This festive Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule combines the zesty bite of ginger beer with refreshing cranberry and orange flavors. It’s a fun twist on a classic drink!
Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, this cocktail is sure to brighten your mood. I love garnishing mine with a slice of orange for extra cheer. Cheers to good times! 🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: Use your favorite vodka in this recipe. For a twist, try flavored vodka, like orange or vanilla. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace vodka with a splash of club soda or more ginger beer.
Cranberry Juice: Aim for unsweetened juice to keep it fresh and tart. If you can’t find it, mix cranberry juice cocktail with a bit of water to dilute the sweetness.
Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use store-bought juice, but check for added sugars. Alternatively, try blood orange juice for a unique twist!
Ginger Beer: Choose a good-quality ginger beer for the right spice and sweetness balance. If you’re looking for less sugar, opt for a diet version or ginger ale, but note that the flavor will be different.
How Do You Mix the Perfect Moscow Mule?
Mixing a Moscow Mule is all about balancing the flavors. Start by pouring your vodka and juices over ice. Gently pour in the ginger beer last to maintain its fizz. Here’s a quick tip:
- Stir slowly to mix without losing the bubbles.
- Using a copper mug not only looks great but also keeps your drink cold longer!
Don’t forget to garnish with cranberries, orange, and lime slices! This adds a festive touch and makes it visually appealing.
Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 4-6 oz ginger beer
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Orange slices (for garnish)
- Lime slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing cocktail is super quick to prepare! You’ll need about 5-10 minutes to gather your ingredients and mix your Moscow Mule. It’s perfect for serving at gatherings or just enjoying at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by filling a copper mug or a regular glass with ice cubes. This will keep your drink nice and chilled!
2. Combine the Juices:
Next, pour 2 oz of vodka into the glass. Follow that with 1 oz of cranberry juice, 1 oz of freshly squeezed orange juice, and 1/2 oz of lime juice. This mixture creates a lovely fruity base!
3. Add the Ginger Beer:
Now, pour in 4-6 oz of ginger beer. The amount depends on how strong you like your drink. Gently stir the mixture to combine all the flavors without losing the fizz from the ginger beer.
4. Garnish Your Drink:
For a festive touch, garnish your cocktail with fresh cranberries, plus a slice of orange and a slice of lime on the rim of the mug. It not only looks beautiful but adds to the flavor!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule is ready! Serve it immediately and enjoy the refreshing blend of flavors. Cheers to that!
Can I Use a Different Type of Juice?
Absolutely! If you want to switch it up, consider using pomegranate juice for a different flavor profile. You can also mix in other citrus juices, like grapefruit, for a refreshing twist!
What If I Don’t Have Ginger Beer?
No worries! If you don’t have ginger beer, you can substitute it with ginger ale for a sweeter taste, or mix club soda with a little grated ginger for that ginger spice without the sweetness. Just adjust the amount to your preference!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftover ingredients, store your juices in the fridge and any remaining ginger beer in a cool, dry place. It’s best to mix your Moscow Mule fresh, but you can keep individual components for up to 3 days.
Can I Make This Drink Non-Alcoholic?
Definitely! To create a mocktail version, simply omit the vodka and increase the amount of ginger beer for a bubbly and refreshing drink. You can also add a splash of cranberry and orange juice for flavor.
