The holidays are all about gathering, celebrating, and raising a glass to the moments that matter most. Around here, that means shaking (or, in this case, stirring) up a cocktail that feels as festive as the season itself. Meet your new go-to holiday drink: The Cranberry Moscow Mule - bright, bubbly, and full of cozy cheer.
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This isn't your everyday mule. A splash of orange vodka brings a zesty twist that makes the Cranberry Mule sparkle a little brighter. Combined with tart cranberry juice and topped off with ginger beer, it's the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing - all dressed up in that classic copper mug we can't resist.
And let's be honest, that rich cranberry red color looks right at home next to twinkling lights and rosemary sprigs. Add an easy baked brie appetizer and your happy hour is in full swing.
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Why this mule recipe is the best
- It's Festive and Foolproof: This cocktail looks impressive - ruby red, sparkling, and garnished to perfection - but it's secretly super simple to make. Just a few ingredients and a quick stir, and you've got instant holiday magic in a mug.
- That Citrus Twist Brightens Everything: The orange vodka gives this mule a twist that ordinary recipes don't have. It's fresh, zesty, and perfectly balanced against the tart cranberry and spicy ginger beer. It's a combo that tastes like the holidays in every sip.
- It's a Crowd-Pleaser, Every Time. Whether you're serving one or mixing a batch for a party, everyone loves this drink. It's not too sweet, not too strong, just crisp, colorful, and totally refreshing. The kind of cocktail that disappears fast and earns repeat requests all season long.
Ingredients & Swaps
The ingredient list is short and sweet for this tasty cranberry mule cocktail.
Ingredient Notes
- Orange Vodka: Adds a bright citrusy flavor to this mule and makes this mule stand out from the rest. Don't have orange vodka? Try swapping in citrus vodka. You can also use regular vodka and add a splash of fresh orange juice or ½ ounce of orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau).
- Cranberry Juice: That traditional cran juice cocktail you find at the store is perfect for this cocktail.
- Ginger Beer: The secret ingredient to every mule drink. Be sure to use ginger beer not ginger ale. Despite the name, ginger beer does not contain alcohol.
ginger beer VS Ginger ale
We get this question a lot, and it's an important one!
Though they sound similar, ginger beer and ginger ale are not the same.
- Ginger beer is brewed (though typically non-alcoholic now) and has a spicy, bold ginger flavor with a bit of a bite. It's less sweet and brings that zesty kick that makes a Moscow Mule truly shine.
- Ginger ale, on the other hand, is a carbonated soft drink that's sweeter, lighter, and smoother. It works fine in a pinch, but won't give your mule the same depth or true ginger taste.
For this Cranberry Moscow Mule, stick with ginger beer. It's what gives the cocktail its signature warmth and festive fizz.
Our favorites: Fever-Tree and Q Mixers.
Top Tip for an authentic moscow mule
Don't underestimate the power of texture! Pebble ice gives this cocktail its signature look and feel and that slow-melting, sip-friendly crunch that keeps every mule perfectly chilled to the last drop. Don't have a countertop ice maker? No problem. Grab a bag during your next run to Chick-fil-A and you're set!
WHy are mules served in Copper Mugs?
Ever wonder why Moscow Mules are always served in copper mugs? It's not just for looks, though that coppery shine doesn't hurt!
- Tradition: The copper mug has been tied to the Moscow Mule since the 1940s, when the drink was first created as a collaboration between a vodka seller, a ginger beer maker, and a copper mug manufacturer.
- Science: Copper conducts temperature beautifully, keeping your drink ice cold from the first sip to the last.
- Experience: The frosty mug enhances the spicy ginger flavors and makes each sip feel extra refreshing.
PRO TIP: Pop your mugs in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving for an even colder cocktail!
When you raise that mug and taste that first sip, you'll understand why this is our signature holiday cocktail. It's simple, festive, and always a hit. So whether you're hosting the big dinner or enjoying a quiet night by the fire, this Cranberry Moscow Mule is your ticket to a season well toasted.
Cheers!
More festive Drinks
Toast the season with our other crowd favorite holiday cocktails!
Made this? Loved it? Tell us everything!
Leave a quick star rating and comment below so we can trade tips and cheer each other on.
Who knows? Your twist might become someone else's new favorite!
Recipe
Cranberry Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 2 ounces orange vodka
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- ginger beer
- fresh cranberries, rosemary and orange slices for garnish
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Instructions
- Fill a copper mug with pebble ice.
- Pour in vodka and cranberry juice.2 ounces orange vodka, 2 ounces cranberry juice
- Top with ginger beer and garnish as desired.ginger beer, fresh cranberries, rosemary and orange slices for garnish
Notes
Ingredient Notes:
- Orange Vodka: Adds a bright citrusy flavor to this mule and makes this mule stand out from the rest. Don't have orange vodka? Try swapping in citrus vodka. You can also use regular vodka and add a splash of fresh orange juice or ½ ounce of orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau).
- Cranberry Juice: Traditional Cranberry Juice Cocktail is perfect for this cocktails. It's easy to find and a great ingredient for a well stocked bar.
- Ginger Beer: The secret ingredient to every mule drink. Be sure to use ginger beer not ginger ale. Despite the name, ginger beer does not contain alcohol.
Recipe Top Tips:
- Pebble ice gives this cocktail its signature look and feel - that slow-melting, sip-friendly crunch that keeps every mule perfectly chilled to the last drop. No fancy machine? No problem. Grab a bag from Chick-fil-A and you're all set!
- Pop your mugs in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving for an even colder cocktail!
Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
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