This fun twist on the classic Moscow Mule combines tangy cranberry juice and zesty orange for a refreshing drink. Served in a cool copper mug, it’s eye-catching and delicious!
Whenever I make this drink, I feel fancy! It’s perfect for get-togethers or just a cozy night in. Plus, you get a burst of flavor with every sip—who knew cocktails could be this easy? 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: Opt for a good quality vodka; it really makes a difference in flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can use sparkling water or a non-alcoholic vodka alternative.
Cranberry Juice: I recommend using unsweetened cranberry juice for a more authentic taste. If you can only find sweetened, consider reducing the amount of ginger beer to balance the sweetness.
Fresh Citrus Juices: Fresh lime and orange juices brighten up the drink. If you don’t have fresh, bottled juice works, but fresh really is best! Experiment with lemon juice for a different twist.
Ginger Beer: The spiciness of ginger beer is key! If it’s too strong for your taste, try a ginger ale instead, which is a milder option.
How Do You Muddle Fresh Cranberries for Maximum Flavor?
Muddling cranberries is a fun step that adds a nice tartness to your drink. Here’s how to do it right:
- Grab a handful of fresh cranberries and place them in the bottom of your shaker or glass.
- Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently press down and twist. You want to break them open, not completely crush them.
- This releases their juices while keeping some texture, adding depth to each sip!
Enjoy making your Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule, and don’t hesitate to adjust ingredients to match your taste! Cheers!
Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
- 1/2 oz fresh orange juice (about half an orange)
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Fresh cranberries (a small handful, for garnish and muddling)
- Orange slices, for garnish
- Lime slices, for garnish
- Ice (crushed or cubed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink takes about 5-10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few moments muddling the cranberries and mixing the ingredients. It’s quickly assembled, making it perfect for parties or a refreshing treat at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Muddle the Cranberries:
In a cocktail shaker or directly in a glass, take a small handful of fresh cranberries and muddle them gently with a muddler or the back of a spoon. This step releases their juices and flavors, giving your drink a lovely tartness!
2. Mix the Juices and Vodka:
Add the vodka, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and fresh orange juice to the muddled cranberries. Stir or shake the mixture gently to combine all the tasty flavors.
3. Prepare Your Glass:
Fill a copper mug or a short glass with ice, depending on your preference. The ice will keep your drink chilled and refreshing.
4. Combine the Mixture:
Strain or pour the cranberry mixture over the ice-filled glass, letting the flavors mix beautifully.
5. Add the Ginger Beer:
Top off your drink with the ginger beer, pouring it gently to keep it fizzy. Give it a little stir to combine everything, but not too much—let that ginger beer shine!
6. Garnish Your Drink:
For the final touch, garnish with a few fresh cranberries, an orange slice, and a lime slice on the rim of your glass. This adds a pop of color and makes it look super festive!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule immediately and enjoy the refreshing, festive flavors with friends or while relaxing at home. Cheers!
Can I Use Canned Cranberry Juice Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned cranberry juice, but opt for an unsweetened version if possible to keep the flavors balanced. If it’s sweetened, you might want to reduce the amount of ginger beer to avoid an overly sweet drink.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Drink?
If you find your Moscow Mule too sweet, you can add more lime juice for a tart flavor or dilute it slightly with extra ginger beer. Tasting as you go is key!
Can I Make This Recipe in a Pitcher?
Absolutely! To make a pitcher, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Mix everything together (except the ginger beer) in the pitcher and add ginger beer just before serving to keep the fizz!
How Should I Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store any leftover cranberry juice, lime juice, and orange juice in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the ginger beer, keep it sealed in a cool, dark place; it should be good for a while. Just keep in mind that the fresher the ingredients, the better the drink will taste!
