Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe – A Zesty Holiday Cocktail

The Cranberry Moscow Mule is a festive and refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings. This vibrant drink combines the zing of fresh lime juice with the tart sweetness of cranberry juice, balanced by the bold, spicy kick of ginger beer. Vodka provides a smooth base, allowing the bright flavors to shine through. Served over ice in the traditional copper mug, it’s often garnished with sugared cranberries, lime wedges, and a sprig of rosemary for a seasonal touch. The Cranberry Moscow Mule is both eye-catching and flavorful, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spice.

 

Ingredients (for 1 serving):

• 2 oz vodka (plain or cranberry-flavored)

• 1 oz unsweetened cranberry juice (or cranberry cocktail for a sweeter version)

• ½ oz fresh lime juice (about half a lime)

• 4–6 oz ginger beer (to top)

• Ice (crushed or cubes)

• Optional: ½ oz simple syrup or maple syrup (for added sweetness)

🍒 Garnishes (optional but recommended):

• Fresh cranberries (plain or sugared)

• Lime wedge or wheel

• Fresh rosemary sprig (for a festive look)

🛠️ Equipment Needed:

• Copper mug (traditional) or highball glass

• Jigger or measuring tool

• Spoon or cocktail stirrer

• Citrus juicer or reamer (optional)

🥄 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Garnishes (Optional)

If using sugared cranberries:

• Lightly moisten cranberries with water or simple syrup.

• Roll them in granulated sugar and let them dry for 10–15 minutes. Prepare a fresh lime wedge and a sprig of rosemary for garnish.

Step 2: Fill Your Mug with Ice

Fill a copper mug (or any glass) about three-quarters full with crushed ice or ice cubes. Crushed ice chills faster and gives a frosty exterior to copper mugs, enhancing the experience.

Step 3: Add Vodka

Pour 2 oz of vodka directly over the ice. You can use plain vodka or cranberry-flavored vodka for extra depth.

Step 4: Add Cranberry Juice

Add 1 oz of cranberry juice. If you’re using cranberry cocktail, it will be sweeter; adjust additional sweeteners accordingly.

Step 5: Add Fresh Lime Juice

Squeeze in ½ oz of fresh lime juice, which adds brightness and balances the tartness of the cranberry and the spice of the ginger beer.

Step 6: Top with Ginger Beer

Top off the drink with 4–6 oz of ginger beer. Pour slowly to maintain the fizziness.

Step 7: Stir Gently

Use a cocktail stirrer or spoon to gently stir the drink from the bottom up, mixing all the ingredients without flattening the ginger beer.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish your Cranberry Moscow Mule with:

• A few fresh cranberries or sugared cranberries

• A lime wheel or wedge on the rim

• A sprig of rosemary tucked in for aroma and festive flair

Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.

💡 Tips and Variations:

• Make it a punch for a crowd by multiplying the recipe and serving it in a large pitcher or punch bowl with floating cranberries and lime slices.

• Use flavored ginger beer (like cranberry-ginger or spiced) for an extra kick.

• For a mocktail version, skip the vodka and add more cranberry juice and a splash of sparkling water.