Cranberry Moscow Mule

This cranberry Moscow Mule is the perfect holiday cocktail that puts a unique twist on the traditional Moscow Mule by adding cranberry juice.

When it comes to the holidays, I'm all about cocktails - from a cranberry mimosa to an apple fizz to a chocolate peppermint martini to an apple cider cocktail to pumpkin punch.

One ingredient that works great for both Thanksgiving and Christmas is cranberries. With their bright red color and tart flavor, they make for a great mix-in with cocktails.

While red makes you think of Christmas, cranberries are most famous in cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving. However they are much more versatile.

And this cranberry Moscow Mule is the perfect vehicle to highlight them. The gingery flavor is the perfect complement to the sweet and tart flavors from the cranberries and lime. It is both festive looking and refreshing. Oh and super easy to make!

Why This Cocktail Works

• The tartness of the cranberry complements the spicy ginger beer and adds a touch of holiday flair to the cocktail.
• The vibrant red color of cranberry juice makes the drink visually appealing. The rich hue adds a festive touch, making it a great choice for holiday gatherings and parties.
• It can be prepared in less than 5 minutes.

Jump to:

• Why This Cocktail Works
• Ingredient Notes
• Ingredient Swaps
• Step-by-Step Photos
• FAQs
• Types of Ginger Beer
• Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
• Other Cocktails
• Cranberry Moscow Mule

Ingredient Notes

• Cranberry juice - Opt for unsweetened 100% cranberry juice to control the sweetness of the cocktail. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for tartness and color intensity.
• Vodka - Choose a good-quality vodka for a smoother taste like Grey Goose or Belvedere. You can also experiment with flavored vodkas like citrus or berry-infused varieties for an extra layer of complexity.
• Lime - Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. This adds a citrusy and tart element that complements the cranberry juice and ginger beer. Consider rimming the glass with lime zest for an extra burst of lime aroma.
• Ginger beer - Select a high-quality ginger beer with a strong ginger flavor. The spiciness of the ginger beer is a defining element of the Moscow Mule. You can choose a regular or diet version depending on your preference for sweetness.

Ingredient Swaps

While this punch is perfect as is, you can mix up some of the ingredients. Some variations include:

• While cranberry juice is the star in a cranberry Moscow Mule, you can experiment with other fruit juices like pomegranate, raspberry, or even orange juice. Keep in mind that the sweetness and tartness levels may vary, so adjust accordingly.
• Instead of vodka, you can try using a different spirit like gin or even bourbon for a unique flavor profile. Each spirit will bring its own character to the cocktail. You can also try Irish whiskey to make an Irish Mule version.
• Instead of or in addition to lime juice, try using lemon or orange juice. This can bring a different citrusy note to the cocktail.
• If ginger beer is not your preference, you can substitute it with ginger ale for a milder ginger flavor. Alternatively, try using a flavored soda like cranberry-flavored soda or even tonic water for a different twist.

Step-by-Step Photos

Please note full ingredient list and instructions for this cocktail can be found in recipe card below.

Pour cranberry juice, vodka and lime juice into a mug filled with crushed ice. Top with ginger beer and stir to combine. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs.

FAQs

Types of Ginger Beer

Luckily for everyone, there is no shortage of options for ginger beers. However, which one to pick for this Moscow Mule?

• Fever-Tree - Has a strong ginger flavor without being overpowering.
• Gosling's -Nice balance of spice and sweetness.
• Bundaberg - The Australian ginger beer is great for Mules.
• Q Ginger Beer - Has some added carbonation.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

• To make it non-alcoholic, use club soda instead of vodka.
• While store-bought bottles can be quite convenient, they lack in flavor compared to the real thing. It really isn’t that much extra work to freshly squeeze the lime and you’ll notice a difference in taste.
• Used crushed ice which will make the Moscow Mule colder quicker.
• If the drink is too tart, stir in honey or maple syrup 1 teaspoon at a time until it mellows out.
• Garnish the mule with some fresh herbs like rosemary.
• Consider rimming the glass with sugar, salt, or even a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for an added touch of flavor and presentation.

Other Cocktails

If you’ve tried this cranberry Moscow Mule or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.