I’m taking all the classic Mule ingredients – vodka, lime, and ginger beer, and adding a seasonal twist perfect for fall, winter, and all the holidays. This cranberry Moscow Mule is refreshing, bubbly, sweet, tart, and festive; everything you want for entertaining for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A cranberry Moscow Mule is the perfect cocktail for when you want something refreshing with a seasonal twist. It takes the classic drink’s signature combination of zesty lime, spicy ginger beer, and smooth vodka, then adds a splash of tart cranberry juice for a festive, fruit-forward kick!
The result is crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet; a perfect balance that feels both bright and cozy.
It’s also a drink that suits any occasion.
I like to serve it as a crowd-pleasing sip for Thanksgiving, but during the holidays, its ruby-red hue looks stunning in a copper mug garnished with sugared cranberries or a sprig of rosemary.
It’s so easy to make and endlessly customizable, you can even enjoy one on any warm afternoon! The cranberry Moscow Mule offers everything you love about the original, but with an extra burst of color and seasonal cheer that makes it impossible not to love!
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Ingredients List
- 2 ounces vodka (cranberry flavored or plain)
- 1 ounce 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- 3 ounces ginger beer (can adjust based on glass size and desired strength)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- I’m using Deep Eddy cranberry vodka for extra flavor (Faber, Smirnoff, Boardroom, and Absolut also sometimes make cranberry offerings), but since it’s a seasonal option, you can definitely use regular vodka if it’s not available (you may want to add ½ to 1 ounce extra cranberry juice for flavor in this case though)
- For a sweeter drink, you can use cranberry juice cocktail (which is sweet) instead of 100% cranberry. It’s always easier to add vs remove which is why I use unsweet and adjust from there if needed
- Freshly-squeezed lime juice is truly best, but you can use bottled in a pinch!
Step By Step Instructions
- Fill a copper Mule mug (or similar) with crushed ice
- Add the cranberry vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice, and stir to combine
- Top with the ginger beer (pour slowly so it doesn’t bubble up and overflow)
- Garnish with a lime wheel, cranberries, and mint leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Appetizers & Snacks
- Cheese Board with Brie, Goat Cheese, and Aged Cheddar – The tangy, creamy, and sharp cheeses complement the cocktail’s tart-sweet flavor balance. Also try my Cranberry Baked Brie for a perfect pairing!
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon or Pears – The salty-sweet contrast highlights the Mule’s fruitiness
- Spiced Nuts or Maple-Roasted Pecans – Their warmth and crunch play beautifully with the ginger beer’s spice
- Cranberry Meatballs – A fun party pairing that mirrors the cocktail’s tart cranberry notes!
Main Dishes
- Roast Turkey or Chicken with Herbs – The citrus and cranberry flavors echo classic holiday pairings. Try my Bacon Wrapped Turkey Tenderloin with it!
- Grilled Salmon or Shrimp Skewers – The zesty lime and ginger cut through the richness of seafood
- Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Glaze – Reinforces the cranberry flavor in a savory way
- Citrus-Marinated Tacos (Fish or Chicken) – The bright, tangy drink balances spice and acidity in the tacos
Desserts
- Cranberry-Orange Bars – The tart, citrusy flavors make a seamless dessert pairing
- Gingerbread Cookies or Cake – The ginger in both the cocktail and dessert creates harmony. Try my Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookies!
- White Chocolate Cheesecake – The creaminess mellows the drink’s bite and highlights the fruit
- Apple Crisp or Pie – Warm spices and baked fruit complement the Mule’s crisp, refreshing finish. Air Fryer Apple Crisp is a great small-batch option!
Holiday & Themed Options
- Stuffed Mushrooms or Mini Pot Pies – Perfect cozy bites for fall and winter gatherings
- Cranberry-Brie Puff Pastry Bites – Both elegant and thematically perfect with the drink’s color and flavor. Try my Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites!
- Charcuterie Wreath or Festive Snack Board – Easy to serve and looks stunning next to red cocktails
Recipe FAQs
What’s The Difference Between A Moscow Mule And A Russian Mule?
