Sweet, tart, and boozy, this Cranberry Moscow Mule is a delicious twist on a traditional cocktail, perfect for the fall season. I love how the cranberry adds a pop of festive flavor, and I can whip up a single drink in minutes or mix a big batch when friends come over!

Easy Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe

I took the classic Moscow mule and put a seasonal twist on it with delicious cranberry juice. Cranberry fruit juice and ginger beer—a key Moscow mule ingredient—are a great pairing for a fall drink, with the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

You might think that ginger beer is alcoholic, but it’s actually not. While some varieties are made with alcohol, more often than not, it’s just a carbonated sour drink. Vodka is what makes a Moscow mule boozy.

Moscow Mules are traditionally served in copper mugs because the copper keeps the drink colder for longer. The copper itself becomes cold and, in turn, helps the drink stay cold. There is also a rumor that the copper enhances the flavor of the lime and ginger beer. Who really knows, but it looks nice anyway.

How to Make A Cranberry Moscow Mule Step by Step

Combine ingredients: Pour 4 oz. cranberry juice, 2 oz. vodka, and 1 tbsp lime juice into a copper mug. Then, add 1 cup crushed ice and top off with 4 oz. ginger beer. Stir to combine.

Garnish and serve: Drop a few frozen cranberries into the mug with a lime wedge. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Need a cocktail for a crowd or something without the alcohol? Here are a few options:

• Make it spicy. Add ½ to 1 oz. of Fireball cinnamon whisky (to taste).
• Add sweetness. If you want a sweeter cocktail, you can use ginger ale instead of ginger beer.
• Party pitcher. Scale everything up by 12 and then add in an extra 1½ cups of the cranberry juice. Or simply mix 4 cups of cranberry juice, 2 bottles of ginger beer, and 1 cup vodka in a pitcher. Then just pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish.
• Mocktail version. For a non-alcoholic drink, leave out the shot of vodka. You’ll still get all the sweet and tart flavor.

How to Store

If you want to get a head start, you can combine everything except the ginger beer and ice and store it in the fridge for a few days. When you are ready to serve, add the beer and ice. Otherwise, leftovers won’t keep very well as the beer will go flat and you’ll lose the fizz.

What to Serve With Cranberry Moscow Mules

I love serving this cocktail alongside a spread of fall-inspired bites—it makes any gathering feel extra festive. The bright, refreshing flavors pair perfectly with hearty favorites like my mini chili cheese dogs, the creamy, savory goodness of my sushi bake, and a decadent, cozy French Quarter cheese spread. It’s the kind of lineup that keeps everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe another round of cocktails!).

More Fall Drinks

• Apple Pie Moonshine
• Apple Cider Moscow Mule
• Hot Buttered Rum
• Apple Pie Smoothie