The Cranberry Moscow Mule is a fun, fruity twist on a traditional mule cocktail. Sweet cranberry juice is blended with bourbon and topped with spiced ginger beer. Serve it with a splash of lime juice, rosemary and cranberries for a holiday drink that will keep you refreshed and relaxed all holiday season.
Looking for more festive cocktails for the holiday season? Whip up a batch of Cranberry Mojitos, Christmas Punch, Vodka Cranberry Cocktail, or this delicious Mulled Wine!
Cranberry Moscow Mule
Cranberries are such a quintessential fall and winter staple, why not add them to a classic cocktail for a little holiday twist? While traditional mules are served with vodka (hence the moscow name) this one is a little different and a little darker for those long winter months ahead.
This cranberry mule is made with bourbon (sometimes referred to as the Kentucky Mule) and cranberry juice to really fall into that autumnal flavor. Topped with spiced ginger beer and a splash of lime juice, the cranberry mule is a great way to unwind and relax before the stress of the holidays tries to seep in.
Whether serving at a dinner party, family gathering, or just a quiet night with your special someone, this cocktail is perfect for sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying an indulgent fall cocktail.
Make it a Mocktail Instead
Make a mocktail version of the Moscow Mule by skipping the bourbon (or use a nonalcoholic version) and adding a splash of club soda to the mix.
Why I Love This Cranberry Cocktail
Why do I love this cranberry mule?
- The flavors! It’s a beautiful blend of sweet, tart, spiced, and smoky thanks to the bourbon. It’s like fall in a cup!
- It packs a punch. The bourbon blends so well with the cranberry juice and ginger beer, this is one of those cocktails that can sneak up on you. It’s so smooth you won’t even notice so sip responsibly!
- You can make a single serving or a whole batch. This recipe is easy to increase so you can make a pitcher or several rounds for guests. Of course it’s also quick and easy to make just one for yourself. No muddling or extensive steps required.
More Cranberry Recipes To Try
- Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels
- Cranberry Orange Relish
- Cranberry Fluff
- Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Orange Scones
Cranberry Moscow Mule Ingredients
This crisp cranberry cocktail is a delightful twist on the classic! As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need…
- cranberry juice – I like to opt for just the classic cranberry juice, but you could try a blend if you want to shake things up. Cranapple would be a great option!
- bourbon – Use your favorite brand.
- ginger beer – Make sure to get ginger beer, not ginger ale.
- lime juice – just a bit to really perk up the flavor profile of this cranberry mule.
- ice – For that perfectly chilled cocktail.
To Garnish
- cranberries – fresh or frozen work. Just a few to add a pop of color.
- lime – slices or wedges.
- rosemary sprigs – adds a bit of freshness and flair to this festive holiday moscow mule.
How To Make a Cranberry Mule
- Add ice to two copper mule mugs.
- Divide the bourbon equally divided between the two mugs.
- Add the cranberry juice, equally divided between the two mugs.
- Top each with ginger beer.
- Garnish and serve with slices of lime, frozen cranberries and fresh rosemary sprigs.
Storage Information
As this recipe only makes two cocktails, you’ll likely not need to store it. Fresh is best!
However, If you are making a larger batch, mix in a pitcher and forgo the ice until ready to serve. Chill in the fridge for a few hours then pour over ice and add the rosemary garnish.
Cranberry Mule FAQs
Ginger beer was originally created as an alcoholic drink by fermenting the ginger with sugar and water. These days it’s typically non-alcoholic but it is still spicier and less carbonated than ginger ale. Ginger ale uses ginger flavored syrup to add flavor to carbonated water and is a much sweeter drink.
Ginger beer was originally created as an alcoholic drink by fermenting the ginger with sugar and water. These days it’s typically non-alcoholic but it is still spicier and less carbonated than ginger ale. Ginger ale uses ginger flavored syrup to add flavor to carbonated water and is a much sweeter drink.
Of course if you don’t own copper mugs you can still serve this drink in whatever glassware is available and it will still be delicious. However, traditional mules are served in copper because the metal reacts well with the carbonation in the drink keeping it nice and fizzy and also incredibly chilled for longer than a normal glass would.
Trish’s Tips and Tricks
- Fresh mint leaves can add a hint of flavor as another garnish.
- You can make a mocktail version by skipping the bourbon (or use a nonalcoholic version) and adding a splash of club soda to the mix.
- Many traditional mules use vodka over bourbon. Gin and rum work as well.
- You can make large batches of this drink for parties, just keep the ratio of ingredients the same when increasing their amounts!
More Craveable Cranberry Recipes
- Crockpot Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Pecan Brie Bites
- Cranberry Pecan Pumpkin Bread
- Easy Cranberry Yeast Rolls
- Cranberry Almond Cheese Ball
How To Make Cranberry Moscow Mule
Cranberry Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cranberry juice
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- ice
Garnish
- frozen cranberries
- rosemary sprigs
- lime slices or wedges
Instructions
- Add ice to two copper mule mugs.
- Divide the bourbon equally divided between the two mugs.
- Add the cranberry juice, equally divided between the two mugs.
- Top each with ginger beer and a teaspoon or so of fresh lime juice.
- Garnish and serve with slices of lime, frozen cranberries and fresh rosemary sprigs.
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