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Cranberry Moscow Mule

This easy and festive cranberry Moscow mule is made with rosemary-infused vodka. You’ll love this holiday twist on a classic. It’s a light, refreshing Moscow mule cocktail filled with holiday cheer!

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

  • Festive and filled with fruity flavor. This cocktail takes a regular Moscow mule, bursting with fresh ginger flavor, and adds some tart cranberry juice for a splash of color. These bright flavors are then perfectly balanced with homemade rosemary-infused vodka. Yum!
  • Super refreshing. There are plenty of cocktails out there that can warm you up on a cold winter day (like my spiked apple cider!). But, sometimes it’s nice to have a light and refreshing drink after a long day of Christmas prepping, and this recipe definitely fits that description!
  • Perfect for a party. I don’t know about you, but I think cranberry Moscow mules would be a wonderful choice for a New Year’s Eve party.
Top view of a cranberry Moscow mule mug with a lime wedge.

What Is a Moscow Mule?

If you’re not familiar with a Moscow mule, here’s a basic rundown. It’s always served very cold! And the ingredients are:

  • Ginger beer
  • Vodka
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Lime wedges

Something to note is that a Moscow mule is traditionally served in a copper mug, but it’s not necessary!

Two mugs of cranberry Moscow mule with rosemary vodka.

Recipe Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you need to make my Christmas cranberry Moscow mule drink. To see the exact amounts, scroll down to the recipe card below.

For the Rosemary-Infused Vodka:

  • Grey Goose vodka – Or you can use another high-end vodka. I would choose a more expensive option and not the cheap stuff for this recipe because you want smooth, delicious sipping vodka!
  • Fresh rosemary

For the Cranberry Moscow Mule:

  • Rosemary-infused vodka – Remember to make the vodka a few days ahead of time.
  • Cranberry juice – I prefer to use 100% organic cranberry juice and avoid juices with extra sugar. You can always add some sweetness to the cocktail if you want, but it’s not supposed to be overly sweet.
  • Fresh limes
  • Ginger beer – Don’t use ginger ale! You want to use ginger beer. You can find it with the other soda at the supermarket, or the liquor store will also have it with the other mixers.

Christmas Mule Garnish Ideas:

  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Cranberries or pomegranate seeds
  • Lime wedges
  • Candied ginger
  • Cinnamon sticks
Close-up view of a copper mug of cranberry Moscow mule.

How to Make a Cranberry Moscow Mule

This festive Christmas cocktail could not be simpler to make! For the full set of directions, check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Make the rosemary-infused vodka. Add the rosemary to the vodka, then let it sit for a day or so.
  • Assemble the cocktail. Add crushed ice along with the other cocktail ingredients to a copper mug or other serving glass. Stir the cocktail and enjoy immediately!

Can I Make This Holiday Cocktail for a Crowd?

You can easily make this cranberry Moscow mule recipe for a crowd! Simply multiply the recipe by the amount of people you have, and serve it immediately by adding all of the ingredients into a large pitcher.

If you want to make the cocktail ahead of time, simply mix only the vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice. Then, you can add those ingredients to a pitcher or large serving container. When you’re ready to serve, pour the mixture over crushed ice and top each cocktail off with ginger beer for fresh bubbles!

Top view of two cranberry Moscow mule mugs with rosemary-infused vodka.

Tips & Recipe Variations

  • Use a copper mug. It really sets the tone for this festive chilled beverage. The mug takes on the chill of the drink and it’s so fun to drink out of!
  • Crushed ice makes a big difference. This is the best way to serve the drink so that it stays cold longer and chills the mug, too.
  • Use fresh lime juice (and ONLY fresh lime juice)! Please don’t use bottled lime juice! Buy a bunch of fresh limes for the best flavor.
  • If you want to add a little sweetness, add some maple syrup. Or you could add a drizzle of honey.
  • Use pomegranate juice. Pomegranate juice, in place of cranberry juice, will also add tartness and a beautiful color to the cocktail.

More Holiday Cocktail Recipes

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cranberry moscow mule

Cranberry Moscow Mule

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Krista
  • Prep Time: 48 hours
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 48 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 moscow mule 1x
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Mix
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This cranberry Moscow mule recipe is made with rosemary-infused vodka and bubbly ginger beer. You’ll love this holiday twist on a classic cocktail, and so will your guests!


Ingredients

Scale

Rosemary Infused Vodka:

  • 2 cups Grey Goose Vodka
  • 3 sprigs of rosemary

Cranberry Moscow Mule:

  • 1 1/2 ounces rosemary infused vodka
  • 1 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
  • juice 1/2 lime
  • 3/4 cup ginger beer
  • crushed ice

Instructions

  1. Add vodka and rosemary sprigs to a bottle. Let sit for 1-2 days to soak.
  2. To a copper mug, add crushed ice, infused rosemary vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and ginger beer. Stir and serve!

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24 comments on “Cranberry Moscow Mule”

  1. The cranberries are the perfect garnish! How are they prepared? They don’t look raw and they don’t looked cooked either. :0)

    1. haha.. good eye. They were frozen to keep the drink cold. 🙂 But you could use raw too. It’s just garnish to make it festive. 🙂

  2. Avatar photo
    Melanie | Melanie Makes

    These photos are downright stunning, Krista! I’ve never made Moscow Mules before either but I think you’ve just changed that with this recipe!

  3. Ahh..I am hoping for cooper mugs for Christmas. I hadn’t thought of the rosemary infused vodka, love it! I did find diet ginger beer, so I’ll be making these this Christmas. Thanks and Happy Holidays!

  4. I just purchased copper mugs too (sadly mine weren’t free) just so I could try a Moscow mule for the first time too. These are positively addicting! I love the rosemary!

  5. These are beautiful!!! I went to Sur La Table for the first time in October when we were on vacation…I almost needed another suit case to get it all home! haha!
    I have never had a Moscow Mule before, but that needs to change ASAP!

  6. Avatar photo
    heather @french press

    I love that you made a moscow mule christmasy! it;s the only cocktail i actually like, and no they are extra festive

  7. Avatar photo
    Meg @ With Salt and Wit

    Oh Christmas movies…I am sucker too! And second…Sur la Table, I am itching to go back! And third, these Cranberry Moscow Mules would make every holiday hour happier!

  8. Avatar photo
    taylor @ Food Faith Fitness

    These pictures are amazing and this drink looks so good 🙂 Where do I sign up for some 😉