Cranberry Moscow Mule : Tart, Zesty, Holiday Cheer

I never thought I’d fall head-over-heels for a cranberry cocktail until I tried this Moscow Mule variation last winter.

The way that tart cranberry juice plays with the spicy ginger beer is absolutely magical.

When you add that copper mug factor, your taste buds are in for a serious treat.

There are actually a few secrets that’ll make yours taste like it came from a fancy cocktail bar.

Moscow Mule’s Festive Twist

The Cranberry Moscow Mule is basically the holiday cousin of the classic Moscow Mule that shows up to the party wearing a gorgeous ruby red dress! This gorgeous twist takes everything you love about the original copper mug cocktail and gives it a festive makeover that’ll make your taste buds do a little happy dance. Instead of just vodka, ginger beer and lime, this beauty adds cranberry juice to the mix, creating a drink that’s both tart and refreshing with just the right amount of holiday cheer.

Now, the original Moscow Mule has quite the story… it was invented back in the 1940s when three guys with inventory problems got together and basically said “hey, what if we mix all our stuff together?” One had vodka, another had ginger beer, and the third had copper mugs, and boom… cocktail history was made!

The cranberry version doesn’t have such a dramatic origin story, but it works because cranberries and ginger are like best friends who bring out the best in each other. The tartness of the cranberry juice plays perfectly with the spicy kick of ginger beer, while the vodka keeps everything smooth and the lime adds that perfect citrus pop.

What makes this drink absolutely perfect for fall and winter gatherings is how it looks like liquid Christmas magic in that iconic copper mug. The deep red color is Instagram-worthy, but more importantly, it tastes like autumn decided to throw a party in your mouth!

The cranberry doesn’t overpower the drink, it just adds this lovely fruity depth that makes you want to cozy up by a fireplace… even if you don’t have one. Plus, lets be honest, anything that comes in a copper mug automatically feels fancier than it actually is, and sometimes that’s exactly what we need!

Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home

Making a stellar Cranberry Moscow Mule at home is easier than you think once you know the insider secrets.

• Chill everything first: Your copper mug, vodka and even the cranberry juice should be ice-cold before you start mixing. Room temperature ingredients will give you a lukewarm disappointment instead of that crisp refreshing kick you’re after.
• Use real ginger beer, not ginger ale: This isn’t the time to grab whatever’s cheapest at the store. Quality ginger beer with actual bite makes all the difference between a cocktail that packs a punch and one that tastes like flat soda.
• Fresh lime juice only: Skip the bottled stuff that’s been sitting in your fridge since 2019. Roll your lime on the counter before cutting to get maximum juice and always strain out the pulp unless you enjoy chewing your drinks.
• Don’t oversweeten: The cranberry juice already brings sweetness to the party so taste as you go. Too much and you’ll mask the vodka and ginger beer completely.
• Fill with ice generously: A half-hearted ice situation will water down your drink before you finish it. Pack that mug full and your cocktail will stay perfectly chilled until the last sip.
• The copper mug matters: Sure you can use a regular glass but copper keeps everything colder longer and honestly makes you feel like you know what you’re doing even if this is your first attempt.

Food Pairing Ideas

The cranberry Moscow mule‘s bright tartness and ginger kick make it a versatile cocktail that pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet bites.

The drink’s effervescent personality and bold flavors call for foods that can either complement its crispness or provide a rich contrast.

• Spiced nuts: The warmth of roasted almonds or pecans with a hint of cayenne plays perfectly against the ginger’s heat while the saltiness balances the cranberry’s tartness.
• Brie and cranberry crostini: Creamy cheese and tart cranberries create a dreamy echo of the cocktail’s flavor profile while the crispy bread adds textural contrast.
• Bacon-wrapped scallops: The smoky richness of bacon and sweet scallops provide a luxurious counterpoint to the drink’s bright acidity.
• Dark chocolate truffles: Rich cocoa amplifies the cranberry’s natural tartness while the silky texture melts beautifully against the cocktail’s effervescence.
• Smoked salmon canapés: The fish’s buttery saltiness and dill’s freshness create an elegant pairing that lets both the food and drink shine.
• Gingerbread cookies: A playful match that doubles down on the ginger theme while adding warm spices and sweetness to complement the cocktail’s festive spirit.

Simple 5-Minute Cranberry Recipe

This vibrant twist on the classic Moscow Mule brings together the crisp bite of vodka with tart cranberry juice and zesty ginger beer, creating a cocktail that’s both refreshing and warming at the same time.

The cranberry adds a beautiful ruby color and a sweet-tart flavor that perfectly balances the spicy kick of ginger beer, while fresh lime juice brightens everything up. Its basically the perfect drink for when you want something festive but not too complicated… and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Lime wheel for garnish
• Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional but pretty!)

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice cubes… the more ice, the better for keeping things nice and cold!
2. Pour the vodka over the ice, followed by the cranberry juice and fresh lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine all the flavors.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim of the glass.
5. Drop in a few fresh cranberries if you’re feeling fancy and want that extra pop of color.
6. Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy your beautiful creation!

Prep Times:

• Prep time: 3 minutes
• Total time: 3 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 1
• Calories: 282
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 41g

Variations To Try

Simple ingredient swaps and creative additions can transform your Cranberry Moscow Mule into exciting new flavor combinations.

• Pomegranate Moscow Mule: Replace cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a deeper tartness and beautiful ruby color.
• Spiced Cranberry Mule: Add a cinnamon stick and a few whole cloves to the copper mug before pouring for warm winter spice notes.
• Rosemary Cranberry Mule: Muddle fresh rosemary sprigs in the bottom of the mug before adding other ingredients for an herbal twist.
• Frozen Cranberry Mule: Blend all ingredients with ice to create a slushy cocktail perfect for hot summer days.
• Virgin Cranberry Mule: Skip the vodka and add extra ginger beer with a splash of ginger syrup for a refreshing mocktail.
• Bourbon Cranberry Mule: Substitute bourbon for vodka to create a warmer and more robust flavor profile with caramel undertones.

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Yield: 1

Cranberry Moscow Mule

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Zesty lime, bold ginger beer and tart cranberry juice mix up the perfect cranberry moscow mule twist on a classic mule - refreshing, festive, and full of cheer!

Prep Time 3 minutes

Total Time 3 minutes

Ingredients

• 60 ml vodka
• 30 ml cranberry juice
• 120 ml ginger beer
• 15 ml fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Lime wheel for garnish
• Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional but pretty!)

Instructions

1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice cubes... the more ice, the better for keeping things nice and cold!
2. Pour the vodka over the ice, followed by the cranberry juice and fresh lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine all the flavors.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim of the glass.
5. Drop in a few fresh cranberries if you're feeling fancy and want that extra pop of color.
6. Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy your beautiful creation!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 282Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 16mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 6gSugar: 25gProtein: 1g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.

Or maybe just try the original: Moscow Mule!