Cranberry Ginger Vodka Mule Cocktail Recipe

Cranberry and ginger just work together in a drink. When I’m craving something refreshing with a little edge, I reach for a Cranberry Ginger Vodka Mule.

This cocktail brings together cranberry juice, ginger beer, and vodka for a crisp, flavorful drink that’s honestly super easy to whip up at home.

The sweet-tart cranberry and spicy ginger have this way of playing off each other that I really like. Plus, that bright color in the glass? It’s a showstopper.

This recipe doesn’t ask much from you—no pro bartending skills required.

Cranberry Ginger Vodka Mule Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this Cranberry Ginger Vodka Mule for its bright flavors and festive look.

The combo of cranberry juice, ginger beer, and vodka is both refreshing and, honestly, so easy to pull together.

Equipment

• Copper mug (or just any sturdy glass, honestly)
• Jigger or a shot glass for measuring
• Cocktail spoon or whatever you like to stir with
• Ice scoop, or just grab some cubes with clean hands
• Knife and cutting board (for slicing lime)
• Small strainer if you’re picky about pulp
• Citrus squeezer (optional, but handy for fresh lime juice)

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 2 oz cranberry juice (sweetened or unsweetened, your call)
• 4 oz ginger beer (or ginger ale if you want it milder)
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Fresh lime slices, for garnish
• Fresh cranberries, for garnish (for that festive vibe)
• Simple syrup, to taste (optional)
• Sprig of rosemary, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Fill your mug or glass with ice, right up to the top.
• Pour in 2 oz of vodka.
• Add 2 oz of cranberry juice.
• Squeeze in 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice.
• Top with 4 oz of ginger beer (or ginger ale).
• Stir gently with your spoon to mix everything together.
• Give it a taste. Too tart? Add a splash of simple syrup and stir again.
• Garnish with a lime slice, a few cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary if you’re feeling fancy.

Notes

If you use 100% cranberry juice, it’s going to be pretty tart. I usually add a little simple syrup to balance it out.

Sweetened cranberry juice makes it softer, which some folks like better.

Copper mugs keep things icy-cold, but don’t stress if you only have a regular glass. Ginger beer packs a spicy punch, while ginger ale is lighter and sweeter.

Honestly, I skip the rosemary or cranberries if I don’t have them on hand. They look nice, but the drink’s still great without.

Fresh lime juice is worth it over bottled. Always taste before serving, and tweak the sweetness if you need to.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip of the Cranberry Ginger Vodka Mule, there’s this crisp tartness from the cranberry juice that hits right away. The ginger beer brings a gentle fizz that sort of dances on my tongue.

Here are some flavors I taste:

• Cranberry: Lightly sour and refreshing
• Ginger: Warm and a little spicy
• Vodka: Smooth and clean

The drink is sweet, but not too much. I get this balance between the fruit and the spice.

Texture:

• Effervescent and cold
• Slightly thick from the juice

If I add a squeeze of lime, suddenly there’s this brighter, tangier edge. The drink feels extra cool, especially when it’s poured over a pile of ice.

What stands out to me most is how the ginger beer and cranberry work together. One is zesty, and the other is tart. This mix makes each sip pretty lively.

I like how the flavors are straightforward. It’s easy to pick out each ingredient as I drink, and honestly, that’s part of the charm.