Cranberry Moscow Mule cocktails bring a tart twist to the classic drink. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or just when you want something refreshing.

This simple recipe mixes vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and cranberry juice for a balanced cocktail that comes together in minutes. That bold red color? It’s a showstopper on any table, honestly.

The copper mug isn’t just for looks—it keeps the drink icy cold and somehow makes the flavors pop. Fresh lime juice really does make a difference, and a good, spicy ginger beer is worth seeking out.

The cranberry doesn’t just add color; it brings a pleasant tartness that cuts through the sweetness.

Cranberry Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe

This cranberry spin on the classic Moscow Mule is bright, tart, and festive. It’s a great pick for holiday parties or whenever you want a drink with a bit of zing.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Copper mug (classic for Moscow Mules)

Jigger or measuring tool
Bar spoon: For mixing.
Knife and cutting board for garnishes

Ice bucket

Ingredients

For each cocktail, you’ll want:

2 oz vodka
1 oz cranberry juice 100% juice, not the sweet stuff

½ oz fresh lime juice
4 oz ginger beer definitely not ginger ale
Ice cubes

Garnish options:

Fresh cranberries
Lime wheel or wedge
Rosemary sprig optional

Mint leaves optional

Instructions

Fill your copper mug with ice—about three-quarters full does the trick.
Pour in vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Use that jigger for accuracy.

Top with ginger beer. Pour it in slowly so you keep all those bubbles.
Stir gently with a bar spoon. You want to mix, not flatten the fizz.
Add garnishes. Float a few cranberries, perch a lime wheel on the rim, and toss in a rosemary sprig or mint if you like.

Serve right away while it’s cold and bubbly. The drink should have that gorgeous pink-red color, and the garnishes add a nice aromatic touch.

Notes

Want more cranberry flavor? Bump it up to 1½ oz cranberry juice. Prefer it less sweet? Try diet ginger beer or squeeze in more lime.

Making these for a crowd? Just multiply everything by the number of servings. Add the ginger beer at the last minute so it stays fizzy.

For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka and add a splash more cranberry juice. Still delicious, honestly.

Frozen cranberries make great ice cubes—they keep your drink cold and look super festive.

Must Have Ingredients

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	Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack	Buy On Amazon
	Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer	Buy On Amazon
	Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave	Buy On Amazon
	Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale	Buy On Amazon
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	Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar	Buy On Amazon
	Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup	Buy On Amazon
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	Original Bloody Mary Mix	Buy On Amazon
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	Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners	Buy On Amazon
	1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer	Buy On Amazon
	Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker	Buy On Amazon
	Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails	Buy On Amazon

Tasting Notes

The Cranberry Moscow Mule is bright and refreshing, with layers of flavor that unfold as you sip. It’s tart, but not in an overpowering way.

Your first sip hits with that crisp, tangy cranberry. Then the ginger beer comes through—warm, spicy, a little tickle at the back of your throat.

Lime brings in a fresh citrus note that keeps things lively. The vodka? It stays in the background, just tying everything together.

Flavor Highlights:

Initial taste: Tart cranberry, a hint of sweetness
Mid-palate: Spicy ginger warmth
Finish: Clean, crisp lime and subtle vodka

If it’s properly chilled in a copper mug, the flavors stay sharp and the drink doesn’t warm up too fast. The copper even adds a little something to the experience—hard to explain, but you’ll notice it.

Ginger beer’s bubbles bring everything together, keeping the drink light and lively. It’s not too sweet, not too strong—just easy to sip, honestly.

Substitutes

If you’re out of cranberry juice for your Moscow Mule, pomegranate juice is a solid stand-in. It’s got that tartness and keeps your drink looking bold—though the taste shifts a bit, in a good way.

Ginger beer is classic for this cocktail. Still, if you’re in a bind, ginger ale will do, though it’s definitely sweeter and not as punchy.

Vodka not your thing, or maybe you just ran out? Swap it out with:

Gin, for a more herbal kick

White rum, if you want things a little sweeter
Tequila—why not mix things up?

No lime juice on hand? Lemon juice steps in pretty well. It’s tart, so it’ll play nicely with cranberry, but expect a slightly different vibe.

Going booze-free? Just use more ginger beer or a splash of sparkling water instead of vodka. It actually makes a super refreshing mocktail—good for anyone skipping the alcohol.

Don’t stress about copper mugs, either. Any highball glass or even a tumbler will get the job done for your Cranberry Moscow Mule.

Cranberry Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe