Cranberry Lime Mule Cocktail Recipe

I’m always up for experimenting with drinks at home, and honestly, a Cranberry Lime Mule hits the spot. This cocktail recipe is tangy, refreshing, and comes together fast—perfect if you want a pop of flavor in every sip.

There’s something about cranberry, lime, and ginger beer together that just works. It’s a playful twist on the classic Moscow Mule, and I think most people would be into it.

When I tried this drink for the first time, I was honestly surprised at how a handful of ingredients could taste so good. If you’ve got vodka, cranberry juice, and limes hanging around, you’re already halfway there.

You can whip up a party-ready cocktail in just a few minutes. Whether you’re hosting friends or just chilling on your own, this recipe might sneak into your regular rotation.

Cranberry Lime Mule Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this Cranberry Lime Mule because it’s just so easy and honestly, super refreshing. Anyone can throw it together with a few basic tools and ingredients.

Equipment

• Copper mug (not required, but it does keep the drink colder)
• Bar spoon (for stirring, but a regular spoon is fine)
• Jigger or measuring cup (so you don’t go overboard)
• Citrus juicer (fresh lime juice makes a difference)
• Cocktail shaker (optional, if you like shaking things up)
• Ice scoop (makes handling ice less messy)

I’ll admit, the copper mug is kind of iconic—it keeps things frosty and looks cool. No mug? Any sturdy glass will do the trick.

A bar spoon is nice, but I’ve definitely used a kitchen spoon in a pinch.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
• Lime wedge or lime wheels (for garnish)
• Frozen cranberries (optional; works for chilling and garnish)

I usually go for unsweetened cranberry juice for that tart kick. Ginger beer gives it some spicy fizz, and fresh lime brightens everything up.

Bottled lime juice is fine in a pinch, but if you can, use fresh.

Instructions

• Fill your copper mug or glass halfway with ice cubes or frozen cranberries.
• Pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
• Give it a good stir with your spoon.
• Top off with ginger beer.
• Stir gently again—just enough to mix without killing the bubbles.
• Add more ice if you want.
• Garnish with cranberries and a lime wedge.

I like to roll the lime on the counter before cutting—it seems to help get more juice out. After adding the ginger beer, stir gently so you don’t end up with a fizzy mess.

Notes

You can play with the cranberry juice—add more for sweetness, less for tartness. Frozen cranberries are a neat trick; they chill your drink without watering it down.

If you’re out of vodka, plain club soda actually makes a nice, non-alcoholic version. I’ll sometimes use diet ginger beer if I’m trying to keep things lighter.

Don’t skimp on the ice—cold is key. For a festive vibe, I’ll thread a few cranberries onto a cocktail pick. If ginger beer is a bit much, ginger ale mellows it out.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of this Cranberry Lime Mule, the first thing I notice is the pop of tart cranberry flavor. It hits my taste buds with a bold, slightly sweet note.

Then, the lime juice comes through. It adds this zesty, fresh brightness that plays off the cranberry.

I think the combo keeps the drink from feeling too heavy or sugary. The ginger beer is strong but not overwhelming.

I taste the spicy, warm kick of ginger at the end of each sip. That gives the cocktail a bit of excitement, honestly.

I like to toss in a few mint leaves. The mint adds a hint of cool, herbal freshness.

If I gently press the mint with my fingers before dropping it in, it releases more of its aroma. That little step makes a surprising difference.

Sipping this cocktail feels refreshing, especially on a hot day. Every ingredient seems to have a purpose, making each mouthful crisp and lively.