Cranberry Moscow Mule for a Perfect Christmas Toast

A cup of Moscow mule with cranberry twist

If you’re looking to elevate your Christmas celebration, try Cranberry Moscow Mule for a festive spin. While the Christmas martini may be traditional, this crimson-hued variation captures the holiday spirit with every fizzy, seasonal sip.

Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe

Cranberry Moscow Mule is a festive variation of the classic Moscow Mule with cranberry juice. With a burst of tartness and a vibrant crimson hue, this drink is perfect for holiday gatherings. 

A glass of Cranberry Moscow Mule, garnished with rosemary
Cranberry Mule – a drink for the festive season

Cranberry Moscow Mule is the ideal balance of flavors that makes it a crowd-pleaser. The ginger beer gives it that spicy warmth that complements the chilly winter nights, while the cranberry juice adds a refreshing twist that cuts through the richness of holiday feasts.

Here is how to make Cranberry Moscow Mule at home – the holiday Moscow Mule:

A cup of Moscow mule with cranberry twist

Easy Cranberry Moscow Mule

A festive twist on the classic cocktail, combining tart cranberry juice with spicy ginger beer and smooth vodka. Perfect for holiday entertaining.
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Total Time 7 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
  • 4-6 oz ginger beer e.g., Fever Tree, Gosling's, and Blenheim Ginger Ale
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh cranberries and lime slices for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Fill a copper mug (or your preferred glass) with ice cubes.
  • Pour the vodka over the ice.
  • Add the cranberry juice and fresh lime juice to the mug.
  • Top off with ginger beer, and gently stir the ingredients together.
  • Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime slice. Enjoy

Notes

  • Sweetness: Adjust sweetness by using simple syrup or opting for sweeter cranberry juice cocktails.
  • Garnishes: Experiment with garnishes like cinnamon sticks, pomegranate seeds, or fresh herbs such as mint or rosemary to enhance presentation and flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal
Keyword alcoholic drinks, Christmas drink, cocktail recipes, cranberry moscow mule, holiday recipe, vodka-based drinks
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Variations

1. Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 oz cranberry juice
    • 1 oz orange juice or 1/2 oz orange liqueur
    • 2 oz vodka
    • 6 oz ginger beer
  • Instructions: Mix cranberry juice, orange juice/liqueur, and vodka in a shaker. Pour over ice in a copper mug and top with ginger beer.

2. Cranberry Apple Moscow Mule: Add 1 oz apple cider to the recipe

3. Infused Vodka Cranberry Mule

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 cups vodka (infused with rosemary for two days)
    • 1½ oz cranberry juice
    • ¾ cup ginger beer
    • Juice of half a lime
  • Instructions: Infuse vodka with rosemary, then mix with other ingredients over ice

4. Mexican Cranberry Mule: To make this version, substitute vodka with tequila.

5. Whiskey Cranberry Mule

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 oz bourbon
    • 4 oz apple cider
    • 1 oz cranberry juice
    • 4 oz ginger beer
  • Instructions: Combine bourbon, apple cider, cranberry juice, and ginger beer in a glass filled with ice.

6. Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace vodka with club soda.

How to pair

1. Holiday Desserts:

2. Vegetarian Options

  • Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and refreshing, these rolls enhance the cocktail’s crisp feel.
  • Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Poppers: The heat from the jalapeños pairs well with the cocktail’s sweetness.
  • Spicy Edamame: Offers a savory, umami flavor that complements the drink.

3. Seafood Dishes

  • Fried Shrimp Toast: Crispy and savory, this pairs well with the cranberry’s tartness.
  • Fish Taco Bites: Fresh and zesty, these balance the cocktail’s sweetness.
  • Blue Cheese Stuffed Shrimp: Rich and bold, the blue cheese contrasts nicely with the drink’s bright flavors.

4. Holiday Appetizers

  • Rosemary Turkey Meatballs: The herb flavors in the meatballs bring out the cocktail’s unique profile.
  • Cranberry Brie Bites: Sweet and savory, these echo the cranberry notes in the drink, making for a delicious match.
  • Brie en croute
  • Smoked salmon canapés
  • Spiced nuts

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