This Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule is a delightful fall twist on the classic cocktail! It combines the signature gingery kick of a Moscow Mule with the warm, festive flavors of apple and cranberry. I love how this recipe is both easy to make and incredibly refreshing, with a beautiful color that’s perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday parties. It’s a simple yet sophisticated drink that’s sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule
- Festive Fall Flavors: The combination of apple cider, cranberry juice, and ginger beer is perfect for the autumn season.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in minutes.
- Refreshing: The ginger beer adds a refreshing fizziness, while the cranberry and apple provide a sweet-tart balance.
- Beautiful Presentation: Served in a classic copper mug (or a large glass) and garnished with cranberries, this cocktail looks festive and inviting.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A delicious and unique cocktail that’s perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule
Here’s what you’ll need to make this festive cocktail. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
- Ice
- Vodka (Liquor)
- Cranberry juice (Juice)
- Sparkling apple juice (Juice)
- Ginger beer (Soda)
Garnish
- Fresh cranberries (Fruit)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love this Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:
- Different Alcohol: Use gin, rum, or even bourbon instead of vodka.
- Make it Spicier: Add a slice of fresh ginger to the glass before adding ice.
- Add Cinnamon: Garnish with a cinnamon stick for extra warmth.
- Rosemary Garnish: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary for an herbaceous twist.
- Make it a Mocktail: Omit the vodka for a delicious non-alcoholic version.
How to Make an Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule
Let me show you how easy it is to make this Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule:
Fill Glasses with Ice
- I fill two large glasses (or traditional copper mugs) with ice.
Add Ingredients
- I add the Vodka and cranberry juice to each glass.
- I add the sparkling apple juice.
- Then, I fill the rest of the way with the ginger beer.
Stir and Garnish
- I stir gently to combine the ingredients.
- I garnish with fresh cranberries.
- I serve immediately
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Moscow Mule
Here are my secrets for making this cocktail truly exceptional:
- Use Good Quality Ginger Beer: The ginger beer provides the signature spicy kick, so use a brand you enjoy. Look for one with a strong ginger flavor.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure the vodka, juices, and ginger beer are well-chilled for the most refreshing drink.
- Don’t Over-Stir: Stir gently just to combine the ingredients; you don’t want to lose the carbonation from the ginger beer.
- Copper Mugs (Optional): While not necessary, traditional copper mugs help keep the drink extra cold and enhance the experience.
How to Serve
This Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule is perfect for:
- Fall Gatherings: A festive and flavorful cocktail for Thanksgiving or any fall party.
- Holiday Parties: A great alternative to traditional holiday drinks.
- Cocktail Hour: A refreshing and sophisticated choice for happy hour.
- Cozy Nights In: A delicious drink to enjoy by the fire.
Make Ahead and Storage
This cocktail is best made fresh just before serving to maintain its fizziness.
FAQs about Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule
- Can I use regular apple juice instead of sparkling?
- Yes, you can, but sparkling apple juice adds extra carbonation and festiveness.
- Is ginger beer alcoholic?
- Most ginger beers are non-alcoholic sodas with a strong ginger flavor. Be sure to check the label. Ginger ale is typically milder than ginger beer.
- Can I make a large batch?
- Yes, you can multiply the ingredients (except the ice and ginger beer) and mix them in a pitcher. Add ice and top with ginger beer in individual glasses just before serving.
Enjoy this festive, flavorful, and easy-to-make Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule! It’s a perfect cocktail for celebrating the fall season.
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Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Drinks, Cocktails, Holiday
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic, gingery Moscow Mule updated with the autumnal flavors of apple and cranberry! This festive cocktail is refreshing, bubbly, and perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy evening.
Ingredients
- Ice cubes
- 4 ounces vodka
- 1/4 cup 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened, see notes)
- 1/2 cup sparkling apple juice (or sparkling apple cider)
- 2 bottles (about 12–16 ounces total) good-quality ginger beer, chilled
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges or apple slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Glasses: Fill two large glasses or traditional copper Moscow Mule mugs completely with ice.
- Add Vodka and Juices: Pour the vodka, cranberry juice, and sparkling apple juice over the ice in each glass (divide amounts evenly between the two glasses).
- Top with Ginger Beer: Fill the rest of each glass with chilled ginger beer.
- Stir Gently: Stir gently with a stirrer or long spoon to combine the ingredients without losing too much carbonation.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish each drink with a few fresh cranberries, a lime wedge, or a thin apple slice, if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Notes
- Vodka: Use your preferred brand of vodka.
- Cranberry Juice: You can use 100% unsweetened cranberry juice (for a tarter drink) or sweetened cranberry juice cocktail. Adjust other sweeteners if using sweetened juice.
- Sparkling Apple Juice/Cider: Both sparkling apple juice and sparkling apple cider work well.
- Ginger Beer: The quality and spiciness of ginger beer vary greatly. Choose one you enjoy; spicier ginger beers will give the drink more kick.
- Serving Glasses: Traditionally served in copper mugs, which help keep the drink very cold, but any large glass will work.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Omit the vodka for a delicious and festive mocktail.