Cranberry Moscow Mule

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Tart, sweet and robust, the cold and bubbly Cranberry Moscow Mule is sure to please.

It was a slow day at the bar. Every time the door opened and the bright, almost overexposed light from the outside poured in, we’d all squint to see who was coming in for a drink. And every single person only asked to use the bathroom or the phone. Which we found odd. Not necessarily the request to use the bathroom, but people requesting to use a public phone in the 21st century is downright strange. But who knows, maybe some folks don’t have a smartphone. Then we started pontificating about that. It was indeed a slow day.

Then the conversation turned to favorite cocktails, and the Moscow Mule came up. We marveled at how the drink came about, with one fella having an abundance of ginger beer, and another having too much vodka in their bar’s basement. Wondering what to do with the overstock they had, a woman stepped into their lives, from Moscow, and asked them if they’d be interested in buying her stock of copper mugs. The three put their problems together, and a classic concoction was born.

As we all started to whip up some Moscow Mules for ourselves, just because, the door opened once again. A silhouette stood in the doorway, and asked a serendipitous question:

“Does anybody want a bunch of fresh cranberries? I bought way too many at the farmers’ market.”

We looked at each other with raised eyebrows. This was too good to be true.

What Is The Best Vodka To Use In A Cranberry Moscow Mule?

When making a cocktail that features such full-bodied and intense flavors as cranberry, and also the spices that feature in ginger beer, I’ll usually choose a plain and unflavored vodka to mix with. The spirit traditionally melds beautifully with whatever it is combined with, and helps to create a balanced result. If you want an even more tart-tasting sipper, many brands like Skyy and Smirnoff produce cranberry-flavored and infused vodkas.

FAQs & Tips

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

A copper mug is the traditional receptacle to serve a Mule cocktail in, but if none are handy or available, a rocks glass is a perfect substitute. Once your drink is poured, garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a lime wedge on top.

CAN YOU STORE THE CRANBERRY MOSCOW MULE?

No. Mules are best when served right away and not saved or stored for later, especially due to the ginger beer.

HOW MANY CALORIES ARE IN A CRANBERRY MOSCOW MULE?

Each mug or glass you have will carry around 234 calories, so keep a track of those numbers if you’re having a few rounds.

CAN YOU MUDDLE CRANBERRIES FOR THIS RECIPE?

Yes. In place of using juice, place a handful of cranberries at the bottom of your mug or glass, add the lime juice and use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush them. Then add the ice, vodka and ginger beer, then stir to mix.

Cranberry Moscow Mule Variations

If the Cranberry Moscow Mule put you in the mood for more of the same, but with a difference, of course, then you’ve come to the right place. Twist & Toast can offer some lovely variants on the classic vodka-based beverage. Try out a few of these to begin with, then explore the site for even more delicious recipes.

• Irish Mule – Irish whiskey is the foundation for this bubbly and fresh drink.
• Mexican Mule – Give your next Mule some Southwestern flair by using tequila instead of vodka.
• Kentucky Mule – The joys of bourbon bring Kentucky vibes to this mixture.
• Mezcal Mule – This tipple is smoky, sweet and spicy.