This fun twist on the classic Moscow Mule brings together bright cranberry and zesty orange. With ginger beer, it’s fizzy and refreshing, perfect for any celebration!
Making this drink feels like a festive party in a glass! 🥳 I love to serve it in copper mugs because it looks so pretty and keeps the drink nice and cold!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: Use any quality vodka you like, but if you’re looking for a unique twist, try a flavored vodka such as orange or even berry vodka!
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice is best for controlling sweetness. If that’s hard to find, light cranberry juice works too. Just reduce other sweet ingredients if you use a sweeter juice.
Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness to your drink. If you’re short on oranges, use bottled juice but opt for one without added sugars.
Ginger Beer: Choose a good quality ginger beer. If you want a non-alcoholic version, swap vodka with sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Balance of Flavors?
The key to a delightful Moscow Mule is balancing the flavors of sweetness, tartness, and spice. Here are some techniques to help you:
- Start with a base of vodka, then add juices. Adjust according to taste; if it’s too tart, add a bit more cranberry juice.
- When adding ginger beer, pour it slowly to maintain the bubbles. Stir gently to combine without losing fizz.
- Garnish generously with fresh fruit. Not only does it look pretty, but it also enhances the flavor when enjoyed in each sip.
Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or slightly sweetened)
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Orange slice (for garnish)
- Lime slice (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes just about 5-10 minutes to prepare. Perfect for a quick happy hour treat or a festive gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by grabbing a rocks glass or a classic copper mug. Fill it with ice cubes to keep your drink nice and chilled.
2. Mix the Juices:
In the glass with ice, pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, fresh orange juice, and lime juice. This creates a wonderful base of flavors!
3. Add the Ginger Beer:
Top off your drink with ginger beer. Pour it slowly over the mixture to preserve the bubbles. Give it a gentle stir with a spoon to mix everything together!
4. Garnish Your Drink:
To make your cocktail extra special, garnish it with a slice of orange and lime on the rim of the glass. Add a few fresh cranberries on top for a pop of color!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule immediately. Sip slowly and savor the refreshing blend of flavors—cheers!
Can I Make This Cocktail Without Vodka?
Absolutely! You can easily turn this into a mocktail by omitting the vodka and perhaps adding a bit more ginger beer or sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic version.
What Can I Substitute for Ginger Beer?
If you don’t have ginger beer, you can use ginger ale for a sweeter taste, or mix sparkling water with a bit of fresh ginger juice for a similar zing without added sugars.
Can I Prepare this Drink in Advance?
While the drink is best served fresh, you can prepare the juice mixture (vodka, cranberry juice, orange juice, lime juice) in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and add the ginger beer and ice just before serving to maintain the fizz!
How Should I Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store any leftover cranberry juice and ginger beer in the refrigerator. Fresh juices are best used within a couple of days for optimal flavor, while unopened ginger beer can last for months. Once opened, consume within a week for the best fizz.
