Print

Festive Cranberry Mule Recipe Easy Holiday Cocktail to Impress

festive cranberry mule - featured image

A bright and refreshing holiday cocktail featuring muddled cranberries, fresh lime juice, vodka, and spicy ginger beer, perfect for festive gatherings and quick to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ¼ cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 46 oz ginger beer
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
  • Lime wheels or wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place about ¼ cup fresh cranberries in the bottom of a copper mug or glass. Use a muddler to gently press and crush the berries to release juice without smashing seeds (about 30 seconds).
  2. Pour in ½ oz fresh lime juice and ½ oz simple syrup over the muddled berries. Stir gently to combine and dissolve the syrup.
  3. Add 2 oz vodka and stir lightly to blend flavors.
  4. Fill the mug about ¾ full with ice cubes.
  5. Pour 4 to 6 oz ginger beer over the ice. Adjust amount based on taste preference. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel or wedge. Optionally, add a few whole cranberries. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh lime juice for best brightness. Do not over-muddle cranberries to avoid bitterness from seeds. Adjust simple syrup to taste for sweetness balance. Chill mugs beforehand for extra cold drinks. Frozen cranberries can be used if fresh are unavailable. For non-alcoholic version, omit vodka and add extra ginger beer or sparkling water with cranberry juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry mule, holiday cocktail, festive drink, vodka cocktail, ginger beer cocktail, easy cocktail recipe, holiday drinks