Spiced Cranberry Mule

Warm spices pair perfectly with crisp cranberry vodka to create this festive, refreshing Spiced Cranberry Mule.

Jump to:

• Benefits of Drinking from Copper
• What Goes into this Recipe
• How to Make this Cocktail
• FAQs & Expert Tips
• More Cranberry Recipes
• Spiced Cranberry Mule

Benefits of Drinking from Copper

One of the reasons we love a good mule - besides the obvious fact that they are delicious - is that we get to use our Moscow Mule Mugs - and not just because they make for a great presentation.

Copper Enhances Flavor

There are a number of bonafide benefits to drinking your mule from a good copper mug. Not only do copper vessels keep drinks colder; but they accentuate and heighten the flavors of whatever else they hold.

If you are the kind of person who can perceive the subtle differences between drinking soda or beer from a glass bottle versus aluminum can, you will likely notice a similar difference when you drink a mule in a copper mug.

Copper naturally enhances the flavor of beverages made with ginger beer, vodka, lime, and mint (among other things). This happens through a chemical reaction that takes place when you pour liquids into a copper vessel. As the liquid makes contact with the sides of the mug, the copper begins to oxidize. According to experts, it is this oxidation process that enhances the aroma and the taste of the drink.

Cold copper will increase the production of bubbles in anything carbonated, creating more fizziness than a glass or plastic vessel might. It also affects the character of citrus juices (i.e., lime, orange, cranberry, etc.) by intensifying citrus flavor as it reduces the acidity.

Health Benefits of Copper

In addition to the flavor benefits, copper drinking vessels have long been thought to carry some impressive health benefits; including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. 

If you don't have your own mule mugs, consider making this the year that you give yourself a set.

The mugs we have are solid and sturdy; made of hammered solid copper, they have a nice, heavy feel in your hand. Our advice is, when you decide to purchase a set of mule mugs, don't go cheap! Quality makes a big difference when it comes to mule mugs. Plus, if you get good ones, they'll last forever.

What Goes into this Recipe

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

★ Mint Leaves: We usually make these mules using spearmint leaves. Any fresh mint will work though.

★ Ginger Ale: Craft ginger ales, with their more intense flavor, work best for this cocktail.

★ Cranberry Vodka: If you don't have cranberry vodka on hand, you can use plain vodka and a splash of cranberry juice instead.

★ Simple Syrup: We came up with these Spiced Cranberry Mules while we were experimenting with our (amazing!) Spiced Simple Syrup, and we highly recommend using it! However, you can use a plain simple syrup for this cocktail as well.

★ Sugared Cranberries: These tasty little treats are perfect for holiday snacking a beverage garnishing. You can also sub in plain or rehydrated dried cranberries.

How to Make this Cocktail

Spiced Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, heat ½-cup sugar, ½-cup water, cinnamon sticks, star anise, sliced ginger, and whole cloves over medium until it comes to a boil.

Reduce heat to low-low and barely simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, until it begins to boil.

Remove syrup from heat, and use a small wire sieve to remove solids.

The syrup portion of this recipe makes enough for about 3 Moscow mules. If you anticipate needing more, use a ratio of 1:1 sugar to water, and additional spices for each cup of water you add to the mix. (i.e., A triple batch would have 1½ cups each sugar and water, plus 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, 2 inches of ginger, etc.) Simple syrup will keep up to three weeks in the refrigerator.

Mix Mule

Muddle two large mint leaves in the bottom of a Moscow Mule mug or tumbler.

Fill a large copper mug with ice.

Pour in 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of prepared spiced syrup, and and 4 ounces of ginger ale. Stir gently.

Garnish with Sugar & Spice Cranberries and mint leaves.

FAQs & Expert Tips

More Cranberry Recipes

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