White Cranberry Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe

A Moscow Mule’s always been one of my favorite cocktails, but lately I’ve been switching things up with white cranberry juice. This White Cranberry Moscow Mule keeps that refreshing kick from the classic, but the crisp, slightly tart flavor just feels right—honestly, it works for any season.

It looks so clean and bright in the glass. Whether I’m serving it at a get-together or just making one for myself on a quiet night, it always feels a bit special.

I love how easy it is to throw together. There’s the zing from ginger beer, the smooth vodka, and then the light fruitiness from the white cranberry juice—somehow, it all just works.

It’s a small twist on the usual cranberry Moscow Mule, but wow, it really changes up the taste and the whole vibe.

If you’re into cocktails that hit that sweet, tart, and spicy balance, you’ll probably like this one. The flavors stay light, super refreshing, and there’s just enough bite to keep things interesting.

White Cranberry Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this drink because it looks so crisp, tastes refreshing, and it’s ready in no time. The mix of vodka, ginger beer, and white cranberry juice is smooth, but there’s still a bit of a bite from the lime.

And when you toss in a few frozen cranberries? It looks instantly festive.

Equipment

• Copper mug – I always use one; it really does keep the drink colder.
• Cocktail jigger – Makes it easy to measure everything out.
• Bar spoon – Good for stirring without killing the fizz.
• Cutting board and knife – Just for slicing up a lime wedge.
• Ice scoop or small cup – Trust me, it’s less messy for adding crushed ice.
• Strainer (optional) – Sometimes I strain out lime pulp if I’m feeling picky.

Using the right tools actually makes a difference. Copper mugs especially—they keep things icy and the ginger beer stays nice and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 3 oz white cranberry juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Crushed ice (enough to fill the mug)
• Frozen cranberries (for garnish)
• 1 lime wedge (for garnish)

I go for white cranberry juice because it’s lighter in color and softer in flavor than the regular red stuff. Frozen cranberries are my go-to garnish—they look great and keep the drink cold without watering it down.

Instructions

• Fill a copper mug with crushed ice.
• Pour in vodka and white cranberry juice.
• Add fresh lime juice and give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon.
• Top with ginger beer, pouring slowly so you don’t lose all the fizz.
• Stir once more, but really, just lightly.
• Garnish with a lime wedge and a handful of frozen cranberries.

I always add the ginger beer last so it stays bubbly. And yeah, go easy on the stirring—it keeps the flavors mixed but doesn’t flatten the drink.

Notes

I’ve noticed chilled ingredients make a big difference. If the vodka, juice, or ginger beer is even a little warm, the ice just melts too fast and the drink gets watered down.

When I want more lime, I’ll squeeze in an extra wedge, no shame. And if I’m in the mood for sweeter, I’ll just use a ginger beer that’s got more sugar.

If I’m serving a crowd, I keep a bowl of frozen cranberries on hand so everyone can toss in a few more if they want. It looks bright, colorful, and honestly, it’s just fun.

Tasting Notes

I get a crisp balance of sweet and tart flavors in this cocktail. The white cranberry juice brings a lighter fruit note than regular cranberry, so the whole thing feels a lot more refreshing.

Honestly, it doesn’t have that heavy, syrupy vibe some cranberry drinks get. Instead, it’s kind of bright and easygoing.

The ginger beer comes in with a sharp, fizzy bite that really wakes things up. I love how the ginger’s spice just slices through the sweetness—keeps every sip interesting.

There’s this gentle citrus pop from the lime. It lifts the flavor, and, let’s be real, that’s crucial when you’re serving this up for a holiday crowd.

If I’m making this for a party, I always notice how the pale color looks festive but not too flashy. It just fits right in at winter gatherings—special, but you don’t have to overthink it.

Key flavors I pick up:

• Fruity: light cranberry, a bit of mild sweetness
• Spicy: ginger beer’s warmth and fizz
• Citrus: fresh lime, just enough for balance
• Herbal: if you toss in a mint garnish, there’s a fresh note

It’s a pretty versatile mix. Works for parties, sure, but honestly, I’ll make one just for myself on a random evening.