This easy cranberry moscow mule is a fun twist on a classic that is perfect for the holidays. Flavored with cranberry juice and lime and finished off with fizzy ginger beer, this cocktail can easily be made for one or for a crowd!
This post was originally published in December 2020 and has been updated for content.
I will never get tired of festive drinks during the holiday season. All of the flavors and smells of the holiday season always puts me in a cheerful mood. This cranberry moscow mule is perfect for holiday parties and get togethers and is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!
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🍹 Ingredient notes
- Vodka - Vodka is the traditional alcohol used for a moscow mule cocktail. For a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail, replace the vodka with extra cranberry juice.
- Ginger Beer - Despite the name, ginger beer is not actually beer, but a non-alcoholic fizzy drink that is very similar to ginger ale. It can usually be found in the soda or mixer aisle in your local grocery store. Ginger ale may also be used as a substitute if needed.
📋 Substitutions and variations
- For a crowd - Mix a 750 ml bottle of vodka with 3 cups of cranberry juice and ¾ cup of lime juice in a punch bowl or beverage pitcher. Top with ginger beer and garnish with fresh whole cranberries and lime wheels. This festive punch will serve approximately 12 guests.
- Alcohol - Swap out the vodka for rum or bourbon for a different variation of this cocktail.
🍸 Step by step instructions
First, fill a glass or traditional moscow mule mug with ice about half way. Pour the vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice over the ice.
Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine. Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime wheels if desired!
⭐ Expert tips
- Make sure to add the ginger beer last so that the drink doesn't fizz up over the cup when the other ingredients are added.
- Stir the drink only gently so that it doesn't fizz up and spill out of the cup.
- If making this drink as a punch for a crowd, freeze fresh cranberries and lime slices to serve as "ice cubes" in the punch.
💭 Frequently asked questions
Moscow mules are traditionally served in a copper mug. Copper is an excellent temperature conductor and so putting the ice cold drink in the copper mug helps to keep it colder for longer.
It's said that a moscow mule gets it's name because of America's association with vodka and Russia. The mule part comes in because the flavor of the ginger beer gives the drink a u0022kicku0022.
⏲️ Make ahead instructions
The vodka and juices can be mixed up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This is helpful for a party or when serving a crowd so you aren't making fresh cocktails constantly. At serving time, pour over ice and top with ginger beer!
For a quick overview of this recipe, check out my web story for this holiday moscow mule cocktail!
🍸 More cocktail recipes
If you loved this cranberry moscow mule recipe, check out these other cocktail recipes that I know you will love too!
Don't forget! If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and give it a rating. I love to hear from each and every one of you! Tag me on Facebook and Instagram as well! It makes my day to see all of your photos of the food you have made.
📖 Recipe
Easy Cranberry Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- ice cubes
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- ½ ounce lime juice
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- fresh whole cranberries for garnish (optional)
- lime wheels for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a glass or moscow mule mug halfway with ice.
- Pour vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice over the ice.
- Top off with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh whole cranberries and lime wheels.
Notes
- Make sure to add the ginger beer last so that the drink doesn't fizz up over the cup when the other ingredients are added.
- Stir the drink only gently so that it doesn't fizz up and spill out of the cup.
- If making this drink as a punch for a crowd, freeze fresh cranberries and lime slices to serve as "ice cubes" in the punch.
Substitutions and Variations
- For a crowd - Mix a 750 ml bottle of vodka with 3 cups of cranberry juice and ¾ cup of lime juice in a punch bowl or beverage pitcher. Top with ginger beer and garnish with fresh whole cranberries and lime wheels. This festive punch will serve approximately 12 guests.
- Ginger Beer - Ginger ale may be used as a substitute for ginger beer if needed. It will make the cocktail a bit sweeter and less "spicy".
- Alcohol - Swap out the vodka for rum or bourbon for a different variation of this cocktail.
- Mocktail - For a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail, replace the vodka with extra cranberry juice.
Jeremy says
Simple. Delicious. Gorgeous photos. Adding to the Holiday Season cocktail repertoire.
Amanda says
Thank you so much!