Cranberry Moscow Mule

There’s nothing quite like a good cocktail that feels both refreshing and festive, and that’s exactly what the cranberry Moscow mule delivers. This drink takes the crisp, gingery bite of a classic Moscow mule and dresses it up with the tart brightness of cranberry—perfect for cozy fall nights, holiday gatherings, or even a casual evening when you just want a little something special in your glass.

What I love most about this cranberry Moscow mule recipe is how effortless it is. You don’t need fancy bar tools or hard-to-find ingredients—just vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice, lime, and a few cranberries for garnish if you’re feeling a bit extra. It’s one of those cocktails that tastes like you spent time crafting it, but really comes together in minutes. That’s my kind of holiday mule cocktail.

This drink shines especially during the cooler months. Think of it as a fall cranberry cocktail that transitions seamlessly into the holiday season. It has the zing you want in an easy Moscow mule recipe, but the cranberry twist makes it more festive and seasonally appropriate. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner and need a refreshing round of thanksgiving mule drinks, or you’re gathering with friends for a low-key holiday evening, this fall Moscow mule will fit right in.

And don’t underestimate its versatility—it’s as good for a casual Friday night as it is for a holiday toast. It’s light, refreshing, and has just the right balance of tart and sweet. Plus, serving it in those classic copper mugs adds a little sparkle to your drink station, instantly elevating the vibe. Honestly, this holiday Moscow mule might just become your new go-to cocktail recipe all season long.

Why You’ll Love It

• Festive but simple – This cranberry Moscow mule recipe looks like you went all out, but it only takes a few minutes to mix together. Perfect for when you want something impressive without the effort.
• Seasonal flavors in every sip – The tart cranberry paired with zingy ginger beer makes this fall cranberry cocktail taste like autumn and the holidays wrapped into one.
• Works for any occasion – From Thanksgiving mule drinks to Christmas parties or just a cozy night in, this holiday mule cocktail is versatile enough to fit any vibe.
• Copper mug magic – There’s just something about serving a Moscow mule recipe in that chilled copper mug—it keeps the drink icy cold and instantly makes it feel more special.
• Easy to customize – Like your cocktails a little sweeter? Add a splash of simple syrup. Want it stronger? Go for a higher-proof vodka. It’s an easy Moscow mule recipe that’s super forgiving.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 2 oz cranberry juice (100% juice if possible)
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• 4–6 oz ginger beer
• Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Ingredient Notes

• Vodka – Use a good-quality vodka that you enjoy sipping. I usually go for Tito’s because it’s smooth and doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
• Cranberry juice – I recommend 100% cranberry juice if you like a tart bite. If you prefer it a little sweeter, you can use cranberry juice cocktail. Either way, it’s what gives this fall Moscow mule its seasonal flair.
• Lime juice – Freshly squeezed is always better! Bottled lime juice just doesn’t bring the same brightness. Don’t skip this—it balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Ginger beer – This is where the magic happens. A spicy, bold ginger beer (like Fever-Tree or Bundaberg) makes all the difference compared to milder brands.
• Fresh cranberries – Totally optional, but I love tossing a few in for garnish. They float on top, look gorgeous, and instantly make this holiday mule cocktail feel party-ready.
• Copper mug – Not technically an ingredient, but worth mentioning. The copper keeps your drink icy cold and adds that classic mule presentation. It’s part of the experience!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Copper mugs – For that frosty-cold, classic mule experience. I use hammered copper mugs because they hold the chill longer and look beautiful on the table.
• Cocktail jigger (or shot glass) – For measuring out your vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice so the flavors stay balanced.
• Citrus juicer or reamer – Makes squeezing fresh lime juice way easier (and you’ll get every last drop).
• Bar spoon (or any long spoon) – For gently stirring without losing the fizz from the ginger beer.
• Ice cube tray – Big cubes are my go-to; they melt slower and keep the drink from watering down too fast.

Instructions

1. Chill the copper mugs

• Pop your mugs into the freezer while you gather ingredients (10–15 minutes is perfect).
• A frosty mug keeps your cranberry Moscow mule crisp and icy to the last sip.
• Pro tip: If you’re short on time, fill the mug with ice water for 2–3 minutes, then dump it out before building the drink.

2. Prep the lime

• Roll the lime on the counter with your palm to loosen the juices.
• Slice in half and juice enough for ½ oz per drink (about 1 tablespoon).
• Cut a couple of wedges for garnish.
• Pro tip: Fresh juice makes a big difference in any Moscow mule recipe—skip the bottled stuff if you can.

3. Fill with ice

• Add large, fresh ice cubes to the chilled mug—right up to the top.
• Larger cubes melt slower, so your fall cranberry cocktail stays bold, not watered down.
• Pro tip: Freeze a handful of fresh cranberries and toss them in with the ice. They look gorgeous and act like mini ice cubes.

4. Measure and pour the base

• Add 2 oz vodka to the mug.
• Follow with 2 oz cranberry juice (100% juice for tart, cocktail blend for sweeter).
• Add ½ oz fresh lime juice.
• Give it a tiny swirl to marry the flavors.

