Warm spices pair perfectly with crisp cranberry vodka to create this festive, refreshing Spiced Cranberry Mule.
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The house is decorated, the tree is up, the gifts are wrapped, and the Christmas music is playing. Now all that's left to do is kick back in the big chair with Mr B and watch his favorite movie, "It's a Wonderful Life."
Yep - life is good. And it's even better when you have a delicious adult beverage to enjoy in the process.
I'm loving these Spiced Cranberry Mules, a combination we stirred up while we were experimenting with our (amazing) Spiced Simple Syrup. Warm spices like ginger and cinnamon pair perfectly with crisp cranberry vodka to create a festive and truly refreshing holiday treat.
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 either.
There are a couple of bonafide benefits to drinking your mule from a good copper mug. Not only do copper mugs keep drinks colder, but the copper seems to enhance to the flavor of the drinks as well.
The difference between drinking this from a glass versus a copper mug isn't something you can really put your finger on per-say; but in my experience the copper mugs seem to complement and heighten the flavors of the ginger and vodka, as well as whatever else you add.
Copper drinking vessels have long been thought to carry some impressive health benefits too, including having 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.
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.
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.
PRO TIP: You can use a plain simple syrup for this cocktail, but our amazing Spiced Simple Syrup (recipe follows) really does bring a special kick to this Mule. If at all possible, set aside the extra ten extra minutes it takes to cook some up.
Spiced Cranberry Mule
Equipment
- Moscow Mule Mugs
Ingredients
- 2 large mint leaves
- 2 ounces Cranberry Vodka
- 2 ounces Spiced Simple Syrup
- 6 ounces Ginger Ale*
- Sugar & Spice Cranberries Garnish
- Fresh Mint Leaves Garnish
Instructions
- Muddle two large mint leaves in the bottom of a Moscow Mule mug or tumbler.
- Fill mug with ice. Pour in vodka, spiced simple syrup, and ginger ale. Stir gently.
- Garnish with Sugar & Spice Cranberries and mint leaves.
Notes
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
The Spiced Simple Syrup recipe below - a key ingredient in both our Spice Cranberry Mule and our Blushin’ Russian {Holiday Cocktail & Kid-friendly Mocktail} - takes only about 10 minutes to make, and the effort is so worth it!
Spiced Simple Syrup
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3-4 slices fresh ginger
- 4-5 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole star anise
- 15 whole allspice
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, sliced ginger, star anise.Cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Bring mixture to a boil and allow to simmer for 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool completely.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove spices from liquid. Pour prepared Spiced Simple Syrup into bottle or jar. Mixture can be refrigerated for at least two weeks.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Do you love cranberries? Be sure to try our delicious Orange-Spiced Cranberry Sauce, made with Grand Marnier!
Want more? Our Cranberry Orange Pearl Couscous makes a unique, delicious, easy-to-make side dish; and our Cranberry Crumb Sourdough Coffee Cake is perfect for a holiday breakfast or brunch!
Check out these other holiday favorites from GHW:
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Beautiful photos and I love the spiced simple syrup recipe! And I've got to know- how did you get the sugar to stick on the cranberry garnish?
Moscow Mules are one of my favorite cocktails. And, for the season, and this weather we're having, I need this cranberry mule in my life tonight! Yum!!!
I love Moscow Mules in warmer weather with the refreshing flavors of the ginger, and so am loving this idea of a spiced version for the holidays. I agree that mug does add an important something to the flavor of the drink
I love moscow mules so this cranberry mule sounds delicious!! And this one is so festive!
What a perfect drink for the season. Love the perfect hammered copper mugs for serving the Cranberry Mules.
Such a gorgeous and refreshing holiday cocktail! Merry Christmas!
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you too!
I've always loved Moscow Mules, but your spiced cranberry version is even better for the holidays. Sounds so yummy! I saw some mule mugs at a store recently, but didn't get them. After seeing this recipe, I'm starting to regret it.
Our mule cups are getting more and more use. I even drink my ice water in mine!
Oh my, these are beautiful pictures. That rosemary is lush. My rosemary plant needs to be cut back, but that's another topic! And that little mouse is adorable!
Our rosemary went nuts this year!
This looks like such a festive beautiful holiday drink..Loving those mugs you served them in!
Your sugared cranberries are beautiful- what a festive drink idea!
These are so pretty and sound great. Love the idea of making standard cocktails with a festive twist! Happy holiday, Renee!
What a fabulous winter drink. I love ginger and cranberries, so I'll bet this combination is perfect for me.