Hey there, fellow home cooks and cocktail enthusiasts! I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite festive sips with you today. There’s something about the holidays, or really any time I want a little burst of cheer, that makes me reach for a drink that feels special. And let me tell you, this Cranberry Orange Mule fits the bill perfectly. It’s got that familiar Moscow Mule kick, but with a bright, tangy twist from the cranberry and a sunny hint of orange. I first whipped this up a few years ago for a small gathering, and it was an instant hit. Everyone asked for the recipe, and it’s been a staple ever since. Trust me, even if you’re new to making cocktails, you can totally nail this Cranberry Orange Mule. I’ll walk you through every step, just like I would for a friend in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Adore This Cranberry Orange Mule

So, what makes this Cranberry Orange Mule so special? Well, for starters, it just screams celebration! It’s the kind of drink that feels fancy without being complicated.

It’s incredibly refreshing. The ginger beer and lime give it that classic Mule zip, while the cranberry and orange add a lovely tartness and brightness. It’s perfect any time of year, really.
The flavor combination is just spot on. Cranberry and orange are a match made in heaven, and when you add the spicy ginger and smooth vodka? Magic.
It’s ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, if you can pour and stir, you can make this. No fancy equipment needed!
It looks gorgeous. Those vibrant colors and fresh garnishes make it a real showstopper.
It’s a fun twist on a classic. Everyone loves a Moscow Mule, but this version adds a little something extra that makes it memorable.

This isn’t just another drink; it’s a little burst of happiness in a mug.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cranberry Orange Mule

Alright, let’s talk about what you need to gather for this delightful Cranberry Orange Mule. Good ingredients make all the difference, you know?

You’ll start with 2 ounces of your favorite vodka. Any good quality vodka will do the trick here. Next up is 3 ounces of cranberry juice. I like to use a good, pure cranberry juice, not a cocktail blend with lots of added sugar, but use what you have! You’ll also need just a half ounce of fresh lime juice. Please, please use fresh squeezed! It makes such a difference compared to bottled. Then comes a half ounce of orange liqueur. Triple Sec or Cointreau work beautifully here, adding that lovely orange note. Finally, you’ll need 4 to 6 ounces of ginger beer. The amount depends on how much ginger kick you like. Make sure it’s ginger beer, not ginger ale, for that proper spicy fizz. And don’t forget the ice! Plenty of it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Cranberry Orange Mule

Okay, now for the fun part – actually making your Cranberry Orange Mule! It’s super simple, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious drink in no time.

First things first, grab your favorite copper mug or even just a tall glass. Fill it up generously with ice. I find that using plenty of ice keeps the drink nice and cold and gives it that perfect chill.
Next, carefully pour in your 2 ounces of vodka. Be precise here, it helps keep the flavors balanced.
Now, add 3 ounces of that lovely cranberry juice. Then go in with your half ounce of fresh lime juice. That little bit of acidity really brightens everything up.
Pour in the half ounce of orange liqueur. This adds a subtle sweetness and that signature orange flavor we’re after in this Cranberry Orange Mule.
Here’s where the fizz comes in! Gently top your mug or glass with 4 to 6 ounces of ginger beer. Start with 4 ounces and add more if you like a stronger ginger flavor. Don’t dump it in fast; pour it slowly so you don’t lose all that lovely carbonation.
Now, this is important: stir gently. You don’t want to stir too vigorously and flatten the ginger beer. Just a quick, gentle swirl with a spoon is all you need to mix everything together.
Finally, the finishing touch! Garnish your Cranberry Orange Mule with a few fresh cranberries and a beautiful slice or wedge of orange. It makes the drink look extra special.
Serve and enjoy your creation right away! This drink is best when it’s cold and bubbly.

See? I told you it was easy. It’s all about combining the ingredients in the right order and giving it a gentle stir. You’ve just made a fantastic Cranberry Orange Mule!

Expert Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Mule

Making a great Cranberry Orange Mule is easy, but a few little tricks I’ve picked up can make it truly spectacular. It’s those small details that elevate a good drink to an amazing one.

First off, let’s talk about your ingredients. Using fresh lime juice is non-negotiable for me. The bottled stuff just doesn’t have the same vibrant flavor. Also, choose a ginger beer you really like. They all taste a bit different, some spicier than others. Experiment a little to find your favorite!

Temperature is key too. Make sure all your liquid ingredients are well-chilled before you start. This helps keep the drink cold without watering it down too quickly. And use plenty of ice in your mug or glass. More ice actually helps keep the drink colder longer, weirdly enough!

Don’t be afraid to adjust things to your taste. If you like it a little sweeter, a tiny splash more orange liqueur or even a dash of simple syrup can do the trick. If you prefer it tarter, add a little extra lime juice. It’s your drink, make it how you love it!

Finally, the garnish isn’t just for show. Squeezing that orange slice into the drink just before serving adds a little burst of fresh citrus oil that really enhances the flavor of the Cranberry Orange Mule. Give it a try!

Variations on the Classic Cranberry Orange Mule

One of the things I love most about this Cranberry Orange Mule is how versatile it is! Once you’ve got the basic recipe down, you can start playing around and make it your own. It’s fun to see how little tweaks can create a whole new experience.

