A Cranberry Moscow Mule is what happens when we give the traditional Moscow Mule a festive makeover. This cocktail gets its signature flavor from real cranberry juice, not the sugary cocktail mix you might expect. The result is a drink with genuine tartness that cuts through the ginger beer’s heat and makes the vodka smoother. Fresh lime juice rounds out the flavors without overpowering the cranberry. Serve in chilled copper mugs with fresh cranberries and lime slices.
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For more cranberry cocktails, perfect for holiday entertaining, try our cranberry margarita, cranberry mimosa, or cranberry Aperol spritz.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
This cocktail is easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a copper mug.
The full ingredient list and measurements are listed in the printable recipe below.
- Copper Mugs: While technically not an ingredient, they are traditional for Moscow Mules, but not essential. If you don’t have copper mugs, serve in highball or Collins glasses filled with ice. The copper mugs keep drinks colder longer, but a tall glass will work just fine.
- Vodka: For this cocktail, use your favorite vodka. A mid-range vodka works perfectly fine since it’s mixed with strong flavors like ginger beer and cranberry. Save the top-shelf stuff for martinis.
- Cranberry Juice: We’re using a high-quality, unsweetened cranberry juice that’s not from concentrate. This is not your everyday Ocean Spray cranberry cocktail. If you substitute with a cranberry cocktail, you’ll want to reduce the simple syrup since the cocktail version already contains added sugars.
- Ginger Beer: Not to be confused with ginger ale, ginger beer has a stronger, spicier kick. Fever-Tree and Q are great options, but any good-quality ginger beer will work. Look for one that lists real ginger in the ingredients.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than bottled. The fresh citrus makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Simple Syrup: The simple syrup helps cut through the tartness of the cranberries. If you don’t have simple syrup, you can make your own by combining equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan and heating over low heat until the sugar dissolves. For an extra cranberry kick, try our cranberry simple syrup instead of traditional simple syrup.
How to Make a Cranberry Moscow Mule
Here are the quick, step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions, including the exact ingredients, in the recipe card below.
Pro-tip: Chill your mugs or glasses in advance. This will help keep your cocktail cold and refreshing, which is especially important if you’re using something other than traditional copper mugs.
Cranberry Moscow Mule: Fill two mugs with ice cubes. Combine vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail mixing glass. Stir to combine the ingredients. There is no need to shake this cocktail since we’re using carbonated ginger beer. Pour into prepared mugs. Garnish each glass with lime slices and fresh cranberries. Try floating a few fresh cranberries in each drink for extra holiday flair.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- If using a sweetened cranberry juice cocktail instead of pure cranberry juice, start with less simple syrup and adjust to taste.
- If you’re making more than two drinks, don’t combine them in a pitcher. The ginger beer will lose its carbonation, so make smaller batches.
- Use large ice cubes or frozen cranberries instead of crushed ice for the perfect chill without diluting your drink too quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Holiday Cocktails To Try
Looking for more inspired holiday cocktail recipes? Try these other favorites:
- Apple Cider Whiskey Sour – A twist on a classic cocktail that combines the flavors of fall with the warmth of whiskey, with apple cider and brown sugar cinnamon simple syrup.
- White Christmas Margarita – This festive drink is perfect with its creamy coconut flavor, refreshing lime tartness, and subtle warmth from tequila. It’s also easy to make, so you can whip up a batch for your next holiday party.
- Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour – This cocktail combines tangy cranberries, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and the warmth of whiskey. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a casual cocktail enthusiast, this cocktail will surely become a favorite on your holiday hit list.
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Cranberry Moscow Mule
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Equipment
- Cocktail Mixing Glass
- Copper Mug, optional
Ingredients
- 4 ounces vodka
- 6 ounces ginger beer
- 6 ounces cranberry juice, 100 % and not from concentrate
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- ice
Instructions
- Fill two copper mugs with ice cubes.
- In a cocktail mixing glass, combine vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Stir to combine the ingredients and pour into prepared mugs.
- Garnish each glass with lime slices and cranberries.
