Cranberry Moscow Mule: A Festive, Tart-and-Spicy Twist on a Modern Classic

The Cranberry Moscow Mule is the kind of cocktail that makes a big impression with minimal effort. By infusing the classic vodka, lime, and ginger beer trio with cranberry juice, this version becomes a vibrant, tart, and lightly spiced sipper that’s ideal for the holiday season—but so good, you’ll want it year-round.

It takes the icy, gingery refreshment of the original Moscow Mule and adds a sweet-tart burst of cranberry, creating a cocktail that feels playful, festive, and unmistakably seasonal. Whether you’re decorating a tree, hosting a Friendsgiving, or just kicking back by the fire, this cocktail brings bold color and flavor to the occasion.

I first made a Cranberry Moscow Mule during a late-November dinner party. The cranberry added exactly what the standard Mule was missing—a layer of fruit and acidity that felt holiday-ready without being cloying. It’s become my go-to whenever I want something easy, balanced, and a little showy.

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Quick Facts: Cranberry Moscow Mule

Method: built
Flavor profile: tart, citrusy, spicy
How to serve it: over ice
Glassware: copper mug (traditional) or highball glass
Alcohol content: ~10–12% ABV, ~13–16 grams of alcohol per serving

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Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz unsweetened cranberry juice (or cranberry cocktail for a sweeter version)
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• Garnish: lime wedge, fresh cranberries, or rosemary sprig
• Ice (cubed or crushed)

Ingredient Notes:

Vodka:
Any clean, smooth vodka works well. Try:

• Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• Ketel One
• Absolut or Grey Goose
  You could also use cranberry- or citrus-flavored vodka for added depth.

Cranberry Juice:
Use 100% unsweetened cranberry juice for a tangy, sophisticated flavor. If you prefer a sweeter drink, go with cranberry juice cocktail or adjust with simple syrup.

Lime Juice:
Fresh-squeezed is essential—it sharpens the flavors and brightens the cranberry’s tartness.

Ginger Beer:
Pick a ginger beer that has a strong, spicy profile to balance the cranberry’s fruitiness. Great choices include:

• Fever-Tree
• Q Ginger Beer
• Reed’s Extra Ginger Brew

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Equipment Needed

• Jigger
• Bar spoon
• Citrus press or juicer
• Copper mug or highball glass
• Ice (cubed or crushed)

No shaker or strainer needed—this is a build-in-glass cocktail made for speed and ease.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fill your mug or glass with ice.
Use a traditional copper mug for the classic Mule experience, or a highball glass if preferred.

2. Build the drink.
Add to the glass:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz fresh lime juice

3. Top with ginger beer.
Pour in 4 oz of ginger beer and stir gently with a bar spoon to mix.

4. Garnish.
Add a lime wedge, a few fresh cranberries, or a rosemary sprig for a festive finish.

Serve immediately with a straw or sipping straw for best enjoyment.

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Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Cranberry Moscow Mule is vibrant and zesty, combining the zing of lime, the bite of ginger, and the tart fruitiness of cranberry.

Tasting notes include:

• Sharp cranberry and lime upfront
• Warming spice and fizz from the ginger beer
• Smooth, clean vodka in the background
• Slightly sweet and tangy finish

It’s refreshing yet bold, with a balanced acidity that makes it incredibly drinkable.

Pairs well with:

• Roasted turkey or ham
• Goat cheese or brie with cranberry compote
• Charcuterie boards
• Spiced nuts or holiday snack mixes
• Cranberry-orange muffins or gingerbread cookies

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Garnishing and Presentation

Presentation takes this cocktail from good to instantly festive.

Glassware:
A copper mug keeps it ultra-chilled and classic.
Highball or Collins glasses work well if mugs aren’t available.

Garnish ideas:

• Fresh cranberries floated on top
• Lime wedge or wheel on the rim
• Rosemary sprig for an evergreen aroma
• Sugared cranberries for a holiday sparkle
• Dehydrated citrus slices for a rustic look

Tips:

• Freeze cranberries ahead of time for use as decorative ice cubes
• Rim the glass with coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar for a dessert-like effect
• Add a dash of orange bitters to layer in complexity

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Pairing Suggestions

With its crisp profile and fruity acidity, the Cranberry Moscow Mule makes a fantastic aperitif or casual party drink.

Savory pairings:

• Thanksgiving turkey with cranberry relish
• Pork tenderloin with apple-cranberry chutney
• Brie or goat cheese with crackers
• Smoked salmon blinis
• Spiced sausage skewers

Sweet pairings:

• Cranberry-orange scones
• Ginger cookies
• Pecan pie bars
• Chocolate truffles with sea salt
• Pumpkin cheesecake

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Cocktail History and Trivia

The Moscow Mule was created in the 1940s in Los Angeles, not Russia, as a way to promote vodka in the American market. The combination of vodka and ginger beer was a hit—and the now-iconic copper mug was part of the original marketing.

This cranberry variation likely grew out of the holiday cocktail boom of the early 2000s, when mixologists began creating seasonal riffs on classic drinks using bold, photogenic ingredients like cranberry juice and rosemary sprigs.

Fun fact: The Moscow Mule is partly responsible for popularizing vodka in the U.S., paving the way for its dominance in the 20th century.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cranberry Moscow Mule:

• At holiday parties, Friendsgivings, and family dinners
• As a welcome drink, especially for casual gatherings
• In batches, for punch bowls or large-format serving
• At brunch, alongside citrusy dishes or baked goods
• In the summer, with frozen cranberries for a cooling twist

To batch for 6 servings:

• 12 oz vodka
• 6 oz cranberry juice
• 3 oz fresh lime juice
• Top with 24 oz ginger beer just before serving
  Mix everything but the ginger beer in advance and chill. Add ginger beer to each glass individually to preserve fizz.

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Alcohol Content and Alternatives

With vodka and ginger beer as the base, this drink is moderately boozy, at around 10–12% ABV, depending on your pour and juice choice.

To reduce the alcohol:

• Cut vodka to 1½ oz per serving
• Use more cranberry juice or dilute with soda water
• Choose a lower-proof flavored vodka

Non-alcoholic version:

• 1 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz lime juice
• Top with ginger beer and soda water
  Garnish the same way—cranberries, rosemary, or citrus.

Variations:

• Spiced Mule: Add a dash of cinnamon syrup or muddle with cloves
• Cranberry-Apple Mule: Add ½ oz apple cider for extra sweetness
• Gin Mule: Use gin instead of vodka for herbal brightness
• Cranberry Mule Mocktail: Use non-alcoholic ginger beer and skip the vodka

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use cranberry juice cocktail?
Yes, but it’s much sweeter. Use less syrup or omit it entirely. For a drier, tangier cocktail, stick to 100% unsweetened juice.

What’s the best vodka for this drink?
Any smooth, clean vodka works. Try flavored vodkas (cranberry, citrus, vanilla) for extra dimension.

Can I make it ahead of time?
You can pre-mix the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice, but add the ginger beer just before serving to preserve carbonation.

Does this only work in winter?
Not at all! The cranberry twist feels festive but also refreshing—great in spring and summer when served extra cold with fresh herbs.

How do I keep it cold for parties?
Serve in copper mugs or chilled glassware. Freeze cranberries or use oversized ice cubes to slow dilution.

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Conclusion

The Cranberry Moscow Mule is the perfect cocktail for those moments when you want something bright, bold, and celebration-ready. With its tangy fruit, lively spice, and eye-catching garnishes, it’s a drink that looks like a party and tastes like one too. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just looking for a vibrant alternative to the usual vodka soda, this is one cocktail you’ll keep coming back to.