The Cranberry Moscow Mule is a delightful twist on a classic cocktail. The combination creates a harmonious balance of flavors.
What is a Cranberry Moscow Mule?
The Moscow Mule is a legendary cocktail served in a copper mug that has been enjoyed for decades. Its signature blend of vodka, orange juice, lime juice, fresh mint, and ginger beer is a refreshing, spicy drink that never displeases. In this recipe, we put a tasty twist on the classic Moscow mule by incorporating cranberry juice. The cranberries’ tartness perfectly complements the ginger beer’s spiciness, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
Ingredients For a Cranberry Moscow Mule
Gather your ingredients, grab your copper mugs, and enjoy the tantalizing fusion of cranberry Mule goodness!
- Vodka – The vodka acts as the base spirit for the cocktail, providing a smooth and crisp flavor to the drink.
- Cranberry Juice- Cranberry juice has a touch of acidity and sweetness, which combines exquisitely with the other ingredients.
- Orange Juice – It provides vitamin C and acidity that, with the fusion of cranberry, results in a delicious fruit punch.
- Lime Juice- Fresh lime juice enhances the overall brightness of the cocktail and provides a nice spicy note.
- Fresh Mint- This is responsible for giving a minty and fresh touch to our refreshing recipe.
- Ginger Beer- The ginger beer not only adds a touch of fizz but also gives the drink a nice, slightly spicy kick.
- Agave Syrup- This is an optional sweetener to balance de tangy and sour flavor of the juices. You can use simple syrup too.
- Garnish- With orange slices, fresh cranberries, and a sprig of mint!
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
How to Make a Cranberry Moscow Mule?
Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Cranberry Moscow Mule recipe:
Instructions:
1.- Start by selecting the perfect copper mugs for your cocktail. These mugs not only add a touch of elegance to your drink but also help keep it cold thanks to their fantastic temperature retention properties. If you don’t have copper mugs, regular glasses will do.
Once you have the proper glassware, fill the copper mugs with ice cubes about three-quarters full. The ice will help keep the cocktail cold and dilute it slightly, balancing the flavors.
2.- In a cocktail shaker pour 1 ½ ounces of vodka, 4 or 5 mint leaves, 3 ounces of cranberry juice, 1 ounce of orange juice, ½ ounce of lime juice, and 1 dash of agave syrup, gently muddle all the ingredients, then add plenty of ice cubes and shake vigorously for 10-15 secs.
3.- Stir and serve in a copper mug and top up with ginger beer, gently stir the mixture, to garnish place a few cranberries, an orange wedge, and a sprig of fresh mint. Vibrant cranberries make the cocktail visually appealing and add a lovely burst of acidity with every sip. Enjoy this Holiday cocktail!
Variation of a Cranberry Moscow Mule
Here are some variations on the classic blueberry Moscow Mule to add some versatility and excitement to your cocktail:
Here are some other Cranberry Recipes to consider: Cranberry Martini, Christmas Margarita, and Holiday Punch.
Take a look at these ideas:
Rum Cranberries and Spices:
Replace vodka with rum, add a pinch of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick to the copper mug before pouring the ingredients, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. This variation adds a warm and comforting touch to the cocktail, perfect for cozy gatherings during the holiday season.
Gin Cranberry Ginger Smash:
Add Gin instead of vodka, and mash some fresh cranberries and a small piece of fresh ginger into the bottom of the copper mug before adding the vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice. This variation gives the cocktail additional flavors of cranberry and ginger, creating a more intense and aromatic drink.
Cranberry and apple:
Replace the cranberry juice with equal parts cranberry and apple juice, add a few of club soda, and finish the drink with apple cider instead of ginger beer. This variation adds a touch of natural sweetness to the apple juice and creates a complete and fruity Thanksgiving Moscow Mule experience.
Spicy Tequila:
Add tequila instead of vodka, and add a few slices of jalapeño pepper to the copper mug before pouring the ingredients. This variation gives the cocktail a spicy touch, creating a bold and fiery twist on the classic cocktail.
Sparkling Blueberries:
Instead of using ginger beer, top the cocktail with sparkling cranberry soda or sparkling wine. This variation elevates the effervescence of the drink, making it even more festive and delicious.
Remember, these variations can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ratios of ingredients and garnishes to create your unique variation of the Cranberry Moscow Mule.
When to Serve a Cranberry Moscow Mule?
