Should you add ice to a moscow mule?

YES! These cranberry moscow mule cocktails definitely taste best ice cold. I always refrigerate my ginger beer before adding so it doesn't melt the ice too quickly.

Why are mule cocktails served in copper mugs?

Copper mugs respond to the temperature of what's inside it, so they're great for keeping a tequila or Moscow mule nice and frosty. Some people also think copper mugs enhance the fizziness and flavor of the cocktail.

What's the best way to clean copper mugs?

Copper tarnishes pretty easily, so be sure to wash your mugs in soapy, warm water right after using. Rinse well, then dry completely. Any leftover water spots may cause oxidation and tarnishing.

Cranberry Moscow Mule - Crowded Kitchen

Description

This cranberry moscow mule combines the tartness of cranberry with the spicy sweetness of a homemade cinnamon simple syrup to create the perfect holiday cocktail. Topped with ginger beer, this mule is perfect for enjoying with friends and family.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cocktail:

2 oz vodka
2 oz cranberry juice (we use unsweetened)
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 oz cinnamon simple syrup (recipe below)
2-3 oz ginger beer to top off

Cinnamon Simple Syrup:

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 cinnamon stick

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Instructions

In a small saucepan, stir together sugar and water, then add a cinnamon stick and bring to a boil for 4-5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the simple syrup sit for 30 minutes, then remove the cinnamon stick.
In a cocktail shaker half filled with ice, add vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and cinnamon simple syrup. Shake well and pour into a glass/copper mug, then top with 2-3 oz of ginger beer.

Notes

Make it a mocktail: Substitute the vodka with extra pomegranate juice and ginger beer. Alternatively, we recently tried these nonalcoholic spirits and loved them!

Simple syrup storage: store leftover cinnamon simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Make ahead for a party: You can make the simple syrup and the base of the cocktail mixture (everything except the ginger beer) ahead of time. When ready to serve, stir/whisk well, pour into each glass and top off with ginger beer.

Keep it fresh: freshly squeezed lime juice makes a huge difference in these cranberry Moscow mules. Bottled citrus juice often contains additives and preservatives, so the flavor isn't nearly as fresh or tart.

Garnishes: fresh cranberries add a nice pop of tartness and sweetness to these mules. We also love to garnish with an herb sprig. Just about anything will do – we like rosemary, mint, thyme or sage.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Cocktails
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 759
Sugar: 155.1 g
Sodium: 83.1 mg
Fat: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 158.2 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 0.4 g