The holiday season is all about warmth, joy, and of course, delicious drinks! This Refreshing Cranberry Moscow Mule is the perfect festive cocktail to add a touch of sparkle to your celebrations. It’s a delightful blend of tart cranberry, spicy ginger beer, and a hint of lime, all served in the classic copper mug.

This recipe is so easy to throw together, and always a crowd pleaser. I remember the first time I made these for our annual family Christmas party, and everyone was asking for the recipe!

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Table of Contents

Key Ingredients & Their Purpose

Vodka – Provides the base spirit, adding a clean, crisp flavor.
Cranberry Juice – Adds a tart, fruity sweetness and festive red hue.
Ginger Beer – Brings a spicy, bubbly kick that complements the cranberry.
Lime Juice – Adds a bright, citrusy zing that balances the sweetness.

How to Make a Cranberry Moscow Mule

Making this cranberry Moscow Mule is incredibly simple. Start by filling your copper mug with ice. Then, pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice. Top it off with chilled ginger beer, give it a gentle stir, and garnish with fresh cranberries and lime wedges.

For an extra festive touch, add a sprig of rosemary. The key is to use chilled ingredients and good-quality ginger beer for the best flavor.

Variations, Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Variations

Add a splash of pomegranate juice for a deeper, richer flavor.
Muddle fresh ginger and mint leaves before adding the liquids for an extra layer of complexity.
For a sweeter drink add simple syrup, or a splash of cranberry liquer.

Pairings

Serve with holiday appetizers like cranberry and brie bites or spiced nuts.
Pairs well with roasted turkey or ham.
This is a great drink to serve with a holiday charcuterie board.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in traditional copper mugs for an authentic Moscow Mule experience. Garnish generously with fresh cranberries, lime wedges, and rosemary sprigs.

Tips & Tricks

✔ Use 100% cranberry juice for a less sweet and more tart flavor.
✔ Chill your ginger beer and cranberry juice before mixing for a refreshing cocktail.
✔ Don’t over-stir the drink, as it can flatten the ginger beer.
✔ If you don’t have copper mugs, any tall glass will work.
✔ Adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Refreshing Cranberry Moscow Mule is the perfect cocktail to add a festive touch to your holiday gatherings. It’s easy to make, delicious, and sure to impress your guests. So, grab your copper mugs and get ready to celebrate! Let me know in the comments how you like your holiday drinks!

Cranberry Moscow Mule in a glass mug garnished with lemon.

Refreshing Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe

Bellina Groschen

Festive & fizzy! This cranberry Moscow Mule is your perfect holiday cocktail. Easy, refreshing, and bursting with cranberry zing.

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Cocktail, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1 serving

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

50 ml Vodka
120 ml Cranberry Juice 100% unsweetened
180 ml Ginger Beer chilled
15 ml Fresh Lime Juice
Fresh Cranberries and Lime wedges for garnish
Optional: Sprig of Rosemary for garnish
Optional: Ice

Instructions

Fill a copper mug with ice.
Add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice to the mug.
Top with ginger beer.
Gently stir to combine.
Garnish with fresh cranberries, lime wedges, and rosemary sprig (if desired).
Serve immediately.

Notes

Dietary: Gluten-free, Dairy-free.

Best Season: Fall, Winter, Holiday Season.

For a sweeter drink, use sweetened cranberry juice or add a splash of simple syrup.

Use good quality ginger beer for the best flavor.

Chill all ingredients before mixing for an extra cold and refreshing cocktail.

For a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka with club soda.

Keyword Holiday Drinks, Cranberry Moscow Mule, Festive Cocktails, Ginger Beer Cocktails, Easy Holiday Drinks, Cranberry Cocktails

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Cranberry Moscow Mule FAQs

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

It’s best to make this cocktail fresh, as the ginger beer will lose its fizz if left to sit.

Can I use regular ginger ale instead of ginger beer?

Ginger beer has a stronger, spicier flavor than ginger ale, which is why it’s recommended.¹ However, you can use ginger ale if you prefer a milder taste.