Cranberries in a cocktail? It’s a simple twist that makes the classic Moscow Mule feel more alive, more festive. I love how the tartness of fresh berries complements the spicy ginger and smooth vodka, creating a layered sip that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
This recipe is about embracing the chaos of holiday spirits—bright, bubbly, and just a little wild. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a little unexpected flavor can turn a regular drink into a celebration.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Cranberry Mule
It’s a perfect balance of tart, spice, and sparkle, with a touch of seasonal nostalgia. The vibrant color and fresh berries make it feel special, even on a regular night. Pouring it in that chilled mug, with all its fizz and fruit, always makes me smile.
Cranberry Moscow Mule: Ingredient Breakdown and Tips
- Fresh Cranberries: Tart, juicy, and vibrant—use fresh for the best color and flavor. Swap with frozen if out of season, but fresh is ideal.
- Ginger Beer: Spicy, effervescent, with a hint of sweetness—choose a good quality, less sugary if possible.
- Lime Juice: Bright, zesty, and essential—freshly squeezed is a must for that zing.
- Vodka: Smooth and neutral—use your favorite or a craft brand for nuanced flavor.
- Mint Sprigs: Herbal, fragrant, and cooling—garnish just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Ice: Crunchy, cold, and plentiful—use large cubes to slow melt and keep the drink cool longer.
- Fresh Cranberries for Garnish: Vivid, tart, and festive—don’t skip them for that pop of color and flavor.
Tools and Equipment for Your Cranberry Mule
- Copper Mug: Keeps the drink icy cold and enhances the aesthetic.
- Bar Spoon: Gently stirs the drink without losing carbonation.
- Juicer: Extracts fresh lime juice for bright flavor.
- Measuring Jigger: Ensures precise vodka and lime measurements.
- Ice Bucket: Stores plenty of ice to keep everything chilled.
Step-by-step to a Sparkling Cranberry Moscow Mule
Step 1: Start by chilling your copper mug in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This keeps the drink refreshingly cold from the first sip.
Step 2: Fill the mug with fresh ice cubes. The more, the merrier—crunchy, cold, and ready to handle the citrus and berries.
Step 3: Pour in 45 ml vodka, then add 15 ml lime juice freshly squeezed—bright, zesty, with a whisper of tartness.
Step 4: Top with 120 ml ginger beer, pour gently to preserve the fizz. Watch those bubbles dance!
Step 5: Add a handful of fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint for that festive touch.
Step 6: Give everything a gentle stir with a bar spoon—just enough to mix without losing the sparkle.
Step 7: Taste and adjust: more lime for tang, more ginger beer for sweet spice. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cranberries and a lime wedge.
Cranberry Mule: Key Cooking Checkpoints and Tips
- Ensure your mug is well chilled to keep the drink crisp and cold.
- Add cranberries just before serving to keep them plump and bright.
- Taste after mixing—adjust lime or ginger beer for perfect balance.
- Watch the ginger beer when pouring—overfilling can cause overflow and mess.
Common Mistakes in Making Cranberry Moscow Mule & How to Fix Them
- Pouring ginger beer too fast, causing fizz to overflow.? DUMPED too much ginger beer too quickly—pour gently to avoid overflow.
- Serving in a warm mug, which quickly warms the drink.? FORGOT to chill the mug—pop it in the freezer beforehand for a frosty start.
- Muddling cranberries too hard, releasing bitter tannins.? Over-muddled cranberries—just a gentle crush releases flavor without bitterness.
- Not tasting midway, risking an unbalanced sip.? Skipped tasting—adjust lime or ginger beer for perfect balance.
Cranberry Moscow Mule
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chill your copper mug in the freezer for about 10 minutes to keep your drink icy cold from the first sip.
- Fill the chilled mug generously with ice cubes, creating a cold base that will slow down the melting and keep your drink crisp.
- Pour in 45 ml of smooth vodka over the ice, allowing it to settle and chill quickly.
- Add 15 ml of freshly squeezed lime juice to brighten the drink with zesty citrus aroma and flavor.
- Gently pour 120 ml of spicy ginger beer into the mug, watching the bubbles rise and fizz as it mixes with the other ingredients.
- Add a handful of fresh cranberries to the mug for vibrant color and tart flavor, and tuck in a sprig of mint for a fragrant garnish.
- Use a bar spoon to gently stir the mixture, blending flavors without losing the bubbles, until well combined and chilled.
- Taste the cocktail and adjust with a squeeze more lime or ginger beer if needed to achieve your perfect balance of tartness and spice.
- Garnish the drink with extra cranberries and a fresh lime wedge for a festive presentation.
- Serve immediately with a straw or enjoy straight from the mug, savoring the bubbly, tart, and spicy layers of this holiday-inspired cocktail.
Notes
Hi, I’m Theo Granger, a former line cook and unapologetic flavor maximalist from New Orleans. I believe there are two types of people in this world: those who season their food, and those who LIVE to season their food. This blog is for the latter.
