Cranberry Moscow Mule

A pretty holiday cocktail, the cranberry Moscow Mule is spicy, sparkling, and delicious! So easy to make -- you'll love this as much when you entertain as you will when relaxing with a friend. Make this into a punch by changing the servings to 25.

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This recipe is meant for people over 21 years old. Please drink responsibly.

A bright red cocktail with frozen cranberries floating in it.

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❤️ Why you'll love it
🥫 Storage
📖 Variations
💭 Things to know
👩‍🍳 FAQs
📚 Related recipes
🍽️ Serve with...
📞 The last word
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

❤️ Why you'll love it

Beautiful, delicious, festive cocktail for holiday parties.
Spicy ginger beer pairs perfectly with yummy, tart cranberries.
Easy recipe can be made by the glass or pitcher!

This cranberry Moscow mule recipe is one of my favorite things to sip on while gathered around the Christmas tree—and, really, throughout the whole holiday season.

The classic drink takes a fun twist, one that fills even the most Scrooge-like party guests with holiday cheer.

🥫 Storage

As most cocktail recipes will tell you, cranberry Moscow mules are best served as soon as they're poured. If you made a large batch in a pitcher (ice on the side, of course) and have leftovers, you can put it in the fridge.

However, consume it as soon as possible (within a day or so) because the ginger beer starts to go flat once it's poured.

Of course, your taste buds probably won't complain either way.

closeup of a bright red cranberry moscow mule cocktail with cranberries floating on the top

📖 Variations

Don't be afraid of flavors—I like orange vodka in this cranberry cocktail.
You can use fresh cranberries or buy frozen ones. However, if you opt for fresh berries, be sure to give them time to freeze, first.
Cranberry juice cocktail is sweeter than cranberry juice. You can use unsweetened cranberry juice, but you'll want to also follow the next tip...
For a sweeter cocktail, you can add a bit of simple syrup. Make it in a small saucepan (one cup of water and one cup of sugar) or buy some near the liquor aisle in your local grocery store.
You can swap in ginger ale, but either way, use a good brand for the best ginger flavor—you want it to come through!
In addition to an orange and lime wedge, garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary. It complements the festive red drink beautifully!
Some people like to use a few fresh mint leaves as a garnish for a different flavor spin.
Don't knock it 'til you try it, but for an extra spicy signature drink, add a few drops of hot sauce and thank me later!

💭 Things to know

Expert Tip: If you have some gorgeous copper mugs, now is their time to shine! Just chill the mugs before serving—the classic cocktail tastes best out of a cold copper mug. If not, any cocktail glasses will do the job.

Don't forget to buy extra limes so you don't run out. You'll use some for fresh lime juice and the others, unsqueezed, for garnish.
Given a choice, only the Grinch would serve cheap vodka at a holiday gathering. In this festive cranberry Moscow mule, you'll be able to taste the quality—so splurge a little, if you can.
Did you know, you're actually supposed to store vodka in the freezer? It gets a little thicker and tastes soo deliciously smooth that way.
My favorite ginger beer is Reeds extra spicy. Big-brand ginger ale just doesn't do this simple cocktail justice.
Frozen cranberries are a great way to chill your drink without watering it down. You can also use cocktail "ice" cubes if you have them.
Bartender Hack: twist a lime or orange peel over the cocktail glass to release the deliciously aromatic citrus oil.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

How similar is this to a traditional Moscow mule?

It's pretty close, with a fun seasonal twist. The original Moscow mules, served in frosty copper mugs, are made with vodka, lime, and ginger beer. Our cranberry mule just adds a little cranberry flavor and some garnish to make your holiday party more festive!

Can I use seltzer instead of ginger beer or ginger ale?

I wouldn't. Your mule will taste bland that way. The gingery flavor really goes well with the other ingredients in the recipe.

Can I use homemade cranberry juice?

If you've got it, good for you! Go ahead. However, you may need to adjust the sweetness to taste.

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🍽️ Serve with...

Cranberry Moscow Mule in a glass - an empty glass is in the background. Cranberries are at the base of the glasses.

📞 The last word

Beautiful and sparkly, this Cranberry Moscow Mule has enough holiday cheer to make Ebineezer Scrooge throw a party for the three Spirits of Christmas.

Orange, lime, and cranberry flavors blend with an extra spicy ginger beer that gives you a cocktail your guests will rave about!

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

First published November 13, 2019. Last updated October 18, 2022 for editorial updates.