Get into the festive spirit with a Cranberry Moscow Mule garnished with fresh tart cranberries and lime. As cranberries take center stage in winter dishes and decor, why not in our cocktails too? This cocktail variation is soon to be your new winter favorite. This post is for persons over the age of 21.
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The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.
The cranberry Moscow mule, where cranberries and ginger beer come together in a tart and spicy beverage. Brighten those flavors with a burst of lime juice. Don't let the spicy ginger beer scare you, you can also use ginger ale for a smoother taste.
A classic Moscow mule contains vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. This spin with the addition of cranberry juice and cranberries, makes this the perfect cocktail for the Holidays.
For more cranberry favorites this season, try my Cranberry Sauce, a refreshing Homemade Cranberry Lemonade, or a lighter Cranberry Pecan Apple Salad.
Ingredients
- Vodka - I used Ketel One Vodka, but you can use your favorite brand.
- Cranberry juice - Pure cranberry juice is ideal, try to avoid cranberry fruit cocktail as it contains more sugar and other fruit juices.
- Lime juice - Freshly squeezed lime juice will give you the best and freshest lime flavor.
- Ginger beer - Use your favorite brand of Ginger Beer. If you don't have access to ginger beer but would still like a delicious cocktail, use ginger ale instead. You could also use my homemade Ginger Beer, which does not have fizz, just great flavor.
- Garnish - Cranberries and a fresh lime wheel or wedge as a garnish. Using frozen cranberries will also help in keeping your drink cold.
Tools needed for this recipe
- Cocktail Shaker
- Mule Mug
How To Make A Cranberry Moscow Mule
Start by filling a copper mug or a highball glass with ice cubes to chill it.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Shake well to mix.
Strain the shaken mixture into your prepared glass filled with ice.
Top the glass with ginger beer and gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
Garnish with a few frozen cranberries. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Recipe Variations
This cocktail is bright and refreshing but there are different ways to make this based on your preferences, feel free to try a couple of these suggestions:
- Cranberry Orange - Add orange juice or a splash of orange liqueur, then garnish with an orange peel twist.
- Cranberry Pomegranate - Mix the cranberry juice with pomegranate juice and garnish with pomegranate arils.
- Cranberry Mint - Muddle fresh mint leaves in the bottom of the glass before filling, then garnish with mint leaves.
- Cranberry Apple - Use apple juice or cider in combination with cranberry juice. Garnish with a dried apple slice.
Cranberry Moscow Mules for a crowd
Planning a party? You can prep this cocktail in advance for a crowd! Don't forget to scale the recipe up first.
Step 1: Mix the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice in a pitcher.
Sept 2: Fill each glass (mason jars are cute for this!) with ice then the cocktail mix. Serve with a can of ginger beer or ginger ale and let your guests fill as they desire. Or you can simply fill the glass with ginger beer before serving.
Offer a tray of different garnishes so your guests can make their cocktail unique.
Expert Tips for the perfect cranberry moscow mule
- Feel free to adjust the lime juice or cranberry juice to suit your personal taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can even add a splash of simple syrup.
- The type of ginger beer you use can significantly impact the flavor of your Moscow Mule. For a spicier kick, opt for a ginger beer with a strong ginger flavor; for a milder experience, choose a lighter, more carbonated variety.
FAQ's
Using copper mugs isn't only appearing and easily noticed as the signature of a Moscow Mule, but the copper is quick to chill your drink and keep it cold. It's also said that copper enhances the flavors of vodka and ginger beer. This sounds like a good time for some experiments!
Yes! You can easily replace the vodka with a non-alcoholic variety. Clean Co. makes a delicious vodka alternative that would work well in this cocktail. Do note that ginger beer is non-alcoholic despite having 'beer' in its name.
Looking for more cocktail recipes? Try these out:
If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Cranberry Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 2 Ounces vodka
- 2 Ounces cranberry juice
- ½ Ounce lime juice
- 4 Ounces of Ginger beer
- Frozen Cranberries for garnish
Instructions
- Start by filling a copper mug or a highball glass with ice cubes to chill it.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Shake well to mix.
- Strain the shaken mixture into your prepared glass filled with ice.
- Top the glass with ginger beer and gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Garnish with a few frozen cranberries. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Suggested Tools
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the lime juice or cranberry juice to suit your personal taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can even add a splash of simple syrup.
- The type of ginger beer you use can significantly impact the flavor of your Moscow Mule. For a spicier kick, opt for a ginger beer with a strong ginger flavor; for a milder experience, choose a lighter, more carbonated variety.
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