, and Absolut Elyx makes me feel like I can have a nice cocktail without worrying about additives, extra sugar, or anything else that could be harmful. Plus, I feel so much better about making drinks for friends!

It’s easy to take shortcuts with what we put in our bodies—low quality alcohol, low quality liqueurs, low quality fruits and garnishes. In fact, it’s all relatively inexpensive. But we might really pay for it someday, and I don’t really want to wait around and find out what that stuff will do to me.

The copper bar tools I’m using made things a lot more fun. The color and shine on the tools are so stunning, I found myself mesmerized as I was using them (ooooh, shiny!). You can browse through all the shiny copper bar tools on the Elyx Boutique. They’re the perfect addition to your cocktail-making arsenal. Plus, they’re seriously beautiful in person. The way they catch the light—wow, you would think I’m talking about diamonds or something. Copper makes it better!

Making and serving raspberry mules to friends and family is fun, but I love having the peace of mind of using quality ingredients like Absolut Elyx. Available in select stores, I highly recommend Absolut Elyx for both its quality and its taste.