Holiday Mule with Cranberry Cocktail Recipe

The holiday season always feels like the right excuse to try something new—especially when it comes to drinks. I really enjoy making festive cocktails that are easy, a little playful, and packed with those cozy, seasonal flavors.

My Holiday Mule with Cranberry is one of those simple holiday cocktail recipes that just pops on the table and tastes as bright as it looks.

This cranberry cocktail isn’t just for parties, though it’s a hit there. It pairs up nicely with pretty much any holiday appetizer or cranberry dish you can think of.

The combo of ginger beer, lime, and cranberry is so refreshing—honestly, it’s a cheerful drink you’ll probably want to make again.

Holiday Mule With Cranberry Cocktail Recipe

This is a fun take on the classic Moscow Mule—just swap in cranberry juice and toss in some fresh cranberries for that festive vibe.

I keep coming back to these every December because they’re quick to make, look gorgeous, and have that crisp, refreshing taste.

Equipment

• Copper mugs (they look great and keep things icy cold)
• Cocktail shaker (helps everything mix together fast)
• Measuring jigger (for the vodka and juice—eyeballing is tempting, but I try to measure)
• Bar spoon (for a good stir)
• Citrus juicer (fresh lime is worth the tiny bit of effort)
• Ice cubes (fill those mugs up!)
• Muddler (only if you want to smash up cranberries or mint)
• Small plate (for lime wedges or garnishes)
• Strainer (if you can’t stand bits of cranberry or mint floating around)

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka (plain works, but cranberry vodka is fun if you’ve got it)
• 2 oz cranberry juice cocktail (not the unsweetened kind—it needs a little sweetness)
• 1/2 oz lime juice (fresh is best)
• 4 oz ginger beer
• Club soda (optional, if you like things a bit lighter)
• 5-6 fresh or frozen cranberries (for garnish and a little flavor)
• 1 small bunch mint leaves (for garnish)
• 1 small rosemary sprig (optional, but the piney smell is so festive)
• 1-2 lime wedges (garnish and a tangy kick)
• Crushed or cubed ice (enough to fill your mug)

Instructions

• Fill a copper mug with ice cubes—go almost to the top.
• Add the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker, toss in a few ice cubes too.
• Shake it up for about 10 seconds, just until it’s nice and cold.
• Strain that mix into your mug, right over the ice.
• Pour in the ginger beer. Sometimes I top it off with a splash of club soda if I want it less sweet.
• Give it a gentle stir with your bar spoon.
• Garnish with a handful of cranberries, a rosemary sprig, a few mint leaves, and a lime wedge on the rim.
• Pop in a straw, or just sip straight from the mug.

Notes

Copper mugs really do keep the drink colder, and honestly, they just make it feel more special. If you’re not big on sweet drinks, club soda is a super easy fix for that.

Flavored vodka—cranberry or citrus—works surprisingly well and gives the berry flavor a little boost.

Fresh cranberries look best for garnish, but I’ve used frozen plenty of times and nobody complains. Sometimes I’ll muddle a few cranberries and mint leaves in the mug before building the drink—it gives the aroma a little extra something.

If you want less ginger kick, just add more cranberry juice or club soda. Making a batch for a crowd? Multiply the recipe by however many mugs you need and mix it all in a pitcher before pouring over ice.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the crisp, refreshing kick from the ginger beer hits me right away. It’s got a little bit of spice, but honestly, not so much that it overwhelms my taste buds.

Then comes the cranberry. Tart and fruity, it kind of reminds me of fall and winter—maybe it’s just the association, but I can’t help thinking of holidays.

And the color? That bright red looks so festive swirling around in my glass.

Lime juice jumps in with a tangy edge. I feel like it really helps cut through the sweetness from the cranberry and ginger beer.

The whole thing doesn’t end up too sugary, which I appreciate.

Vodka is there, but it’s smooth and gentle, hanging out in the background. I can taste it, sure, but it’s not trying to steal the spotlight.

Everything just blends together in a way that feels light but still full of flavor.

If I toss in a few fresh cranberries or maybe a sprig of mint, there’s this extra burst of aroma. Honestly, it just makes the whole thing feel a bit more special.