Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe: An Essential Winter Cocktail
BarNeedThe Cranberry Moscow Mule is a holiday-inspired twist on the classic Moscow Mule, adding a sweet-tart flavor and a pop of red color with cranberry juice, making it perfect for winter and Christmas gatherings. This cocktail is ideal for parties, combining the spicy kick of ginger beer with the crisp taste of vodka, bringing warmth and cheer to the chilly season.
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Introduction
The Moscow Mule has a distinctly American origin story. In 1941, three businessmen— a vodka brand salesman, a bar owner, and a copper mug maker—came together by chance and created this iconic cocktail. At the time, vodka wasn’t popular in the U.S., and ginger beer was rarely seen in bars. So, they decided to mix vodka with ginger beer, add lime juice, and serve it ice-cold in a copper mug. Thus, the Moscow Mule was born.
The name “Moscow Mule” reflects its roots: “Moscow” for vodka’s Russian origin, and “Mule” to symbolize the strong kick of ginger beer—almost like getting “kicked.” This drink not only helped vodka gain a foothold in the American market but also made ginger beer a bar staple. By adding cranberry juice, we now have a sweet-tart, festive version that’s perfect for winter and holiday gatherings.
Tools Needed
- Copper Mug: The classic vessel for a Moscow Mule, though other containers can work just as well.
- Jigger: For accurately measuring each ingredient.
- Bar Spoon: For gently stirring the drink. You could also opt for Christmas-themed swizzle sticks to enhance the festive vibe.
Ingredients
- Vodka (1.5 oz): Provides a light alcoholic base with a clean, smooth taste that doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
- Ginger Beer (4 oz): Adds a unique spicy kick and warmth, with bubbles that enhance its refreshing quality.
- Cranberry Juice (2 oz): Balances the drink with sweet-tart notes, and the vibrant red color adds a festive, Christmas touch.
- Lime Juice (1/2 oz): Brightens the overall flavor, making each sip more lively and refreshing.
- Ice (as needed): Chills and slightly dilutes the cocktail, preventing it from tasting too strong.
Steps to Make
1. Add ice to a copper mug, filling it about 3/4 full to keep the drink perfectly chilled.
2. Pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
3. Next, slowly pour in the ginger beer.
4. Finally, gently stir a few times with a bar spoon or swizzle stick to mix the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to over-stir, as this can cause the bubbles to dissipate too quickly.
And there you have it—a perfect Moscow Mule! You can garnish with fresh cranberries, a lime slice, and mint leaves to add color and aroma.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
- Vodka (1.5 oz)
- ABV: 40%
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Ginger Beer (4 oz)
- ABV: 0%
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Sugars: 12 g
- Cranberry Juice (2 oz)
- ABV: 0%
- Calories: 25 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Sugars: 7 g
- Lime Juice (1/2 oz)
- ABV: 0%
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Sugars: 0.35 g
Total Nutritional Information
- ABV: 7.5%
- Calories: 178 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Sugars: 19.35 g
Notes
Choosing Quality Ginger Beer: The quality of ginger beer affects the flavor; one with a moderate spiciness and plenty of bubbles will enhance the drink’s layers.
Role of the Copper Mug: Using a copper mug not only adds a unique visual appeal but also conducts temperature quickly, keeping the drink refreshingly cold. If you don’t have a copper mug, a chilled glass will work as a substitute.
Balancing Sweetness and Tartness: Cranberry juice has a tart flavor. If you prefer a smoother taste, you can reduce the amount slightly or add a touch of syrup to balance the flavors.
