Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe – Easy Festive Holiday Cocktail

Posted on November 25, 2025

Introduction

There’s something downright magical about the sound of ice cubes clinking in a copper mug filled with a fizzy, ruby-red Cranberry Moscow Mule. The first time I made this cocktail, the scent of fresh cranberries and lime filled the kitchen—it was one of those moments where I just stopped, took a sip, and smiled. You know that kind of pause when you realize you’ve stumbled onto something that feels both nostalgic and new at the same time? That was it for me.

Years ago, my family used to make big batches of homemade cranberry sauce every Thanksgiving, and I always loved the tart pop of the berries. So when I started experimenting with holiday cocktails, turning those flavors into a drink seemed only natural. I mixed a little ginger beer, a splash of vodka, and some fresh lime juice, then added cranberry juice for that festive twist—and wow, the result was pure holiday cheer in a mug.

Honestly, this Cranberry Moscow Mule is dangerously easy to sip and even easier to make. My husband couldn’t resist sneaking a taste before I’d even finished garnishing it, and by the next party, everyone was asking for “that cranberry mule thing.” It’s become a staple at our family gatherings, and I’ve made it more times than I can count (all in the name of research, of course). Whether you’re hosting a cozy holiday dinner or just want a cheerful drink to brighten up a winter evening, this one feels like a warm hug wrapped in a cool, sparkling cocktail. You’re going to want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Moscow Mule recipe checks every box—refreshing, festive, and unbelievably simple to throw together. I’ve tested countless variations over the years, and this one always wins the crowd over, every single time.

Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 5 minutes, perfect for busy holiday hosts or spontaneous celebrations.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need—vodka, ginger beer, lime, and cranberry juice.
Perfect for Holidays: It’s the kind of drink that instantly looks festive and feels seasonal. Great for Christmas parties, Thanksgiving dinners, or cozy winter nights.
Crowd-Pleaser: The balance of tart cranberries and spicy ginger beer makes it appealing to just about everyone.
Unbelievably Delicious: It’s crisp, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet with that signature mule fizz.

What sets this version apart is the use of unsweetened cranberry juice paired with a touch of cranberry simple syrup. That combo brings depth without overpowering the ginger beer’s zing. I first tried making it this way after a friend told me my original version was “a little too tart,” and wow—what a difference that small tweak made!

This isn’t just another holiday drink—it’s the kind of cocktail that makes you lean back and close your eyes after the first sip. It’s comfort and celebration in one. Perfect for impressing guests without stress, or turning a quiet evening into a moment worth remembering.

Ingredients Needed

This Cranberry Moscow Mule uses simple, clean ingredients that deliver bold flavor and that unmistakable holiday sparkle. Nothing fancy—just good, fresh things that come together beautifully.

Vodka – 2 oz (60 ml). Choose a smooth, clean vodka; I like Tito’s or Grey Goose for their balanced finish.
Cranberry juice – 2 oz (60 ml). Use unsweetened for a more tart, authentic flavor.
Ginger beer – 4–6 oz (120–180 ml). Go for a strong, spicy variety like Fever-Tree or Bundaberg.
Fresh lime juice – ½ oz (15 ml), freshly squeezed for best results.
Cranberry simple syrup – ½ oz (15 ml). Optional, for added sweetness and color. (Just boil equal parts sugar, water, and cranberries until syrupy.)
Ice – Enough to fill the mug.
Fresh cranberries – For garnish (they float beautifully and add that pop of color).
Fresh mint leaves – Optional garnish for a refreshing aroma.
Lime wedges – For garnish and a final squeeze before sipping.

All of these are easily found at your local grocery store or liquor shop. If you’re hosting a big party, make sure to chill your ginger beer ahead of time—it keeps the drink extra crisp. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka and use sparkling water instead. And if you’re gluten-sensitive, double-check that your ginger beer is gluten-free (most are, but it’s always good to confirm).

I’ve also used homemade cranberry syrup from leftover holiday sauce—it’s a little thicker but adds real depth. Don’t be afraid to play around here; that’s half the fun!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy bar setup to make this Cranberry Moscow Mule. A few basic tools will do the trick.

Copper mugs – Traditional and help keep your drink icy cold. A regular glass works fine if needed.
Jigger or shot glass – For measuring the vodka and juice accurately.
Citrus juicer – Handy for squeezing fresh lime juice quickly.
Small saucepan – If you’re making the cranberry simple syrup.
Spoon or cocktail stirrer – For mixing everything together smoothly.

I’ve made these with everything from camping mugs to mason jars—honestly, it’s more about the flavor than the vessel. Just make sure your mug or glass is chilled if you want that frosty effect. And if you use copper mugs often, give them a gentle hand wash; they’ll last for years.

