A festive splash of bright color turns this classic cocktail into a new holiday favorite. Enjoy the gingery flavor of a traditional Moscow Mule with a seasonal touch.
I have been obsessed with Moscow Mules lately. The spicy, sweet taste of the ginger beer, vodka, and lime hits the spot every time. It made me wonder how I could add a seasonal twist to help me relish this traditional cocktail even more.
The Moscow Mule is already a great choice for the holidays due to the spiced gingery taste, but when combined with the cranberry flavor it becomes a well-balanced festive cocktail you’re going to want to savor.
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Is the Moscow Mule from Russia?
According to liquor.com, the Moscow Mule was invented circa 1941 at the Los Angeles British pub called Cock ‘n Bull. The name came about due to the fact that vodka wasn’t yet popular in North America and was looked at as being a Russian drink. So, there you go. It’s not actually from Moscow.
Is a Copper Mug Required to Drink a Mule?
Nope. It is not a requirement to drink a Moscow Mule out of a copper mug. Why then are copper mugs so popular with mules? Because copper is a thermal conductor – meaning it holds the temperature of what is inside. So, grab your copper mug and enjoy sipping your chilly cocktail.
While this is a great cocktail to enjoy in the cooler months, give this frozen strawberry margarita a try when you want a refreshing summer treat.
How To Make a Cranberry Moscow Mule
This must-try holiday cocktail recipe is so easy to make, and so festive!
Ingredients:
5 oz premium vodka
2 oz 100% cranberry juice
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
12 oz ginger beer
1 cup ice cubes whole or crushed
Optional Garnish:
fresh rosemary sprigs
fresh cranberries
lime wedges
Begin by filling your copper mugs with ice. Fill a cocktail shaker with ½ cup ice and add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Shake it well and pour it into your ice-filled copper mugs. Top off the mugs with ginger beer and stir to combine.
How simple is that?!
If you want to garnish the Cranberry Mules to make them just a little extra festive, carefully thread 3 fresh cranberries onto the bottom of the rosemary stems.
If you enjoy the tart taste of cranberries at the holidays, check out my Cranberry Mimosa. It’s a perfect Christmas morning treat!
Thanksgiving and Christmas are great times to show off this delicious festive Cranberry Moscow Mule. Your friends and family will love the warm gingery flavor of this classic drink with its holiday flair.
Have you tried this festive cocktail? Let me know in the comments below.

Cranberry Mule Cocktail
Ingredients
- 5 oz your favorite vodka
- 2 oz 100% cranberry juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 12 oz ginger beer
- 1 cup ice cubes whole or crushed
Optional Garnish:
- fresh rosemary sprigs
- fresh cranberries
- lime wedges
Instructions
- Add ice to each copper mug.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ½ cup ice and add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Shake well; pour into ice-filled copper mugs. Top off mugs with ginger beer and stir to combine.
- Serve garnished with rosemary, cranberries, and lime wedges, if desired.