Make the spirits bright this Christmas with a Cranberry Moscow Mule! This festive twist on the classic cocktail features just enough cranberry juice to add a little sweet and tart flavor. You’ll love every sparkling sip!

Two glasses of cranberry moscow mules are garnished with limes, cinnamon sticks and cranberries.


Cranberry Moscow Mule

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It’s never too early to feel festive, right? Whether you’re setting the table for Thanksgiving or watching Christmas movies on Hallmark, you’ll love this cranberry moscow mule! It’s sweet, tart, refreshing, and so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. No need to overpay at a bar for this seasonal cocktail when you can make it at home with ease!

If you’re a fan of the classic moscow mule cocktail, you’ll likely love this fruity spin on it. It still has all of the elements you know and love – ginger beer, lime juice, and of course vodka! The only difference here is the addition of just enough cranberry juice to make you feel jolly. With all of my seasonal talk aside, this moscow mule recipe really is wonderful for sipping on all year round.

Feeling fancy? Or maybe just like showing off for your out of town family on Christmas Eve? Top off these cranberry mules with some frozen cranberries, rosemary, cinnamon sticks and lime wedges. Garnishes make everything look way more impressive and fun! Plus, the aromatic experience you have from the cinnamon sticks and rosemary really makes every sip even more enjoyable.

Ginger beer is being poured into a mule cup.

How to Make a Cranberry Moscow Mule

Like any trusty cocktail, this cranberry moscow mule recipe comes together in just a minute with super easy to follow steps. You can keep the party going while stirring these festive drinks!

  1. Start with ice. Fill each of your copper mugs with as much ice as you’d like.
  2. Pour and stir. Pour an even amount of cranberry juice, vodka and lime juice into each mug. Stir to combine.
  3. Top it off. Pour in the ginger beer and add the cranberries. Garnish with whatever you’d like (lime wedges, rosemary and cinnamon sticks are the best)! Serve immediately.

Is it a Moscow Mule if it’s not served in a copper mug? While you don’t need a copper mug, these do keep the drink chilled and iconic. Great for displaying flower, too.

A small bowl filled with frozen cranberries is placed on a table.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Moscow Mule

Check out these quick tips and tricks before pouring your new favorite Christmas cocktail:

  • Use 100% cranberry juice. Always double check the label of your juice! To limit the amount of sugar, you’ll want to use 100% cranberry juice and not cranberry juice cocktail. However, if you do want a sweeter drink, you may want to use cranberry juice cocktail instead.
  • Quality matters. It pays to be a little picky when choosing a bottle of vodka. For a good moscow mule, you’ll want a trusty middle of the road vodka for the best taste.
  • Fresh is best. When it comes to lime juice, the tangy taste of freshly squeezed lime juice just can’t be beat! With that being said, the bottled alternative still works in a pinch.
  • Stirred, not shaken. You never want to shake ginger beer or even stir it too much! You’ll love the carbonation that way, and you don’t want to miss out on that signature sparkling element.

Can I make it ahead of time?

I don’t recommend making cranberry moscow mules ahead of time. They’re made with ginger beer, which like any other carbonated beverage, goes flat after a while. Moscow mules are best enjoyed right away.

How do I serve a cranberry moscow mule?

Garnish your cranberry moscow mule with frozen cranberries, cinnamon sticks, rosemary and lime wedges for the best experience! This cranberry cocktail recipe really shines on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas but can also be served year-round.

A garnished cranberry moscow mule is presented in a copper mug.

Who needs Christmas cookies when you can have Christmas cocktails?

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A garnished cranberry moscow mule is presented in a copper mug.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe

Refreshing and festive Cranberry Moscow Mule cocktails are easy to make with vodka, cranberry juice and ginger beer. A light and fruity way to toast the season.
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Ingredients

  • 4 ounces cranberry juice
  • 4 ounces vodka
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 4 ounces ginger beer
  • 1 cup frozen cranberries
  • Herbs, lime slices and cinnamon sticks, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • 2 copper mugs
  • 1 cocktail spoon

Instructions 

  • Fill copper mugs with ice.
  • Divide the cranberry juice, vodka and lime juice evenly between the two mugs. Stir to combine.
  • Top with the ginger beer and cranberries.
  • Garnish and serve immediately.

Notes

Moscow Mules are best when served immediately after making them.
 
Calories: 207kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 0.2g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g, Sodium: 7mg, Potassium: 120mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 71IU, Vitamin C: 21mg, Calcium: 14mg, Iron: 0.4mg