5. Top with ginger beer

• Tilt the mug slightly and gently pour in 4–6 oz ginger beer (to taste).
• Stop when the mug is nearly full—the fizz is part of the magic.
• Pro tip: Open a fresh bottle or can. Flat ginger beer = flat holiday mule cocktail.

6. Stir softly

• Use a bar spoon (or any long spoon) to stir from the bottom up 2–3 times.
• You’re combining without knocking out the bubbles.
• Pro tip: Over-stirring kills carbonation; think “gentle nudge,” not “whisk.”

7. Garnish and serve

• Add a lime wedge and a few cranberries on top.
• Optional: a tiny squeeze of lime over the surface brightens the first sip.
• Serve immediately in those frosty copper mugs and enjoy your easy Moscow mule recipe.

8. Pitcher option for parties (optional, but handy!)

• In a large pitcher, combine 2 cups vodka, 2 cups cranberry juice, and ½ cup fresh lime juice.
• Chill until guests arrive.
• When ready to serve, fill each mug with ice, pour the mix halfway, then top each mug with chilled ginger beer.
• Pro tip: Keep ginger beer out of the pitcher until serving so your thanksgiving mule drinks stay bubbly glass after glass—perfect for a fall Moscow mule or any holiday Moscow mule spread.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Chill everything – Cold mugs, cold ginger beer, cold cranberry juice. The colder the ingredients, the more refreshing your drink will be.
• Taste as you go – Some people like it more tart, others sweeter. Adjust the cranberry juice or ginger beer ratio to match your preference.
• Don’t skimp on the ginger beer – This is the backbone of any Moscow mule recipe. A bold, spicy brand makes all the difference.
• Fresh garnish = presentation boost – A handful of cranberries and a lime wedge instantly make your fall cranberry cocktail look party-ready.
• Mix gently – Stirring too much kills carbonation, so just give it a soft swirl before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Make it sweeter – Swap cranberry juice for cranberry cocktail juice, or add a splash of simple syrup.
• Add a herbal twist – Muddle a sprig of rosemary or mint in the mug before pouring for an aromatic holiday mule cocktail.
• Switch the spirit – Try gin for a floral edge, bourbon for a warmer fall Moscow mule, or even tequila for a cranberry mule margarita twist.
• Make it sparkling – Replace half the ginger beer with club soda for a lighter, fizzier version.
• Go festive – Add a splash of orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec) for a citrusy holiday Moscow mule perfect for parties.
• Mocktail version – Skip the vodka and use extra cranberry juice or a cranberry sparkling water for an easy, family-friendly thanksgiving mule drink.

Serving Suggestions

• Thanksgiving starter – I love serving this cranberry Moscow mule as a welcome drink before dinner—it sets a festive tone and pairs beautifully with appetizers like cheese boards or spiced nuts.
• Holiday party sipper – Make a pitcher and let guests top their mugs with ginger beer for a DIY holiday mule cocktail station. It’s fun and interactive!
• Cozy night in – Pair this fall cranberry cocktail with a warm blanket, a good movie, and maybe a bowl of popcorn. Simple but so satisfying.
• Weekend brunch twist – Swap out the usual mimosa for a lighter, tangy cranberry mule—so refreshing with brunch classics like waffles or quiche.
• Personal fave – I love enjoying mine alongside a slice of leftover pumpkin pie. The tart cranberry balances the sweetness perfectly!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Best enjoyed fresh – Moscow mules (especially with ginger beer) are fizziest and most flavorful right after mixing.
• Short-term storage – If you make a large batch (without ginger beer), keep the vodka-cranberry-lime mix in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Add ginger beer last – Always pour ginger beer right before serving to keep the bubbles alive.
• No reheating needed – This is a cold cocktail; just keep it chilled. If it warms up, add fresh ice and a splash of ginger beer to revive it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong is a cranberry Moscow mule?

It’s fairly light compared to many cocktails—usually around the same strength as a glass of wine, depending on how much vodka you use. You can always adjust to your taste.

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

Yes! Mix the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice in advance and keep it chilled. Just add ginger beer and garnish when serving so it stays fizzy and fresh.

What’s the best ginger beer to use?

Go for a bold, spicy brand like Fever-Tree, Bundaberg, or Gosling’s. A strong ginger beer makes the biggest difference in flavor.

Can I make it without alcohol?

Absolutely! Just skip the vodka and add more cranberry juice or even a splash of sparkling water. It still makes a delicious holiday mule cocktail that everyone can enjoy.

Do I need copper mugs?

Not necessarily—you can use any glass. But copper mugs really do keep the drink colder for longer and give you that authentic Moscow mule vibe.

Can I use flavored vodka?

Definitely! Citrus- or cranberry-flavored vodka adds an extra layer of flavor and works beautifully in this easy Moscow mule recipe.

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Did you try this cranberry Moscow mule recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out—I’d love to hear if you made any fun twists of your own!