The main difference is the type of spirit used. A Moscow Mule is made with vodka, while a Russian Mule typically uses gin or rum instead. The switch in base spirit changes the overall flavor; gin brings botanical notes, while rum adds warmth and sweetness.
Does Cranberry Go With Ginger Beer?
Absolutely! Cranberry and ginger beer are a natural match. The tartness of cranberry juice balances the sweet-spicy kick of ginger beer, creating a refreshing and festive flavor combination perfect for fall and winter occasions.
Can I Make A Mocktail Version?
Yes! To make a non-alcoholic cranberry Moscow Mule, simply replace the vodka with sparkling water (plain or cranberry) or cider, ginger ale, or extra ginger beer. The drink keeps its signature tangy-sweet flavor and fizz, making it a fun option for everyone to enjoy.
Can I Make A Pitcher Version For Parties?
Definitely! This cocktail scales beautifully for gatherings. Scale for desired servings, then stir gently in a pitcher or punch bowl with ice. Add the ginger beer last to preserve fizz, and offer Mule mugs along with garnishes for a classic presentation.
Tips For the Best Cranberry Moscow Mule
- You can add some frozen cranberries to the drink not only to add color, but to help cool the drink with less dilution than the ice
- Mule mugs vary in size. You’ll want to adjust the amount of ice and ginger beer to fit your mug. For very large mugs, you may want to use 1.5x the other ingredients to preserve proportions (though of course you can adjust all ingredients to suit you taste and strength preferences)
Serving and Presentation
- Use copper mugs for the best chill and classic Moscow Mule look. If unavailable, a rocks or highball glass also works well
- Garnish creatively! Try fresh cranberries, a sprig of fresh rosemary or mint, or a green lime wedge or wheel for color and fragrance
- For a festive twist, float a star anise pod or add a cinnamon stick for a holiday-style finish!
- Serve immediately after mixing to preserve the ginger beer’s fizz and crisp flavor!
- For a bigger batch for parties, pre-mix the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice; chill until ready to serve (up to 24 hours). Add ginger beer and ice just before pouring for maximum fizziness
Final Thoughts
This cranberry Mule is one of my favorite cocktails for Thanksgiving, but it’s great for any fall, winter, and the holiday season too. The flavor is the perfect pairing for your holiday appetizers, so you can be the host that all the guests rave about!
The cranberry juice flavor alongside clean vodka and fizzy ginger with a hint of citrus makes for a delicious combination. It’s sweet, tart, fizzy and versatile – what more could you want? Plus, you don’t need any special equipment and just minutes to make it.
It’s a perfect seasonal riff on the traditional Moscow Mule that’s sure to be a hit. For more great drinks you can try, check out all of my Cranberry Vodka Cocktails! Cheers!
Cranberry Moscow Mule
Equipment
- Copper Mule mug (or similar)
- Spoon (cutlery; for stirring)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka (cranberry flavored or plain)
- 1 ounce 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- 3 ounces ginger beer (can adjust based on glass size and desired strength)
- Lime wheel, mint, and cranberries for garnish (optional)
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- Fill a copper Mule mug (or similar) with crushed iceCrushed ice
- Add the cranberry vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice, and stir to combine2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce 100% cranberry juice, ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- Top with the ginger beer (pour slowly so it doesn’t bubble up and overflow)3 ounces ginger beer
- Garnish with a lime wheel, cranberries, and mint leaves if desired. Enjoy!Lime wheel, mint, and cranberries for garnish
Notes
- I use Deep Eddy cranberry vodka for extra flavor (Faber, Smirnoff, Boardroom, and Absolut also make a cranberry flavor), but since it’s a seasonal option, you can definitely use regular vodka if it’s not available (you may want to add a little extra cranberry juice for flavor in this case though)
- For a sweeter drink, you can use cranberry juice cocktail (which is sweet) instead of 100% cranberry. It’s always easier to add vs remove which is why I use unsweet and adjust from there if needed
- Freshly-squeezed lime juice is truly best, but you can use bottled in a pinch!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, size of glasses, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
