Warm spices pair perfectly with crisp cranberry vodka to create this festive, refreshing Spiced Cranberry Mule.
From Mr B’s Man Cave
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 Renée and watch my favorite holiday 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 that Renée and I stirred up while we were experimenting with her Spiced Simple Syrup. Warm spices like ginger and cinnamon pair perfectly with crisp cranberry vodka to create a festive and truly refreshing holiday treat.
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One of the reasons I love a good mule – besides the obvious fact that they are delicious – is that I 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 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.
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. Drinking from copper vessels may also carry some impressive health benefits too, 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 Renée and I have are very well-made of hammered solid copper, and have a nice, heavy feel in your hand. My only advice is that if you are going to get yourself some, 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.

Spiced Cranberry Mule
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 2 large mint leaves
- 2 oz. Cranberry Vodka
- 2 oz. Spiced Simple Syrup
- 6 oz. "Craft" Ginger Ale**
- Garnish: Sugar & Spice Cranberries & Fresh Mint Leaves
Instructions
- Muddle two large mint leaves int he 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
Renée’s Spiced Simple Syrup is a key ingredient in this cocktail. You can use a plain simple syrup if you have to, but the spiced syrup really does bring a special kick to this mule. If at all possible, set aside the extra five or ten extra minutes it takes to cook some up. One batch should last you all holiday season.

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, and heat, 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 and pour into bottle or jar. Mixture can be refrigerated for at least two weeks.
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