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The holidays are the perfect excuse to break out the festive drinks, and one of my go-to favorites this time of year is a Cranberry Moscow Mule. It’s the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with that iconic ginger kick that makes it feel cozy but still refreshing. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you can impress your guests with minimal effort.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through how to make the perfect cranberry Moscow mule, share a few tips to take your mule to the next level, and even throw in a little history behind this classic cocktail. Grab your copper mug, and let’s get mixing!
What Exactly is a Moscow Mule?
Before we dive into the cranberry twist, let’s give some love to the OG Moscow Mule. The traditional Moscow mule is made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. It’s served in a copper mug that helps keep it icy cold. A drink that originated in the 1940s and has stayed popular because of its perfect balance of flavors—spicy, citrusy, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Now, the cranberry Moscow mule is basically the same concept, but with a holiday-friendly twist. Adding cranberry juice not only makes it more festive with a gorgeous deep red color, but it also adds a tartness that balances the sweetness of the ginger beer. Trust me, it’s a total game-changer.
Ingredients for a Cranberry Moscow Mule
- 5 oz Premium Vodka: Use your favorite brand. A high-quality vodka will always make a difference.
- 2 oz Cranberry Juice: Go for 100% cranberry juice for a less sweet option or use a cranberry cocktail if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is key. It adds that vibrant citrus kick you don’t get from bottled lime juice.
- 12 oz Ginger Beer: You’ll top off your drink with this. I recommend a strong ginger beer to really complement the cranberry.
- Ice: Fill your copper mug to the brim with ice for that signature frosty mule experience.
- Garnishes: Fresh cranberries, lime slices, and fresh rosemary sprigs with the bottom leaves removed for a little holiday flair.
How to Make a Cranberry Moscow Mule
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 Cocktails
- Start with ice: Fill your copper mug (or whatever glass you’re using—though a copper mug is preferred for that classic experience) to the top with ice. This helps keep your drink nice and cold.
- Add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Shake well and pour into ice-filled copper mugs.
- Top with ginger beer: Pour the ginger beer over everything. I like to use a ginger beer with a strong bite because it complements the cranberry juice so well. Fill to the top of the mug.
- Garnish and serve: To make the cranberry sprig garnish, carefully thread 3 fresh cranberries onto the bottom of each rosemary stem. It adds such a festive touch, and the rosemary gives off a subtle holiday aroma. You can also add a fresh lime wedge to the drink as well.
That’s it! You’ve got yourself a cranberry Moscow mule. It’s festive, flavorful, and has just the right amount of kick to keep things interesting.
Why You Need a Copper Mug for Your Moscow Mule
You’ve probably noticed that Moscow mules are traditionally served in copper mugs. Besides looking pretty cool, there’s actually a reason for this. Copper mugs help keep your drink colder, longer. The copper gets icy almost immediately, giving your drink that extra frosty edge. Plus, there’s something about holding a cold copper mug that just feels right when you’re sipping on a mule, especially a holiday-inspired cranberry Moscow mule.
If you don’t have a copper mug, don’t stress. Your mule will still taste great in a regular glass, but I highly recommend investing in a set of copper mugs if you plan to make these often (and trust me, you will).
Moscow Mule Variations to Try
Now that you’ve mastered the cranberry Moscow mule, why not play around with the recipe a bit? Here are a few variations you might want to try out:
- Spiced Cranberry Moscow Mule: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to your drink to bring out those warm holiday spices. It’s like Christmas in a cup!
- Cranberry Moscow Mule with Gin: Not a vodka fan? Swap out the vodka for gin. The botanicals in the gin work surprisingly well with the cranberry and ginger.
- Cranberry Apple Moscow Mule: Add a splash of apple cider for a sweeter, fall-inspired version. It’s a great option if you’re serving this at a Thanksgiving gathering.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with a Cranberry Moscow Mule
Since the cranberry Moscow mule has that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy, it pairs well with a variety of appetizers and snacks. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
- Cheese board: The tanginess of a good cheese—especially something like a sharp cheddar or creamy brie—pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cranberry juice and the bite of ginger beer.
- Holiday nuts: Spiced or candied nuts are a great snack to serve alongside your mule. The sweetness complements the tart and spicy flavors of the drink.
- Charcuterie: Some savory meats like prosciutto or salami provide a nice contrast to the sweet and spicy notes of the cranberry Moscow mule.
Make It a Cranberry Moscow Mule Mocktail
If you want to skip the alcohol, you can easily turn this cranberry Moscow mule into a mocktail. Just leave out the vodka and double the cranberry juice. You’ll still get all those delicious flavors and a festive-looking drink, minus the booze. Perfect for anyone who’s not drinking but still wants to join in on the fun.
Cranberry Moscow Mule for the Holidays
One of my favorite things about the cranberry Moscow mule is how easily it fits into any holiday celebration. The colors alone—deep red from the cranberry juice, green from the garnish—scream holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering or a Christmas party, this drink is sure to impress your guests without a lot of fuss.
You can even make a big batch for a party! Just multiply the ingredients by however many servings you need, mix everything except the ginger beer in a pitcher, and keep it in the fridge. When your guests arrive, pour it over ice and top off with ginger beer. Easy peasy!
Final Thoughts on the Cranberry Moscow Mule
If you’re looking for a festive, easy-to-make cocktail that’ll bring some extra holiday spirit to your gatherings, the cranberry Moscow mule is it. The mix of tart cranberry, spicy ginger beer, and zesty lime is pretty much a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s so customizable—you can tweak the sweetness, the garnish, and even the alcohol to fit your taste. The next time you’re planning a holiday get-together (or even just a cozy night in), give the cranberry Moscow mule a try. You might just find that it becomes your go-to holiday drink!
A bright splash of seasonal color transforms this classic cocktail into a new holiday favorite. If you enjoy the warm gingery flavor of a traditional Moscow Mule, you will definitely want to give this one a try!
