This fun drink mixes zesty orange and tart cranberry with spicy ginger beer for a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It’s perfect for any festive gathering!
Trust me, the bright colors and bubbly fizz make this drink a showstopper! I love serving mine in the classic copper mug for that extra charm. Cheers to tasty drinks! 🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: This is the base spirit of the drink. For a twist, try using flavored vodka, like orange or cranberry, to enhance the fruity notes. If you’re avoiding alcohol, consider a non-alcoholic vodka alternative or sparkling water instead.
Fresh Orange Juice: Fresh-squeezed orange juice really makes a difference in flavor. If you’re short on time, a quality store-bought juice works too. You could use tangerine juice for a sweeter flavor.
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice is preferred for a balanced flavor. If you like it sweeter, you can use sweetened cranberry juice, or even cranberry cocktail juice. Just watch out for extra sugar!
Ginger Beer: Use a quality ginger beer for the best fizz and flavor. If you want something with less sugar, try a diet or a spicier ginger beer. Ginger ale can also work, but it will be less intense.
How Do I Muddle Ingredients Properly?
Muddling brings out the flavors of the cranberries. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a sturdy glass or a muddler. A wooden spoon works too if you don’t have a muddler.
- Gently press down on the cranberries. You don’t want to pulverize them; just break them enough to release their juices.
- Make sure your muddled mixture is at the bottom of the glass before adding ice and liquids.
This technique ensures that the drink captures the full, fresh flavor of the cranberries. Enjoy the vibrant mix of citrus and spice in each sip!
How to Make a Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened if preferred)
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Fresh cranberries (for muddling and garnish)
- Ice (crushed)
- Orange slice (for garnish)
- Lime slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink takes just about 10 minutes to make! It’s quick to assemble, allowing you to enjoy refreshing sips in no time. Perfect for a gathering or a relaxing evening at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Muddle the Cranberries:
Start off by placing a small handful of fresh cranberries in your glass or copper mug. Use a muddler (or the back of a spoon) to gently press and twist on the cranberries to release their juices. This step is great for infusing the drink with fruity flavor.
2. Add Ice:
Next, fill the glass halfway with crushed ice. The more ice, the better your drink will stay cold and refreshing!
3. Mix in the Liquids:
Pour in the vodka, fresh orange juice, cranberry juice, and lime juice into the glass with the muddled cranberries. Make sure to pour them over the ice for the best mixing experience!
4. Top with Ginger Beer:
Now it’s time to add the ginger beer! Pour it in slowly to keep the fizz intact. Give the drink a gentle stir with a straw or a spoon to combine all the flavors together.
5. Fill to the Top:
Add more crushed ice if needed, so your drink is nice and full!
6. Garnish in Style:
Finish off your Moscow Mule by garnishing it with a slice of orange, a lime wheel, and a skewer of fresh cranberries. Not only do they look nice, but they add extra flavor too!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule immediately with a straw, and enjoy the refreshing, tangy flavors!
Can I Use Bottled Juice Instead of Fresh?
You can absolutely use bottled orange juice or cranberry juice if you’re short on time! Just opt for 100% juice without added sugars for the best flavor. Fresh-squeezed will give you a fresher taste, but bottled works just fine.
How Can I Make This Drink Non-Alcoholic?
To create a mocktail version, simply replace the vodka with additional ginger beer or sparkling water. You can also add a splash of soda for sweetness if desired! The flavors will still shine through without the alcohol.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
While it’s best to serve this drink fresh, you can mix the juices and vodka ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, add ice and top with ginger beer to keep the fizz.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a splash of simple syrup or sweetened cranberry juice. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, so you don’t overpower the drink!