Mules are versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions throughout the year. Here are some suggestions for when to serve this delicious cocktail:
Holiday Gatherings: Since cranberries are often associated with holiday flavors, serving Cranberry Moscow Mules during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday gathering can be a great way to add a seasonal touch to your cocktail menu.
Fall Parties: The tartness of cranberries complements the flavors of fall, making them a great choice for fall-themed parties, Halloween celebrations, or cozy gatherings around the campfire.
Game Nights: If you’re hosting a sports viewing party or game night with friends, Cranberry Moscow Mules can be a refreshing and tasty cocktail option to serve. They pair well with a variety of appetizers and sandwiches.
Brunch: Cranberry Moscow Mules can be a delicious addition to a brunch menu. The vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor make them a refreshing choice alongside breakfast or brunch dishes, such as quiches, pancakes, or egg-based dishes.
Summer BBQs: While blueberries are generally associated with colder seasons, a Moscow mule with blueberries can still be enjoyed during summer gatherings, especially if you choose a variation that incorporates other seasonal fruits, such as blueberry with pomegranate or raspberry with orange.
Cocktails: Cranberry Moscow Mules can be a sophisticated and eye-catching drink to serve in cocktails. Their vibrant red color and balanced flavors make them an attractive choice for guests who enjoy fruity and spicy cocktails.
Notes:
Here are some tips to improve your cocktail:
- For an extra touch of elegance, rim the glass with sugar or a mixture of sugar and lime zest before adding ice and other ingredients. This will create a sweet and spicy contrast as you drink.
- If you prefer a stronger cranberry flavor, you can increase the amount of cranberry juice or even mash some fresh cranberries in the bottom of the cup before adding the other ingredients.
- To make a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka and replace it with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. You can still enjoy the refreshing blend of cranberry, lime, and ginger beer.
Remember, the beauty of cocktails is that you can tailor them to your preferences, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. cheers!
Conclusion:
The Cranberry Moscow Mule is a delicious take on a classic cocktail. The combination of complexity of flavors creates a harmonious balance that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re enjoying it at a holiday gathering or just relaxing at home, this refreshing cocktail is sure to impress your taste buds.
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Cranberry Moscow Mule
The Cranberry Moscow Mule is a delightful twist on a classic cocktail. The combination creates a harmonious balance of flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Vodka
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 4-5 mint leaves
- ½ oz Lime juice
- 1 dash of agave syrup optional
- Finish with ginger beer
- Fresh cranberries, a sprig of mint, and orange slice for garnish!
Instructions
- Start by selecting the perfect copper mugs for your cocktail. These mugs not only add a touch of elegance to your drink but also help keep it cold thanks to their fantastic temperature retention properties. If you don't have copper mugs, regular glasses will do. Once you have the proper glassware, fill the copper mugs with ice cubes about three-quarters full. The ice will help keep the cocktail cold and dilute it slightly, balancing the flavors.
- In a cocktail shaker pour 1 ½ ounces of vodka, 4 or 5 mint leaves, 3 oz of cranberry juice, 1 oz of orange juice, ½ oz of lime juice, and 1 dash of agave syrup, gently muddle all the ingredients, then add plenty of ice cubes and shake vigorously for 10-15 secs.
- Stir and serve in a copper mug and top up with ginger beer, gently stir the mixture, to garnish place a few cranberries, an orange wedge, and a sprig of fresh mint. Vibrant cranberries make the cocktail visually appealing and add a lovely burst of acidity with every sip. Enjoy this Holiday cocktail!
Notes
- For an extra touch of elegance, rim the glass with sugar or a mixture of sugar and lime zest before adding ice and other ingredients. This will create a sweet and spicy contrast as you drink.
- If you prefer a stronger cranberry flavor, you can increase the amount of cranberry juice or even mash some fresh cranberries in the bottom of the cup before adding the other ingredients.
- To make a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka and replace it with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. You can still enjoy the refreshing blend of cranberry, lime, and ginger beer.
Nutrition Information
Yield
1Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 474Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 39mgCarbohydrates 96gFiber 8gSugar 78gProtein 3g
Nutrition information isn´t always accurate!
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Blueberry Moscow Mule
This Moscow Mule with fresh blueberries, a touch of ginger beer, and a kick of vodka is super refreshing!
Pineapple Mule
This Pineapple Mule recipe is a tropical and spicy variation that everyone must try, the tropical pineapple together with fresh mint, the spicy flavor of the jalapeño, and the extra flavor of mint with ginger beer make the flavors explode on your palate!
