Cranberry Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a beloved classic cocktail (and one of my personal favorites!), famous for its refreshing combination of vodka, zesty lime, and spicy ginger beer, traditionally served in a chilled copper mug.

But this holiday season, why not give it a festive twist?

Enter the Cranberry Moscow Mule—a tangy, vibrant variation that brings the tart flavor of cranberries into the mix.

Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings, this cocktail is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

P.S. In a hurry? Click the “Jump to Recipe” button to skip ahead to the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Moscow Mule

The Cranberry Moscow Mule is the perfect balance of flavors, combining the tartness of cranberries with the spicy kick of ginger beer for a cocktail that’s both refreshing and bold.

Its vibrant red color makes it a festive addition to any holiday party, and garnishing with fresh cranberries or rosemary adds an elegant, seasonal touch.

This drink is ideal for the colder months—refreshing enough to enjoy with friends but with just the right warmth from the ginger beer to keep you cozy.

Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, using simple, accessible ingredients, making it a go-to holiday cocktail you can whip up in minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Cranberry Moscow Mule:

• 2 oz vodka – The base spirit that gives the cocktail a smooth, clean finish.
• 1 oz cranberry juice – Adds tartness and a festive, vibrant red color to the drink.
• 4-6 oz ginger beer – Provides the signature spiciness and fizz that make a Moscow Mule so refreshing.
• 1 oz fresh lime juice (juice from half a lime) – Balances the flavors with a bright citrus note that complements the ginger and cranberry.
• Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig (optional, for garnish) – Adds a decorative, festive touch to the cocktail presentation, perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Ice – To chill the cocktail and keep it cool throughout.
• Copper mug (optional) – Traditionally used for Moscow Mules, the copper mug keeps the drink refreshingly cold and enhances the overall drinking experience.

Each ingredient brings its own unique flavor and texture, resulting in a well-balanced, festive cocktail perfect for the holidays!

How to Make A Cranberry Moscow Mule

1. Prepare the glassware:

If you’re using a traditional copper mug, fill it with ice to chill the cocktail and keep the drink refreshingly cold throughout. The copper mug not only adds a classic, rustic touch but also enhances the drinking experience by keeping the cocktail colder for longer.

If you don’t have a copper mug, a regular glass works just fine—just make sure it’s chilled for the best outcome. You can place your glassware in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand for an extra frosty effect.

2. Mix the ingredients:

In the chilled mug or glass, pour 2 oz of vodka as the base spirit.

Next, add 1 oz of cranberry juice, which gives the cocktail its festive, tart flavor and a beautiful red hue.

Then, squeeze the juice from half a lime (about 1 oz) directly into the mug. The fresh lime juice provides brightness and balances the tartness from the cranberry juice and the spiciness of the ginger beer.

3. Add the ginger beer:

Top off the mixture with 4-6 oz of ginger beer, depending on how strong or light you prefer your cocktail.

Ginger beer provides the signature spiciness of a Moscow Mule, so adjust based on your personal taste.

Tip: For a stronger drink, use 4 oz of ginger beer, and for a lighter, more refreshing version, add 6 oz.

4. Garnish and serve:

Gently stir the cocktail to combine all the ingredients.

To elevate the presentation, garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive, holiday touch. The rosemary adds a lovely aromatic note, while the cranberries enhance the drink’s seasonal appeal.

Serve immediately, enjoying the combination of tart cranberry, spicy ginger, and crisp vodka with every sip.

Tips:

• Extra flavor: For an extra cranberry punch, muddle a few fresh cranberries in the glass before adding the vodka and juices.
• Make it sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can use sweetened cranberry juice or add a small splash of simple syrup.
• Flavored vodka: Experiment with cranberry- or lime-flavored vodka to add more depth and dimension to the drink’s flavor profile.

The Cranberry Moscow Mule is the ultimate holiday cocktail—festive, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make.

With its balance of tart cranberry, spicy ginger beer, and smooth vodka, this drink is perfect for any winter celebration, from holiday parties to cozy nights by the fire.

Try it at your next gathering and watch it become a crowd favorite!

Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe

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