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
Scale
- 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.