Preparation Method

Prepare the Garnish: If you’re using fresh cranberries and mint, wash them and set aside. Slice a few lime wedges for serving. This adds that picture-perfect holiday vibe.
Make the Cranberry Syrup (Optional): In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup (120 ml) water, ½ cup (100 g) sugar, and ½ cup (50 g) cranberries. Bring to a simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Strain and cool. This syrup keeps for up to a week in the fridge.
Fill the Mug: Add ice to your copper mug until it’s about three-quarters full. The cold metal mug helps keep the drink refreshingly chilled.
Add Vodka: Pour in 2 oz (60 ml) vodka. You’ll notice the aroma start to lift once it hits the ice.
Add Lime Juice and Cranberry Juice: Squeeze in ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice and pour in 2 oz (60 ml) cranberry juice. Stir gently to mix.
Sweeten (Optional): Add ½ oz (15 ml) cranberry syrup if you want a slightly sweeter drink. Skip it if you prefer more tartness.
Pour in 4–6 oz (120–180 ml) chilled ginger beer. Stir lightly to combine but don’t overmix—keep that fizz alive.
Garnish: Drop in a few fresh cranberries, add a mint sprig, and perch a lime wedge on the rim for that festive finish.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy right away while it’s cold and bubbly. The ginger beer’s spice hits first, followed by the tart cranberry and smooth vodka finish.

Tip: If you’re making a batch for guests, mix all ingredients except the ginger beer in a pitcher ahead of time. When serving, just pour over ice and top with ginger beer for instant freshness.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Even though this isn’t “cooked,” there are still a few tricks to getting your Cranberry Moscow Mule just right.

Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled juice can taste bitter and flat. Freshly squeezed lime makes a world of difference.
Chill Everything: The colder your ingredients, the longer your drink stays crisp. I even pop the vodka in the freezer for an hour before mixing.
Don’t Over-Stir: Too much stirring kills carbonation. A quick swirl is all you need.
Adjust Sweetness: Start with less syrup—you can always add more if needed. The ginger beer already adds a touch of sweetness.
Batch It Smartly: For larger gatherings, make a base mix of everything except ginger beer. Add the fizz right before serving so it stays bubbly.

I’ve learned the hard way that using overly sweet cranberry juice or ginger ale instead of ginger beer changes everything—so stick to ginger beer for that authentic kick. And if you ever find it too tart, toss in a few muddled raspberries to mellow it out without losing color.

Variations & Adaptations

Once you master the classic Cranberry Moscow Mule, there are endless ways to tweak it to your liking.

Spiced Mule: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for a cozy, wintery feel.
Non-Alcoholic Mule: Skip the vodka and use sparkling water or club soda instead. Still festive, still flavorful.
Low-Sugar Mule: Use diet ginger beer or omit the syrup for a lighter version.
Orange-Cranberry Twist: Add a splash of fresh orange juice for a citrusy variation that feels like holiday sunshine.
Frozen Cranberry Mule: Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy treat—perfect for warmer climates celebrating Christmas in the sun.

My personal favorite? A rosemary-infused version. Just muddle a small sprig of rosemary in the mug before adding the other ingredients. It adds that earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with cranberry and lime.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Cranberry Moscow Mule ice-cold, straight from the copper mug. It’s best enjoyed immediately while the ginger beer’s fizz is lively and the ice hasn’t melted too much.

Serving Temperature: Always chilled; the colder, the better.
Presentation: Garnish with floating cranberries, mint leaves, and a lime wedge. For an extra festive touch, dust a little sugar on the rim.
Pairing Ideas: Goes wonderfully with savory appetizers like bacon-wrapped dates or creamy cheese dips.
Storage: If you’ve made a batch mix (without ginger beer), keep it sealed in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add ginger beer only when serving.
Reheating: None needed—just chill and serve.

Over time, the cranberry flavor deepens slightly, so if you let a pre-mixed batch sit overnight, it becomes even more flavorful. Just remember to give it a gentle stir before pouring.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each serving of this Cranberry Moscow Mule contains roughly 180–200 calories, depending on your syrup and ginger beer choices.

Cranberries: Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.
Lime: Adds natural vitamin C and helps balance the body’s pH.
Ginger: Known for aiding digestion and warming the body—perfect for cold nights.
Vodka: Moderate alcohol content; enjoy responsibly.

For those watching sugar intake, use unsweetened cranberry juice and low-sugar ginger beer. Gluten-free drinkers can rest easy—most vodka and ginger beers are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Moscow Mule recipe is everything a holiday cocktail should be—easy, beautiful, and bursting with flavor. It’s festive without being fussy, and you can make it for one or for a crowd in minutes. Every sip brings that perfect balance of tart cranberry and spicy ginger that just tastes like winter celebration.

I love this drink because it reminds me of cozy family nights, laughter around the table, and that first snow outside. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s become my go-to holiday cocktail. Make it your own, share it with loved ones, and if you do, let me know how it turned out—I’d love to hear your twist on it!

Cheers to good company, good memories, and one seriously good cocktail.

FAQs

Can I make a Cranberry Moscow Mule without alcohol?

Absolutely! Just skip the vodka and use sparkling water or club soda instead for a refreshing mocktail version.

What’s the best ginger beer for this recipe?

I recommend a strong, spicy ginger beer like Fever-Tree or Bundaberg. Avoid ginger ale—it’s too sweet and lacks the kick.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch. Just check that it’s 100% juice with no added sugar.

How can I make this drink ahead of time for a party?

Mix everything except ginger beer in a pitcher and chill. Add the ginger beer right before serving to keep the fizz fresh.

Is it okay to use sweetened cranberry juice?

Yes, but it will make the drink sweeter. I prefer unsweetened juice for that crisp tartness that balances the ginger beer perfectly.

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