This cranberry Moscow mule is the perfect holiday beverage! The tart cranberries, zippy ginger, and fresh mint make for a delicious semi-sweet, semi-spiced cocktail. It’s perfect for holiday dinner parties or for entertaining guests anytime this season.
This cranberry Moscow mule is one of those drinks I reach for again and again during the holidays. Cranberry and vodka are a classic pairing on their own, but when you add spicy ginger beer, the drink becomes bright, lightly sweet, and pleasantly sharp, with a bit of sophistication. It’s festive without being fussy and has just the right balance of sweet, tart, and spice.
What I love most is how effortless it is. Like all mule cocktails, the recipe couldn’t be simpler, yet serving it in a copper mug with a few thoughtful garnishes makes it feel special—almost like you put in far more effort than you actually did. It’s also easy to scale up if you’re entertaining; turning it into a pitcher takes minutes and looks beautiful with floating cranberries and fresh mint.
The base stays true to the spirit of a classic mule : ginger beer and vodka, with a bright, acidic element to keep the drink refreshing. Instead of lime juice, I use pure cranberry juice—its naturally tart flavor mimics lime’s sharpness while adding that gorgeous ruby color and a festive twist. Finished with spicy ginger beer and dressed up with cranberries, mint, or a lime wedge, this cranberry mule is crisp, vibrant, and perfect for the holiday season.
How to make a cranberry Moscow mule pitcher
Having a signature cocktail at your next dinner party? Sounds like a fabulous idea! Here’s how to turn this single-serving cranberry mule into a pitcher’s worth:
Using the recipe below, turn every ounce into a cup. For this cranberry mule recipe, you’ll need 2 cups of vodka, 1 cup of cranberry juice, and 4 cups of ginger beer. You’ll also need extra garnish for your pitcher.
Can I use ginger ale instead?
Ginger ale will work in a pinch; however, it adds more sweetness to the drink and brings less ginger flavor.
Can I make this a cranberry mule mocktail?
Absolutely! If you can find non-alcoholic vodka, you can include it in this recipe. Or can simply omit it and still get the fizzy-festive flavors of the ginger and cranberry.
Do I need to use a copper mug for a cranberry Moscow mule?
You don’t need a copper mug or any fancy bar tools to make this drink if you don’t have them. This cocktail tastes just as good from a tall glass.
Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe
- Pin
Ingredients
- ▢ 2 ounces vodka
- ▢ 1 ounce cranberry juice (see notes)
- ▢ 4 ounces ginger beer
- ▢ Cranberries, lime wedges, and mint (to serve)
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice and then add the vodka and cranberry juice. Top with some ginger beer and then give your mule a quick stir. 2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce cranberry juice, 4 ounces ginger beer
- Garnish with some cranberries, lime wedges, and mint and serve right away. Cranberries, lime wedges, and mint
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Festive cocktail recipes
Lean into the flavors of the Christmas season with some of these festive cocktail recipes.
Christmas Mimosa
Cranberry Bourbon Sour
Spiked Hot Apple Cider
Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy Recipe
Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce cranberry juice , see notes
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- Cranberries, lime wedges, and mint , to serve
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice and then add the vodka and cranberry juice. Top with some ginger beer and then give your mule a quick stir. 2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce cranberry juice, 4 ounces ginger beer
- Garnish with some cranberries, lime wedges, and mint and serve right away. Cranberries, lime wedges, and mint
