Cranberry Moscow Mule

Right at home at seasonal parties, small family get-togethers or cozy nights in front of the fire, a cranberry Moscow mule riffs on one of the most classic cocktails with a refreshing holiday twist. A blend of vodka, zingy ginger beer, and a tart splash of cranberry and lime, the cranberry version of the original Moscow mule is easy to make, not too boozy and absolutely gorgeous. Serve it in a signature copper mug or any festive glassware for the ultimate seasonal celebration.

Cranberry Moscow Mule Ingredients

• Vodka: This neutral spirit is the base of the classic Moscow mule. Vodka is made in many different ways, resulting in many types. Choose potato vodka for a balanced drink, as its clean taste lets the other ingredients shine.
• Cranberry juice: If you can find 100% cranberry juice, use it! It’s incredibly tart and makes for the best cocktail. However, not every grocery store carries it, and it’s pricier than its sugary counterparts. You can also use a cranberry-flavored juice made from a blend of 100% juice. Aside from being more affordable, it will also be sweeter.
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds acidity to balance the cocktail. To juice a lime, roll it firmly on the counter before cutting it.
• Ginger beer: Ginger beer adds some spice and fizz, creating a warming sensation that complements the cranberry. If you love the spicy-sweet taste, choose one of the best ginger beers for a robust flavor. Ginger ale is much milder.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries: Bright red and full of healthy benefits, cranberries add a pop of color and a festive touch. Frozen cranberries also help keep the drink chilled.
• Fresh sage: Sage offers an earthy aroma that complements the tangy cranberry, adding a subtle herbal element. The pretty powdery green leaves also add a seasonal touch.

Directions

Step 1: Grab a copper mug

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Fill a copper mug with ice.

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Pour vodka over the top.

Step 2: Add the flavorings

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Add cranberry and juices. Give it a quick stir with a bar spoon.

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Top off the cocktail with ginger beer and stir just to combine. Garnish with cranberries and sage.

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Cranberry Moscow Mule Variations

• Switch your spirit: If you use bourbon instead of vodka, you get a cranberry Kentucky mule. Swap in tequila for a cranberry Mexican mule. There are so many more mules to choose from, and cranberry goes so well with lime and ginger beer that it’s easy to be creative.
• Up your garnish game: Candy your cranberries by soaking them in simple syrup and rolling them in sugar for a sparkling, sweet garnish that enhances the festive look of the drink. Out of sage? Try a sprig of rosemary instead!

How to Make Batch Cranberry Moscow Mules

This Moscow mule recipe with cranberry makes one cocktail, but if you are pouring for a crowd, you may want to make a bigger batch. Depending on your party size, combine vodka, cranberry juice and lime juice in a pitcher; just be sure to stick to the ratio. Store in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Add ginger beer last to keep the drink fizzy.

How to Store Cranberry Moscow Mules

The best cocktails are mixed fresh, but if you have a leftover pitcher of Moscow mules with cranberry or are prepping ahead of the party, store the batch in an airtight container in the fridge. It is best to add fresh ginger beer to individual servings for freshness.

How long do cranberry Moscow mules last?

If well-stored and covered tightly, your vodka, cranberry and lime mixture can last up to two days in the refrigerator.

Cranberry Moscow Mule Tips

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What type of glass should you use for cranberry Moscow mules?

A copper mug is the traditional way to serve a Moscow mule. Thin copper cools quickly and retains cold temperatures longer than a conventional glass cup. Using this artistic barware keeps your cocktail cold—and cool-looking. (Hand-wash these instead of throwing them in the dishwasher.) Of course, you can serve a mule in any festive glassware to show off the color, bubbles and garnishes.

What else can you serve with cranberry Moscow mules?

Nothing says season’s greetings like a cocktail party featuring the Moscow cranberry mule as your signature drink. Leaning into a cranberry theme, pull out your favorite recipes with cranberries and set up a massive cheese and charcuterie board. Sprinkle in other holiday appetizers like turkey meatballs and bacon-wrapped sweet potato bites. Finally, finish with a couple of cran-tacular cranberry desserts, and your party will be the talk of the town.