Irresistible Cranberry Moscow Mule Cocktail
A festive twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this Cranberry Moscow Mule Cocktail combines tart cranberries, zesty lime, and spicy ginger beer for a refreshing and vibrant holiday drink perfect for any celebration.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh sieve
- Copper mug or tumbler
- Bar spoon
- Measuring cups and jigger
Ingredients
Cranberry Syrup
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries whole, not dried
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 orange zest optional
Cocktail
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry syrup homemade or store-bought
- ½ oz fresh lime juice about half a lime
- 4 oz ginger beer chilled
- ice cubes for serving
Garnish
- fresh cranberries for garnish
- lime wedges or wheels for garnish
- fresh mint sprigs optional
- rosemary sprig optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until cranberries pop and soften (about 5 minutes).
- Continue simmering for another 3–5 minutes until the liquid thickens into a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- Strain the cranberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing solids to extract as much syrup as possible. Let cool completely.
- Fill a copper mug or tumbler with ice cubes. Pour in vodka, cranberry syrup, and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently with a bar spoon for about 10 seconds to combine.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, lime wedge, and a sprig of mint or rosemary. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftover cranberry syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use it to make more cocktails or drizzle over pancakes or desserts. For a non-alcoholic version, omit vodka and add more ginger beer or sparkling water.