This punchy, tart, and sweet mule is a festive twist on the classic Moscow mule. Flavored with cranberry, lime, orange and a kick of ginger make it a classic must serve holiday parties!

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What is a cranberry mule?

If you don’t know, a Moscow mule originated in 1940s era Hollywood and is a cocktail that consists primarily of vodka and ginger beer. In more recent times, the drink has been adapted a number of ways, some with gin, mint, lime, etc. A cranberry mule is a variation of the Moscow mule that consists of cranberry juice, vodka or gin, and ginger beer, and various other additions like Grand Marnier.

While mixing cranberry cocktails for the holidays, I’m discovering how well cranberries and lime play together. It has become one of my favorite cocktail combinations. But don’t take my word for it, experiment for yourself by also trying my cranberry margarita recipe.

Recipe Variations

• Make it a mocktail - leave out the gin/vodka and add a little extra ginger ale.

• Sweetness - The beauty of using unsweetened cranberry juice - you can make this cocktail as sweet or as tart as you want by adding as much or as little simple syrup as you like.

Why you’ll love this cocktail

• This cocktail is packed with festive flavor - from the bold cranberry to the subtle orange liquor, what a treat!

• This is a no fuss recipe -

  • So easy to make, it will take you under five minutes I promise!

  • No difficult to find ingredients. Everything listed you can easily shop for at your local market.

What kind of cup should I serve a cranberry mule in?

I recommend using a copper Moscow mule mug. The copper naturally keeps the drink frosty so the ice will last longer and the drink will stay cold and crisp.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• moscow mule mugs

• shaker

• jigger

How to Make

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin or vodka

• 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice

• 2 oz simple syrup

• 1 lime

• 1/2 oz grand marnier

• 1 sprig of mint

• ginger beer

Garnish suggestions:

• sprig of mint

• slice of lime

• fresh cranberries

Directions

Fill a glass or mule mug with ice.

Add the vodka, cranberry juice, simple syrup, lime, and grand marnier into a shaker. Smash the sprig of mint between your palms to release the oils and drop it in. Add a scoop of ice to the shaker and pop the lid on tight. Shake for 10-15 seconds. Pour over the ice. Top off the cup with ginger beer.

Garnish with a sprig of mint, a slice of lime, some fresh cranberries, or all three!

More cocktails, please!

Try this Christmas Margarita or my favorite Gin Mule.