Want to change up the alcohol? Instead of vodka, try a good quality gin for a more botanical twist. Or how about a spiced rum? That would really lean into the cozy, festive flavors with the cranberry and orange.

You can also play with the fruit! Muddle a few extra cranberries in the bottom of the mug before adding ice for a stronger cranberry flavor. Or try adding a few raspberries or even some muddled apple slices. A sprig of rosemary or mint alongside the orange slice can add a lovely aroma too.

Looking for a non-alcoholic version? Just leave out the vodka and orange liqueur! Increase the cranberry juice slightly and maybe add a splash of orange juice. You can also find non-alcoholic ginger beer options. It still gives you that wonderful Cranberry Orange Mule flavor profile without the спирт.

Don’t be shy! Experimenting in the kitchen, or at your home bar, is part of the joy of cooking. See what combinations you love in your Cranberry Orange Mule.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cranberry Orange Mule

I get a lot of questions about this Cranberry Orange Mule recipe when I share it. It’s totally normal to have a few things pop into your head while you’re making a new drink! Here are some common ones I hear.

Can I make a big batch of the Cranberry Orange Mule for a party?

I actually don’t recommend making a huge batch of the full Cranberry Orange Mule ahead of time. The ginger beer will lose its fizz if it sits too long mixed with everything else. What I do for parties is prep everything else – measure out the vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and orange liqueur into a pitcher. Then, when someone wants a drink, they just pour that mixture over ice in a mug and top it with fresh ginger beer. Easy peasy!

What kind of ginger beer should I use?

This really comes down to personal preference! Some ginger beers are very spicy, while others are milder and sweeter. For this Cranberry Orange Mule, I like one with a good amount of ginger kick to balance the sweetness of the cranberry and orange. Read the labels and maybe try a few different brands to see which one you prefer in your Mule.

Can I use orange juice instead of orange liqueur?

You could, but it will change the drink quite a bit. Orange liqueur adds sweetness and a concentrated orange flavor, plus a little extra alcohol. Orange juice will make the drink less potent and add more liquid, potentially diluting the other flavors. If you want a less alcoholic version, just use less vodka and skip the orange liqueur, using a bit more cranberry and lime juice instead.

Is a copper mug necessary for a Cranberry Orange Mule?

Nope, not at all! Copper mugs are traditional for Moscow Mules because they help keep the drink extra cold, but any glass will work just fine. A tall glass lets you see those beautiful layers and garnishes, which is nice too. Use whatever you have!

Storing and Enjoying Your Cranberry Orange Mule

Honestly, a Cranberry Orange Mule is one of those drinks that’s really best enjoyed right after you make it. That way, you get all that lovely fizz from the ginger beer and the vibrant freshness of the lime and orange.

If you happen to have any of the mixed liquid (the vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and orange liqueur) left over before you add the ginger beer, you can store that in a sealed container in the fridge for a day or two. But don’t add the ginger beer until you’re ready to drink! Ginger beer goes flat pretty quickly once it’s opened and mixed.

The absolute best way to enjoy your Cranberry Orange Mule is to pour it over fresh ice in your favorite mug or glass, add the ginger beer, give it a gentle stir, and sip it right away. Savor that festive flavor!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk about what’s in your Cranberry Orange Mule, from a nutritional standpoint. It’s good to have an idea, right? Now, keep in mind, these are just estimates. The actual numbers can change depending on the specific brands of vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and ginger beer you use.

Based on a typical serving of this Cranberry Orange Mule, you’re looking at roughly:

Calories: Around 250 to 350. This can vary a lot based on the sugar content of your juices and ginger beer.
Sugar: Expect somewhere in the range of 20 to 30 grams. Again, this depends heavily on your juice and ginger beer choices.
Sodium: Usually very low, maybe 5 to 10 milligrams.
Fat: Generally 0 grams.
Carbohydrates: Somewhere between 25 and 35 grams, mostly from the sugars.
Fiber: Typically 0 grams.
Protein: Also 0 grams.
Cholesterol: 0 milligrams.

Like I said, this is just a general idea. If you’re tracking things carefully, you might want to check the labels on your specific ingredients. But for most of us, it just gives a little peek into what we’re sipping!

Share Your Cranberry Orange Mule Creation

So, you’ve made your very own Cranberry Orange Mule! I hope you loved it as much as I do. I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you add any fun twists? How did it turn out?

Please leave a comment below and let me know what you thought. You can also rate the recipe! And if you snapped a photo of your beautiful Cranberry Orange Mule, share it on social media and tag me! I love seeing your creations. Happy sipping!

Craft a Joyful Cranberry Orange Mule In 8 Steps

Author: cocktailmixguide.com
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A festive and refreshing twist on a classic Moscow Mule, featuring the flavors of cranberry and orange.

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz vodka
3 oz cranberry juice
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau)
4–6 oz ginger beer
Fresh cranberries and orange slices, for garnish
Ice

Instructions

Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.
Add vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and orange liqueur.
Top with ginger beer.
Stir gently.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the amount of ginger beer to your preference.
For a less sweet drink, use less orange liqueur.
Use good quality ingredients for the best flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drink
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 drink
Calories: 250-350
Sugar: 20-30g
Sodium: 5-10mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25-35g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Cranberry Orange Mule, Moscow Mule, Cocktail, Cranberry, Orange, Vodka, Ginger Beer