Maple Cranberry Mule Cocktail

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I just gotta share this amazing cocktail with you!

The combo of pure maple syrup, tart cranberries and spicy ginger beer is seriously life-changing.

It’s my go-to drink when friends come over because it looks fancy but takes like 2 minutes to make.

The copper mug isn’t just for show either. It keeps everything ice cold while you sip.

Wait till you try the rosemary garnish that adds this surprising aroma…

Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home

Making a perfect Maple-Cranberry Mule at home is easier than you might think with these pro tips.

• Quality ingredients: Start with a good vodka that won’t overpower the other flavors but will provide a solid foundation. Skip the bottom-shelf options for this sophisticated twist on a classic.
• The right maple syrup: Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup or artificial alternatives. The authentic flavor makes a noticeable difference in the final taste profile.
• Fresh lime juice: Always squeeze your limes fresh rather than using bottled juice. The bright acidity cuts through the sweetness and creates balance.
• Ginger beer matters: Not all ginger beers are created equal. Look for one with a strong ginger kick to stand up to the maple and cranberry flavors.
• Proper glassware: Traditional copper mugs aren’t just for show – they keep your drink colder longer and enhance the frosty sensation as you sip.
• Ice consideration: Use large ice cubes that melt more slowly to prevent diluting your carefully crafted cocktail too quickly.
• Temperature tip: Chill your copper mugs in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving for that extra-cold refreshing experience.
• Garnish wisely: Fresh cranberries and a lime wheel aren’t just pretty – they add aromatic elements that enhance the drinking experience.

Food Pairing Ideas

The Maple-Cranberry Mule offers a delightful mix of sweet maple, tart cranberry and spicy ginger notes that call for complementary food pairings.

These flavor combinations enhance the cocktail experience while balancing its complexity and brightness.

• Spiced Nuts: Warm candied walnuts or pecans with a hint of cinnamon create a perfect sweet-savory contrast to the cocktail’s tartness.
• Aged Cheese Plate: Sharp cheddar, smoked gouda and creamy brie offer rich fatty notes that mellow the ginger’s spice while complementing the maple sweetness.
• Cranberry Crostini: Toasted baguette slices topped with goat cheese and cranberry compote mirror the cocktail’s flavors for a harmonious bite.
• Maple Glazed Bacon: Crispy bacon with a maple-bourbon glaze provides a salty-sweet element that stands up beautifully to the bold cocktail flavors.
• Ginger Cookies: Soft chewy ginger molasses cookies echo the ginger beer in the mule while offering a warming sweet finish.
• Pear & Prosciutto Bites: Fresh pear slices wrapped in salty prosciutto deliver a sweet-salty combination that refreshes the palate between sips.

Variations To Try

The classic Maple-Cranberry Mule offers a solid foundation that invites creative experimentation with flavors, spirits and presentation styles.

• Spiced Maple Mule: Infuse the vodka with cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves for 24 hours before mixing for a warming holiday version.
• Smoky Maple Mule: Substitute mezcal for vodka to introduce a subtle smokiness that beautifully complements the sweetness of maple syrup.
• Harvest Apple Mule: Add 1 oz apple cider and garnish with thin apple slices for an autumnal twist that enhances the seasonal profile.
• Zero-Proof Cranberry Fizz: Skip the vodka and double the ginger beer for a festive non-alcoholic option that everyone can enjoy.
• Maple-Cranberry Slush: Blend the mixture with ice for a frozen version perfect for warmer days or as a dessert cocktail alternative.

Festive Holiday Mixer

This festive holiday mule is a winter twist on the classic that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance! The warm maple sweetness perfectly balances the tart cranberry punch, while the spicy ginger beer brings that signature mule kick we all love.

It’s bubbly, refreshing and has just the right amount of seasonal spirit to make your holiday gatherings extra special.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz pure maple syrup
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Crushed ice
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Rosemary sprig for garnish
• Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a copper mule mug or cocktail glass, add the vodka, maple syrup, cranberry juice and fresh lime juice.
2. Stir gently to combine all the liquid ingredients until the maple syrup is fully dissolved.
3. Fill the mug about 3/4 full with crushed ice.
4. Slowly pour the ginger beer over the ice and give it a quick stir.
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries, a sprig of rosemary and a lime wheel for that perfect holiday look.
6. Serve immediately while the ginger beer is still nice and bubbly!

Prep Times:

• Prep time: 3 minutes
• Total time: 5 minutes

Nutrional Information:

• Servings: 1
• Calories: 245
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g

Maple-Cranberry Mule

Servings: 1 cocktail Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Rating: ★★★★★

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce pure cranberry juice
• ½ ounce fresh lime juice
• ½ ounce maple syrup
• Ginger beer, to top
• Fresh cranberries and lime wedge, for garnish

Directions:

1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and maple syrup.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Top with ginger beer.
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge.
6. Serve immediately.

Nutrition:

Per Serving: 210 calories; 0g fat; 18g carbohydrates; 0g protein

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and preparation methods.