Classic Christmas Mule With Ginger Beer And Cranberry Juice Cocktail Recipe

When the holiday season rolls around, I’m always on the hunt for a festive cocktail that feels simple but still a little special. A Christmas Mule? It totally checks all the boxes—crisp ginger beer, tart cranberry juice, and smooth vodka.

This cocktail gives you a refreshing holiday twist on the classic Moscow Mule without being complicated.

I love how this drink balances that sweet and tangy vibe, and you still get the familiar mule kick from the ginger beer. Plus, the bright cranberry color just looks so cheerful in the glass—it’s honestly one of my favorite things to serve at any holiday get-together.

It looks festive and tastes even better than it looks.

Classic Christmas Mule With Ginger Beer And Cranberry Juice Cocktail Recipe

I usually make this drink when I’m craving something festive but don’t want to fuss too much. It’s got the sharpness from cranberry, spice from ginger beer, and a hit of lime to freshen things up.

The copper mug keeps it icy cold and, honestly, makes it feel like more of an occasion.

Equipment

I keep the tools pretty minimal—I mean, who wants to spend all night prepping? The copper Moscow mule mug is kind of non-negotiable for me because it chills the drink and just feels right.

• Copper mugs (Moscow mule mugs are my go-to)
• Cocktail shaker (sometimes, if I want things super smooth)
• Measuring jigger (so I don’t overdo the vodka, which… happens)
• Bar spoon (stirring without killing the fizz is key)
• Citrus juicer (handheld works, I’m not fancy)
• Ice scoop (less mess, less melted ice)

Honestly, using a cold mug and fresh ice makes a difference. Sometimes I skip the shaker, but if I’m feeling extra, I’ll use it to mix the juices and vodka before topping with ginger beer.

Ingredients

I’m picky about ingredients because the right stuff really pops. Tart cranberry and spicy ginger beer are the backbone, with lime to keep things bright.

• 2 oz vodka (plain or cranberry vodka if you want to lean into the berry thing)
• 2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or cocktail—depends how sweet you like it)
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• 4–6 oz ginger beer (gotta be cold)
• ½ oz simple syrup (totally optional, just if you like it sweeter)
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: fresh cranberries, lime wedge, rosemary sprig

I usually go for unsweetened cranberry juice because I like that sharper taste. If I’m using the sweetened stuff, I skip the syrup—nobody wants a sugar bomb.

Fresh lime juice is a must. Bottled just doesn’t cut it, in my opinion.

Instructions

I always build the drink right in the mug—less mess, and the ginger beer keeps its fizz. If I want everything super blended, I’ll shake the juices and vodka first.

• Fill your copper mug with ice cubes.
• Add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon.
• Top with ginger beer and give it one more light stir.
• Taste and add simple syrup if you want it sweeter.
• Garnish with fresh cranberries, a lime wedge, and a rosemary sprig.

I always pour the ginger beer last to keep it bubbly. Stirring just a bit helps blend everything but keeps the fizz alive.

Notes

I tweak the recipe depending on who’s drinking. If someone loves cranberry, I’ll up the juice and dial back the vodka. If they want it less sweet, I use unsweetened cranberry juice and skip the syrup.

Serving in a copper mug makes it way colder than glass—seriously, it’s worth it. If I don’t have one handy, I’ll go with a chilled highball, but it’s just not the same.

Sometimes I’ll swap in cranberry vodka for a deeper berry kick. If I want it lighter, I cut the vodka to 1.5 oz and add extra ginger beer.

A rosemary sprig isn’t just for looks—it smells amazing with every sip.

Tasting Notes

So, the first sip—yeah, it’s crisp and really refreshing. The ginger beer hits with this light spice right on my tongue, and then the cranberry juice sneaks in with a gentle tartness.

Lime juice? It brings this punchy, citrus edge that keeps the sweetness in check. I actually love how the flavors stay so clean and never get heavy or syrupy.

The vodka just kind of hangs out in the background, letting the ginger and cranberry do their thing. There’s a smooth warmth, but honestly, it never takes over.

The finish is a cool mix of spicy, tart, and a little sweet—I dig that. Plus, the cold copper mug keeps every sip super chilled, which somehow makes everything taste even sharper and more alive.

Honestly, the balance is what gets me. Nothing’s screaming for attention or fading away, and every sip just makes me want to go back for more.