Cranberry Moscow Mule Vodka Cocktail

The Moscow Mule is one of the classics of the world of vodka cocktails.  And like many of the classics, it has led to a whole range of related drinks that are inspired by the original.  This Cranberry Moscow Mule is the perfect variety for a holiday party or get-together during the holiday season and just adds cranberry juice to the classic recipe.  

Can I substitute another fruit for the cranberry juice flavour?

Cranberry is definitely a favourite for a holiday version of the recipe but you can easily substitute the cranberry juice for something else.  Orange juice with lime, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries or even grapefruit juices will all add their own unique flavour to the drink so give them a try.  Just switch the garnish accordingly!

Why do you need to be careful shaking the drink?

An important tip to remember when you make the drink is that you can follow the instructions and shake the ingredients without the ginger beer in the shaker or you will have a fizzy mess!  Alternatively, if you don’t have a cocktail shaker, put everything into the copper cups and stir it with a bar spoon.  Don’t overstir it or you’ll make the ginger beer flat and a bit sad.

What you need to make a Cranberry Moscow Mule

• 3 ounces vodka (premium quality vodka gets the best results)
• 1 ounce 100% cranberry juice (or juice from fresh cranberries)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 8 ounces ginger beer

How to make the cocktail

To make cranberry sprig garnish, carefully thread 3 fresh cranberries onto the bottom of each rosemary stem. 

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Shake well and pour into ice-filled copper mugs. Top off the mug with ginger beer and stir to combine. 

Garnish with rosemary sprigs and lime wedges, if desired. Serve immediately. 

Recipe Tips

If you want to make a non-alcoholic mocktail drink, just use club soda instead of vodka.  Remember, ginger beer might be called beer but it is alcohol-free!

While vodka is the classic type of alcohol for Moscow Mules, you can test it with rum or even gin if you want to.

Other variations to finish the drink include a sprig of rosemary for garnish or a lime wedge.  You can also use frozen cranberries for the garnish for a cranberry mule as they hold their shape for longer.