• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Good Hearted Woman logo
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Bread
    • Comfort Food
    • Cooking Basics
    • Condiments
    • German Recipes
    • Main Dishes
    • Salads
    • Seafood
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • Sourdough
    • Snacks
    • Sweets
    • 30-Minute Meals
  • Cozy Living
    • Arts & Crafts
    • For Music Lovers
    • Food Holidays
  • US Travel
    • One Day in...
    • Pacific
    • Rocky Mountains
    • Southwest
    • The South
    • Hikes Near & Far
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cozy Living
  • Road Trips
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Cozy Living
    • Road Trips
    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Beverages

    Spiced Cranberry Mule

    December 16, 2016 • Updated: May 3, 2022 • by Renée • This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe   Print Recipe
    Spiced Cranberry Mule made with Homemade Ginger Syrup | The Good Hearted Woman

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

    close-up of copper mule mug filled with ice and liquid, and garnished with a toothpick with 3 cranberries and fresh mint.
    Jump to:
    • Benefits of Drinking from Copper
    • What Goes into this Recipe
    • How to Make this Cocktail
    • FAQs & Expert Tips
    • Related 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.

    Copper mule mug sweating with condensation, garnished with cranberries and fresh mint. Felt mouse stands to the side.

    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

    1. Muddle two large mint leaves in the bottom of a Moscow Mule mug or tumbler.
    2. Fill the mug with ice.
    3. Pour in vodka, spiced simple syrup, and ginger ale and stir gently.
    4. Garnish with Sugar & Spice Cranberries and mint leaves.
    Overhead shot of copper mule mug filled with ice and liquid, and garnished with a toothpick with 3 cranberries and fresh mint.

    FAQs & Expert Tips

    What makes a drink a Mule?

    At its basic, a mule is a cocktail made with ginger beer or ginger ale, some kind of citrus or acidic juice, and any kind of spirit.

    This Cranberry Mule recipe is a riff of a Moscow Mule. Moscow mules are made with vodka; likely so named because of the Russian-vodka association.

    Related Recipes

    • Curl Up with a Cup of Russian Tea
    • Perfect Homemade Lemonade
    • Blushin' Russian (Cranberry Cocktail & Kid-friendly Mocktail)
    • Emerald Sunrise (St Patrick's Day Cocktail)

    Do you love Cranberries?

    • Orange-Spiced Cranberry Sauce
    • Cranberry Orange Pearl Couscous
    • Cranberry Crumb Sourdough Coffee Cake

    For more recipes and cozy living tips, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for all of the latest updates.

    close-up of copper mule mug filled with ice and liquid, and garnished with a toothpick with 3 cranberries and fresh mint.

    Spiced Cranberry Mule

    Warm spices pair perfectly with crisp cranberry vodka to create this festive, refreshing Spiced Cranberry Mule.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course: Beverages
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
    Prep Time:5 minutes
    Total Time:5 minutes
    Servings: 1 drink
    Calories: 341kcal
    Author: Renee

    Equipment

    • 1 Moscow Mule Mugs
    • 1 muddler

    Ingredients

    US Customary - Metric
    • 2 large Mint leaves
    • Ice
    • 2 ounces Cranberry vodka
    • 2 ounces Spiced Simple Syrup
    • 6 ounces Ginger beer or ginger ale
    Garnish
    • Sugar & Spice Cranberries
    • Fresh mint leaves

    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 and stir gently.
    • Garnish with Sugar & Spice Cranberries and mint leaves.

    Notes

    Craft Ginger Ale, with its more intense flavors, works best for this cocktail.
    We like to use spearmint leaves for this.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1drink | Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 38mg | Sugar: 57g | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 2mg
    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.
    Have you tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details.

    « Spiced Sugared Cranberries
    5 Fantastic Last Minute Gifts for Grown-ups »
    1469 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Flipboard

    About Renée

    Renée is writer, music maker, artist, and storyteller. In her spare time, you can find her writing love songs about cowboys, exploring the moss-covered nooks and crannies of the Pacific Northwest, and making music with her talented singer-husband.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. laura@motherwouldknow says

      December 17, 2016 at 9:52 am

      What a fabulous winter drink. I love ginger and cranberries, so I'll bet this combination is perfect for me.

      Reply
    2. Erin says

      December 16, 2016 at 3:42 pm

      These are so pretty and sound great. Love the idea of making standard cocktails with a festive twist! Happy holiday, Renee!

      Reply
    3. Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says

      December 16, 2016 at 2:19 pm

      Your sugared cranberries are beautiful- what a festive drink idea!

      Reply
    4. Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says

      December 16, 2016 at 1:50 pm

      This looks like such a festive beautiful holiday drink..Loving those mugs you served them in!

      Reply
    5. Debi at Life Currents says

      December 16, 2016 at 1:46 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        December 16, 2016 at 2:05 pm

        Our rosemary went nuts this year!

        Reply
    6. Waz says

      December 16, 2016 at 12:43 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        December 16, 2016 at 2:04 pm

        Our mule cups are getting more and more use. I even drink my ice water in mine!

        Reply
    7. Catherine says

      December 16, 2016 at 12:40 pm

      Such a gorgeous and refreshing holiday cocktail! Merry Christmas!

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        December 16, 2016 at 2:03 pm

        Thank you! Merry Christmas to you too!

        Reply
    8. Sandhya Nadkarni says

      December 16, 2016 at 12:05 pm

      What a perfect drink for the season. Love the perfect hammered copper mugs for serving the Cranberry Mules.

      Reply
    9. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says

      December 16, 2016 at 10:32 am

      I love moscow mules so this cranberry mule sounds delicious!! And this one is so festive!

      Reply
    10. Pech says

      December 16, 2016 at 10:16 am

      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

      Reply
    11. Erin @ Platings and Pairings says

      December 16, 2016 at 10:15 am

      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!!!

      Reply
    12. Michele Francisco says

      December 16, 2016 at 9:52 am

      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?

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Adorable middle-aged couple in forest setting. (i.e., Me & Mr B)

    Join me & Mr B for the best in home cooking and cozy living - from the beautiful Pacific Northwest and beyond.

    More about us →

    Follow Us

    BBq & Potluck Favorites

    • Honey Citrus Pasta Salad with Turkey
    • Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzadiki Sauce
    • Sweet & Spicy Grilled Buffalo Wings
    • Potluck-Worthy Big Cuban Salad

    Fresh Spring Flavors

    • Caribbean Mango Salad
    • Ginger Chili Deviled Eggs
    • Easy Rice Pilaf with Asparagus & Cashews
    • California Quinoa Salad with Piña Colada Dressing

    Soup & Salad

    • Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad (Applebee's Copycat Recipe)
    • Classic French Onion Soup
    • Smoked Salmon Chowder (with Leeks & Fresh Tarragon)
    • Armenian-style Eggplant & Carrot Salad

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Statement
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Statement

    Follow

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Meet Me & Mr B

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 The Good Hearted Woman. All rights reserved.

    1469 shares
    1.5K shares