Orange Cranberry Mule Cocktail Recipe
The Orange Cranberry Mule is a tasty twist on the classic Moscow Mule. This drink combines zesty orange, tart cranberry, and spicy ginger beer for a refreshing mix of flavors. It’s a perfect cocktail for holiday parties or cozy nights at home.
The recipe is quick and easy to make. You only need a few simple ingredients and basic bar tools.
The bright orange and red colors make it look festive in a copper mug or glass.
This cocktail works well for many occasions. It can be a signature drink for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings. You can also enjoy it year-round as a fruity alternative to traditional mules.
Orange Cranberry Mule Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Copper mug or highball glass
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Bar spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Ice
Ingredients
For one cocktail, you’ll need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 4-6 oz ginger beer
- Ice
- Orange slice and fresh cranberries for garnish
Use high-quality vodka for the best taste. Fresh lime juice is better than bottled. Choose a spicy ginger beer for more kick.
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.
- Add vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a few fresh cranberries.
- Serve right away and enjoy!
The drink should be cold and fizzy. Adjust the ginger beer amount to taste. Stir before drinking to mix the flavors.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Orange Cranberry Mule offers a lively blend of flavors. Its taste profile combines sweet, tart, and spicy notes.
The cocktail starts with a bright citrus burst from fresh orange juice. Cranberry adds a tart punch that balances the sweetness.
Ginger beer brings a spicy kick and effervescence. This creates a refreshing fizz on the tongue.
Vodka provides a smooth, neutral base that lets the other flavors shine. It adds warmth without overpowering the drink.
The lime juice contributes a zesty touch that enhances the other fruits. It also adds a hint of sourness.
The drink’s aroma is fruity and inviting. It mixes scents of orange, cranberry, and ginger.
Temperature affects the taste. When ice-cold, the flavors are crisp and refreshing. As it warms, the fruity notes become more pronounced.
The Orange Cranberry Mule leaves a pleasant aftertaste. It’s a mix of lingering fruit flavors with a gentle ginger warmth.
Substitute
Orange cranberry mules can be made with different ingredients if the original ones aren’t available. Vodka is the standard spirit, but gin or white rum work well too. For a non-alcoholic version, use extra ginger beer or club soda instead.
No cranberries? Try pomegranate juice or seeds. They give a similar tart flavor and pretty color. Frozen cranberries can replace fresh ones in a pinch.
If oranges are scarce, tangerines or clementines make good stand-ins. Their juice and zest add a nice citrus pop. Lime juice works as a sub for orange juice too, though it changes the flavor profile a bit.
No ginger beer? Mix ginger ale with a dash of ginger juice or grated fresh ginger. This mimics ginger beer’s spicy kick. Plain soda water plus a sweetener like simple syrup can work in a pinch.
Fresh mint isn’t crucial, but adds a nice touch. If you don’t have any, skip it or try a small amount of dried mint. A cinnamon stick can offer a different but complementary flavor.
For garnish, use what’s on hand. Orange slices, lime wedges, or even apple slices can work. The goal is to make the drink look appealing and add a hint of extra flavor.