Cranberry Moscow Mule

A cranberry Moscow mule is a great drink of choice 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.

Ingredients

• Ice
• vodka
• sweetened cranberry juice (cranberry cocktail)
• lime juice - freshly squeezed
• ginger beer
• optional garnishes: cranberries, rosemary sprig and a lime slice

*See ingredient amounts in recipe card.

Substitutions

Ginger beer - 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.

Cranberry juice - 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 or combine the two to make a mixture. It is sweeter, has the golden look like the beer, and its red skin still goes with the holiday color theme. As well as garnishing with cranberries, make slices of the apple with the skin on.

Cranberry Garnish - To give the drink more freshness, add some fresh cranberries as a garnish instead of dried.

The Copper Mug

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 to Make it

This recipe makes one serving, but you can make an entire pitcher of this holiday drink by sliding the servings bar in the recipe card to desired servings.

Step 1: Add Ice

Add some ice to a Moscow mule glass (copper mug).

Step 2: Add Vodka and Juice

Pour the vodka, cranberry juice and lime juice over the ice.

Step 3: Top Up

Top up with the ginger beer.

Tip: The ingredients are built into the glass because of the use of fizzy, so make sure you don't use a cocktail shaker with this drink. If you really want to use a shaker, only add the vodka, cranberry and lime. Strain into the mug and top up with the ginger beer afterwards.

Step 4: Stir

Stir gently to mix. If you are making the drink in front of guests and want to get fancy, use a bar spoon.

Step 5: Garnish

Garnish with cranberries, a rosemary sprig and a lime slice (optional).

Step 6: Serve

Serve!

How do you like your cranberry Moscow mule: extra spicy or extra sweet? Which holiday did you serve it for? I love to serve it for both Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. Let me know what you thought in the comments!

📋Recipe