Cranberry Moscow Mule

A Cranberry Moscow mule is a great drink when you are tired of eggnog and want something to make your taste buds tingle and your lips pucker. With a splash of red cranberry juice, a slice of green lime, some golden ginger beer and vodka for a little kick, you will have a spicy and sweet happy holidays.

Although there is the word “beer” in ginger beer, it is a non-alcoholic drink, carbonated and sweetened. The traditional brewed version originated from the U.K. and contained about 11 percent alcohol, but non-alcoholic versions showed up later on.

It is often confused with ginger ale since both are sweet, carbonated and golden in color; however, the beer version is spicier than the soothing ale. If you do not want the strong taste to come out, or if you cannot find it in stores, the ale version will work just as well.

Even when cranberry juice is sweetened, it can still taste dry and tart. If you are not a fan of tart juices like cranberry, you can substitute it with apple juice. It is sweeter, has the golden look like the beer, and its red skin still goes with the holiday color theme. Obviously you can’t put the whole fruit on top of the drink like you can with cranberries, so just be sure to slice it before you top it.

The recipe calls for a Moscow mule glass, also known as a copper mug. A copper mug is recommended because copper is a good thermal conductor and it is said to intensify the fizziness of the drink. Therefore, the copper mug will keep your drink cold and enhance the flavors of the ginger beer and lime.

Copper is immune to rust, but it is recommended to still wash your copper mug properly: with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water. Dry the mugs thoroughly.

How do you like your cranberry Moscow mule: extra spicy or extra sweet?

Looking for more holiday recipes? Try our Nutty Cranberry Goat Cheese Shots