The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy cozy comfort foods and festive cocktails. This Cranberry Spice Moscow Mule infuses traditional Christmas flavors into a refreshing spin on the classic cocktail.
With warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves mingling with crisp cranberries and zesty ginger beer, this drink perfectly captures the comforting spirit of the holidays. With its bright pop of color from the ruby red cranberries, this mule is as festive to look at, as it is to taste.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 3/4 oz lime juice
- 1/2 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 4-6 slices ginger, peeled
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- Club soda or ginger beer
- Lime wheels for garnish
Creating the Cranberry Simple Syrup
The first step is to make a quick cranberry syrup to use in the cocktail. Add the cranberries, ginger slices, cinnamon stick, and cloves to a small saucepan. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and bring it to the boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before straining into a small bowl or jar. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Putting it All Together
To build each Moscow Mule, add 1 1/2 oz of vodka to the bottom of a copper mug. Top with 3/4 oz of fresh lime juice and 3/4 oz of the cranberry simple syrup. Fill the mug with ice, then top with 4-6 oz of ginger beer or club soda. Give it a gentle stir and garnish with a lime wheel.
Enjoy this brightly flavored Christmas cocktail while relaxing by the fire. At only around 100 calories per serving, it’s a festive treat you can feel good about indulging in!
Pros and Cons of the Ingredients
- Cranberries – high in antioxidants but also natural sugars
- Ginger – anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits but also a stimulant
- Cloves – powerful antioxidant properties but use them in moderation
- Vodka – no nutritional value but the 80-proof alcohol acts as a preservative
- Lime – vitamin C boost but also acidic
Necessary Kitchen Tools
- Small saucepan
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Jigger or measuring shot glass
- Muddler or spoon (optional)
- Copper mugs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this non-alcoholic?
A: Yes, simply omit the vodka and increase the cranberry simple syrup. Top with ginger ale.
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes, frozen cranberries work great in the simple syrup. No need to thaw.
Q: How long will the simple syrup keep?
A: Refrigerated in a sealed container, the cranberry simple syrup will last 1-2 weeks.
Q: Can other spirits be substituted for vodka?
A: Gin or light rum would also pair nicely with the cranberry and spice flavors.
Q: Is this cocktail appropriate for kids/teens?
A: N0, it contains alcohol. Consider non-alcoholic versions for underage family members.
Give the Gift of Good Cheer
Share some Christmas cheer by gifting a batch of homemade Cranberry Spice Moscow Mule mix to friends and family this season. Include instructions on how to build the cocktail along with festive copper mugs. They’re sure to toast your thoughtfulness with every refreshing sip!
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