Honestly, I love making drinks that look impressive but are still easy enough to whip up at home. The Dry Ice Cranberry Moscow Mule is kind of a playful twist on the classic, and it’s perfect for parties—or just whenever I want to feel a little fancy.
This recipe walks you through using dry ice safely to give a cranberry Moscow Mule that cool, smoky vibe and a nice burst of tart flavor.
With just a few ingredients, a bit of dry ice, and some super simple steps, you can make a drink that looks and tastes awesome. That dry ice effect? It always gets people talking.
Cranberry brings a refreshing note, and if you want to wow your guests or just try something new, I’d say keep reading for everything you’ll need.
Dry Ice Cranberry Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe
This Dry Ice Cranberry Moscow Mule brings a fizzy kick and a bold cranberry flavor. I like to keep things straightforward and use fresh ingredients so every glass is crisp and flavorful.
Equipment
- Copper mugs: These keep the cocktail super cold, which is honestly half the fun.
- Jigger: Makes measuring vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice way easier.
- Bar spoon: Stirring evenly helps mix everything just right.
- Shaker: Sometimes I’ll use this if I want the mix extra smooth, especially if I’m adding simple syrup.
- Strainer: Handy for pouring out the liquid if you use a shaker.
- Ice scoop: For tossing in ice cubes or crushed ice quickly.
- Tongs: I always grab dry ice with these—never my hands.
- Knife and cutting board: For slicing limes and garnishes.
- Gloves: Absolutely necessary for handling dry ice.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka: I go with plain vodka for the cleanest taste.
- 2 oz cranberry juice: 100% cranberry juice gives a stronger, tart flavor.
- ½ oz fresh lime juice: Fresh-squeezed is best, trust me.
- 4 oz ginger beer: Adds fizz and that spicy ginger bite.
- ½ oz simple syrup (optional): If you like it sweeter, add this.
- Ice cubes or crushed ice: Enough to fill your mug.
- Dry ice (small pieces): For the smoky, bubbling effect.
- Fresh cranberries: Just a few for color.
- Lime wheel or wedge: Garnish, one per mug.
- Mint leaves or rosemary sprig: Either works for a fresh aroma.
Instructions
- Fill your copper mug with ice cubes or crushed ice.
- Pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.
- Add simple syrup now if you want it sweeter.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon so everything mixes well.
- Top with ginger beer, pouring slowly to keep the fizz.
- Using tongs and gloves, carefully add a small piece of dry ice to each mug.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, a lime wheel or wedge, and a sprig of mint or rosemary.
- Let the dry ice bubble and fog for a bit before you sip (wait until the fog slows down).
Notes
I never touch dry ice with bare skin and always make sure nobody accidentally swallows it. The bubbling looks awesome, but I always wait for the dry ice to dissolve before drinking.
Copper mugs aren’t just for show—they keep the drink super cold. Fresh lime juice and good ginger beer make a big difference in flavor.
If I want more color, I’ll float a few cranberries or add a rosemary sprig. I don’t overfill the mug or cram in too much ice. Just a little garnish—mint, rosemary, lime, or even an extra splash of cranberry juice—goes a long way.
Equipment
- Copper mug (or sturdy glass)
- Jigger or measuring shot glass
- Cocktail shaker (optional)
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz cranberry juice 100% juice or sweetened, your choice
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- ½ oz simple syrup optional, for extra sweetness
- Ice cubed or crushed
- For Garnish:
- Fresh cranberries
- Lime wheel or wedge
- Mint leaves or rosemary sprig
- Small piece of food-safe dry ice for dramatic fog
Instructions
- Add vodka, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.
- Add simple syrup if a sweeter drink is preferred.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
- Top with ginger beer, pouring slowly to preserve the fizz.
- Garnish with cranberries, lime wedge, and mint or rosemary sprig.
- Wait until the dry ice fog begins to slow down before sipping.
Tasting Notes
First sip? The crisp, tart cranberry flavor hits right away. That brightness blends smoothly with the lime.
The chill from the dry ice makes the drink extra refreshing, which I really appreciate during holiday parties. There’s definitely a spicy kick from the ginger beer—it lingers a bit after each sip.
I think the spice balances out the cranberry, so the drink isn’t overly sweet.
Here’s what stands out in every sip:
- Crisp cranberry
- Lime freshness
- Spicy ginger
- Hint of sweetness
- Icy chill from dry ice
The ginger beer bubbles make it fizzy and just fun to drink. I love how the dry ice smoke adds a festive look but doesn’t mess with the flavor.
This cocktail feels special and lively—definitely something I’d share with friends at a holiday get-together. The flavors are balanced, so the drink stays light and tasty.
Must Have Ingredients
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
|
Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
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 |
|
Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
|
Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
|
WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
|
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 |
|
Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
|
Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
|
Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
|
Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
|
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 |
Substitute
Sometimes I just don’t have all the classic ingredients for a Moscow Mule. No big deal—there are a few easy swaps that’ll still get you a tasty drink.
If I’m out of vodka, I’ll grab gin or even tequila. Sure, the flavor changes, but honestly, it’s a fun twist and still delicious.
Making a non-alcoholic version? I just skip the booze. That’s called a mocktail, if you didn’t know.
I’ll use cranberry juice and ginger beer as usual, but leave out any spirits.
No ginger beer? I’ll use ginger ale instead. It’s sweeter, not as spicy—maybe not traditional, but still really refreshing.
Ingredients:
- Vodka, gin, or tequila
- Ginger beer or ginger ale
- Cranberry juice
- Lime juice
- Ice
Equipment:
- Copper mug or glass
- Spoon for stirring
- Jigger for measuring
Instructions:
- Pour your spirit or substitute into the mug.
- Add cranberry juice and ginger beer (or ginger ale).
- Squeeze in some lime juice.
- Toss in ice and mix gently.
