Cranberry Moscow Mule
As someone who has worked behind the bar and made hundreds of Mules in my own kitchen (it’s truly my drink of choice), I’ve played with every possible variation. This Cranberry Moscow Mule is one of my winter favorites: a little tart, a little sweet, and so festive with that ruby-red hue.
Why Use Copper Mugs?
Copper mugs aren’t just for the aesthetic, although let’s be honest, they do look stunning in photos. Copper is an excellent conductor, which means your drink stays icy-cold for a long time. The metal also enhances the bright, zesty aromas of lime and ginger, making the whole experience more refreshing. If you have them, use them. If not, a chilled glass works just fine.
Ingredient Tips
Vodka – use plain ole’ classic vodka, no additional flavors.
Orange liqueur – After years of testing mules, I’ve started adding some orange liqueur and it’s been a huge hit with everyone. It works great with cranberry as well!
100% cranberry juice – I recommend this over a cranberry cocktail for the best and truest cranberry flavor and color. Note that it’s usually not sweet, so that’s why the cinnamon simple syrup would be a idea.
Ginger beer – As I mentioned, Moscow mule is my drink of choice and through years, I’ve tried every brand available to me. I found that best ones are those with rich ginger taste, crisp, not too much sweetness, and a little spicy.
Cinnamon simple syrup (optional) – I’ve included the recipe to make it because I really highly recommend it. It gives the cocktail a warm holiday note and works so well with cranberry and orange flavor.
What Is The Best Ginger Beer For Moscow Mule?
After years of making Mules at home and professionally, I’ve learned that the most important factor is the ginger beer. I’ve tested every brand available to me (a fun project, highly recommend!) and narrowed it down to the two that deliver the best balance of spice, flavor, and carbonation:
- Fever Tree Ginger Beer – crisp, spicy, and beautifully carbonated
- Q Ginger Beer – bold ginger flavor with a clean finish
Both are available nationwide, and both make this cranberry cocktail shine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you Substitute Ginger Beer with Binger Ale (or other sodas)?
Personally, I do NOT recommend it, there’s a big flavor difference. Genuine ginger beer gives the spicy kick and strong carbonation that define a good Mule. Ginger ale or club soda softens the bite, making the drink milder (or something more like a vodka buck).
Can You Make a Cranberry Moscow Mule Non-alcoholic (Mocktail)?
Yes, Replace vodka with more cranberry juice and ginger beer, and use a splash of orange juice instead of orange liqueur.
Is There a Health Risk Associated with Copper Mugs?
Yes, if the copper mugs are unlined, copper can leach onto acidic ingredients. Make sure to use lined mugs (lined with stainless steel, nickel), those are considered safe. Since unlined ones pose risks with acidic beverages over time, use caution and choosing lined options.
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Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- 3 oz 100% cranberry juice
- 3-4 oz ginger beer
- 1/4 oz lime juice
- 1/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup optional
Instructions
To Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
- In a sauce pot, add 1 cup of water and 5-6 cinnamon sticks, let it heat up until hot and bubbles start to appear but don't let it boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and add 1 cup of white granulated sugar and gently stir until sugar is dissolved. Once sugar is dissolved, turn off the heat and let it sit there until cooled to room temperature. Transfer into a bottle with a lid and refrigerate. It's good to keep in the regenerator for up to 3 months.
Making Cranberry Moscow Mule:
- Add some ice into a copper mug.
- Pour in vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, lime juice, and cinnamon simple syrup if using. Give it a quick stir.
- Pour in ginger beer and give it another gently stir just once or twice so you don't release too much carbonation.
Notes
Nutrition
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All images and text ©Lyubov Brooke for ©Will Cook For Smiles. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe.
Disclaimer: Nutrition information shown is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate as most ingredients and brands have variations.
