This Cranberry Moscow Mule started as a holiday experiment—an excuse to use up that jar of cranberry sauce. The first sip was a revelation: the tangy fruit paired with ginger’s heat and vodka’s smoothness. It’s become my go-to when I want something both celebratory and a little nostalgic.
What I love is how easy it is to customize—more lime for brightness, extra cranberry for tartness. It’s a reminder that sometimes, simple ingredients can make the most festive drinks. Plus, it’s just pretty to look at, with that deep red glow.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Mule
Its perfect balance of tart, spicy, and refreshing makes it my go-to for any occasion. The vibrant color lifts spirits, and the ease of customizing keeps it exciting. It’s a reminder that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, create moments worth savoring.
Inside the Ingredients: What Makes This Mule Shine
- Cranberry Juice: Vivid and tart, it’s the backbone of this mule—swap with pomegranate for a sweeter twist.
- Vodka: Smooth and neutral, it carries the flavors—consider gin for a botanical layer.
- Ginger Beer: Fizzy and spicy, it’s the spark—look for a brand with real ginger for depth.
- Lime: Bright and zesty, it balances the sweetness—use lemon if you prefer a softer tartness.
- Fresh Cranberries & Lime Wedges: Colorful and aromatic, they add visual pop and fresh aroma—skip if you want a simpler look.
Must-Have Tools for a Cranberry Mule
- Copper Mug: Keeps the drink icy cold and adds a traditional touch.
- Measuring Jigger: Ensures precise spirits and juice portions.
- Bar Spoon: Stirs gently without losing carbonation.
- Citrus Juicer: Extracts fresh lime juice for that bright zing.
- Garnish Picks: Helps place cranberries and lime for presentation.
Crafting the Perfect Cranberry Moscow Mule: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather your tools and ingredients before starting—mise en place makes things smoother.
Step 2: Fill a copper mug with ice, enough to chill but not overflow.
Step 3: Pour in 50 ml vodka, then add 30 ml cranberry juice, a splash of lime, and a dash of ginger beer.
Step 4: Stir gently to combine, then garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge.
Step 5: Enjoy immediately, feeling the zing of ginger and the tart sweetness of cranberry in every sip.
Cranberry Moscow Mule
Equipment
- Copper Mug
- Measuring jigger
- Bar spoon
- Citrus Juicer
- Garnish Picks
Ingredients
- 50 ml vodka
- 30 ml cranberry juice preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened
- to taste lime for fresh juice and garnish
- 150 ml ginger beer look for a brand with real ginger
- a handful fresh cranberries for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug with large ice cubes, creating a frosty base that chills the drink deeply.
- Using a citrus juicer, squeeze fresh lime to extract about 1 tablespoon of juice, then pour it into the mug.
- Measure and pour 50 ml of vodka into the mug, followed by 30 ml of cranberry juice for a tart base.
- Gently stir the mixture with a bar spoon to combine the flavors and chill the drink evenly.
- Top off the mug with about 150 ml of bubbly ginger beer, pouring gently to preserve the fizz.
- Garnish the drink with a few fresh cranberries and a lime wedge on a garnish pick for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately, allowing the vibrant red glow and fizzy sparkle to shine through, ready to enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Cranberry Moscow Mule: Tips for the Best Pour
- Ice should be cubed, not crushed, to keep the drink cold without watering it down.
- The ginger beer should be lively and slightly fizzy—shake gently if flat.
- Garnishes should look fresh and vibrant—avoid wilted cranberries or soggy lime.
- The drink’s color should be bright crimson—if dull, add a splash more cranberry juice.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Adding extra juice without adjusting other ingredients.? USE too much cranberry juice? Dilutes the drink—add more ginger beer instead.
- Starting with crushed ice or overfilling the mug.? ICE melted quickly? Use larger cubes or fill the mug just before serving.
- Pouring flat ginger beer straight from the bottle.? Ginger beer flat? Shake gently or replace for lively fizz.
- Prepping garnishes too early.? Garnish wilted or soggy? Use fresh, firm cranberries and squeeze lime just before serving.
This drink isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a balance of tart, spicy, and refreshing. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in when you crave something festive but not overly sweet. Feel free to tweak the cranberry amount or spice level—this is your mule, after all. Sip slowly, savor the brightness, and let the warmth spread.
