Easy Cranberry Moscow Mule (Video)

This easy and oh-so-delicious Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe is perfect for the holidays! This quick and easy cocktail takes minutes to prepare and tastes fantastic.

Cranberry Moscow Mule

I have been having so much fun making holiday cocktails this year. This cranberry mule is such a fun twist on the traditional Moscow Mule. I love that it has fresh cranberries as a garnish.

Don't worry; if you don't have any fresh ones in the house, you can use frozen cranberries. I am all in for using whatever you have available so you don't have to add stress to your life.

The holidays are stressful enough. The last thing I want is for you to be stressed while planning or hosting a holiday party. This is one of our favorite Christmas Moscow Mules. 

We also love this cranberry mimosa for a fun celebration cocktail. It is the perfect Thanksgiving and Christmas cocktail!

Ingredients

Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients needed to make an epic Cranberry Moscow Mule Drink! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.

The classic Moscow mule cocktail combines vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer served in a copper mug. This holiday fruity spin turns this classic into a Moscow mule with cranberry juice, which adds a tart, fruity flavor to this classic cocktail.

• Vodka
• Cranberry Juice Cocktail
• Fresh Lime Juice
• Ginger Beer

Garnish: Cranberries, Lime Wedge or lime slices, Sprig of Rosemary 

Vodka - You can use your favorite vodka but don't worry about using a premium vodka. The vodka is mixed with other juices so it is not the main source of flavor. If you want even more cranberry flavor you can use cranberry vodka.

We stick with classic vodka for a Moscow Mule but you can use rum or gin for a different flavor.

Cranberry Juice - We use a cranberry juice cocktail to make this drink just a little bit sweeter. You can also use 100% cranberry juice for a tarter flavor. Check out all of our cocktails with cranberry juice.

Fresh lime juice - We like to use fresh lime juice to get the best flavor. You can use bottled lime juice if you don't feel like squeezing the limes.

Ginger Beer - We use Fever Tree Ginger Beer but you can easily use Reed's or Q Ginger Beer. Ginger Beer is different from Ginger Ale. It is spicier and packed with more flavor.

Cranberries - You can use fresh or frozen cranberries. If you want to add a bit of sweetness you can use sugared cranberries.

Equipment Needed

• Copper Moscow Mule Mug: While you can serve a Moscow Mule in any glass, the classic look is serving it in a Copper Mug. The mugs keep the drink cold and just look amazing. If you don't have a copper mug, serve this cocktail in standard glasses for cocktails.
• OXO Angled Jiggers: These are our go-to measuring tools for cocktails.
• Bar Spoon

How to make a Cranberry Moscow Mule

Are you ready for a super easy winter cocktail? I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick version.

Fill the copper mug with ice until about ⅔ full.

Squeeze in fresh lime juice.

Pour in vodka and cranberry juice and stir to combine.

Top with ginger beer, add ice cubes, and garnish. You may not need additional ice, but have some ready just in case.

For a fun, festive Cranberry Mule cocktail, garnish with a lime wheel, fresh or frozen cranberries, and a rosemary sprig.

Cranberry Mule Mocktail

To make a mocktail version of this easy cocktail just omit the vodka from the recipe.

While Ginger Beer sounds like it should be alcoholic there is actually no alcohol in ginger beer.

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead:

We only make these drinks after guests arrive because we worry about losing the tiny bubbles in ginger beer. For a semi-make-ahead version, mix the vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice, refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container, and then top it with fresh ginger beer when ready to serve.

Storage:

Due to the carbonation loss once you pour ginger beer, we do not suggest storing leftovers of this Cranberry Moscow Mule.

 

Recipe Variations

Substitutions:

You can use your favorite vodka but don't worry about using premium vodka. The vodka mixes with other juices, so it is not the primary source of flavor. If you want even more cranberry flavor, you can use cranberry vodka.

For a Moscow Mule, we use classic vodka, but you can use rum or gin in this holiday twist for a different flavor.

We use a cranberry juice cocktail to make this drink sweeter. You can also use 100% cranberry juice for a tarter flavor. Check out all of our cocktails with cranberry juice.

We like to use fresh lime juice to get the best flavor. However, you can use bottled lime juice if you don't feel like squeezing the limes.

We use Fever Tree Ginger Beer, but you can easily use Reed's or Q Ginger Beer. Ginger Beer is different from Ginger Ale. It is spicier and packed with more flavor.

You can use fresh or frozen cranberries. If you want to add a bit of sweetness, you can use sugared cranberries.

Vegetarian Option:

The Cranberry Moscow Mule is 100 percent vegetarian!

Vegan Option:

This cocktail recipe is vegan if your ginger beer is plant-based. We recommend checking the ingredient list before purchasing, as some brands contain honey as a sweetener.

Gluten-Free:

Ginger beer is naturally gluten-free, but if you are highly sensitive and want to avoid cross-contamination, look for a gluten-free label on your ginger beer.

Alcohol-Free Option:

Just omit the vodka from the recipe to make a mocktail version of this easy cocktail.

While Ginger Beer sounds like it should be alcoholic, there is no alcohol in ginger beer.

Larger Group/More Servings:

You can follow our make-ahead instructions to make this festive drink pitcher-style for a large group. Be sure to leave out the ginger beer and top off when serving so everyone gets a nice, carbonated beverage.

Sugar-Free: 

The written recipe contains 15 grams of sugar per serving, but the final nutritional content depends on the ingredients. To make it sugar-free, use sugar-free cranberry juice and ginger beer.

 

Tips for the Best Cranberry Moscow Mule

• To get the frosty look on the outside of your copper mugs, place them in the fridge or freezer for an hour or two before making your cocktails. This step will get the mugs super cold. 
• When making this easy drink, skip using a cocktail shaker and stir it with a bar spoon. Shaking this drink will make it way too bubbly from the ginger beer.
• If you want a sweeter drink to serve, you can have a small bottle of simple syrup available for guests. The cranberry juice cocktail does add sweetness to this cocktail.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of vodka based on how strong you want this holiday cocktail.

Find this featured recipe in our Ginger Beer Cocktails collection and great Moscow Mule Variations.

What to Serve with a Cranberry Moscow Mule

This easy, four-ingredient Cranberry Moscow Mule is one of our favorite drinks to whip up around the holidays and would be a fantastic part of a festive brunch, breakfast, or cocktail party! Here are some menu planning suggestions.

Sides: Cheddar Bay Sausage Biscuits, Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies, Cheesy Green Beans, Apple Stuffing, Sausage Breakfast Biscuit Cups, Cranberry Salsa, Pineapple Stuffing

Main Dishes: Easy German Apple Pancake, Eggnog French Toast, Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole, Ham & Cheese Crescent Roll, CrockPot Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs

Desserts: 4 Ingredient Christmas Crack, Sugared Cranberries, Easy Holiday Reindeer Chow, Grinch Bark, Watergate Salad, Cherry Cheesecake Dip, Hot Chocolate Dip, Eggnog Cookies

Drinks: Eggnog Coffee, Baileys Hot Chocolate, Grinch Jello Shots, Eggnog Latte, Peppermint Patty Shot, Spiced Cranberry Cocktail, Three Wise Men Shot, Polar Bear Shot

When to Serve

• Holiday Gathering
• Christmas Party
• Festive cocktail
• Holiday Brunch
• Christmas Breakfast

Great Recipe Collections

Complete Guide to Ginger Beer Cocktails 

Epic Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipes 

Easy Cocktails with Cranberry Juice That Taste Amazing! 

Best Easy Christmas Cocktails Everyone Loves!

Warm Up by the Fire with These 30+ Winter Cocktails 

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