A Christmas Moscow mule takes the classic vodka, lime, and ginger beer cocktail and dresses it up for the holidays. Tart cranberry juice turns it a festive red, and fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary make it look like a tiny Christmas tree in a mug.
It takes two minutes to mix, and it is easy to batch for a party. Serve it in frosty copper mugs for the full effect.
For more holiday cocktails, try my cranberry Christmas cocktail, Jack Frost cocktail, and drunken Rudolph drink. For a non-alcoholic option, serve non-alcoholic Christmas sangria.
JUMP TO
- Why You’ll Love This Christmas Moscow Mule
- What Is a Christmas Moscow Mule?
- Ingredients
- Kitchen Equipment
- Ingredient Tips
- How to Make Christmas Moscow Mule
- Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Moscow Mule
- Delicious Variations
- What to Serve with Christmas Moscow Mule
- Storage Instructions
- Can You Make It Ahead?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Estimated Nutrition
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Moscow Mule
This cocktail is bright, bubbly, and festive.
Two Minutes
Pour, stir, and garnish.
Festive Color
Cranberry turns it Christmas red.
Refreshing
A crisp break from heavy holiday drinks.
Easy to Batch
Mix a pitcher for parties.
Simple Mocktail
Skip the vodka for a festive soda.
What Is a Christmas Moscow Mule?
The Moscow mule was invented in the 1940s in Los Angeles to promote vodka and ginger beer. It became famous for its signature copper mug.
This Christmas version adds cranberry juice and holiday garnishes. The ginger beer adds spice and sparkle, while lime keeps it fresh.
Ingredients
Cocktail
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Vodka | 2 oz | Spirit |
| Cranberry juice | 2 oz | Tart fruit flavor |
| Fresh lime juice | ½ oz | Brightness |
| Ginger beer, chilled | 4 oz | Spicy fizz |
| Ice | 1 cup | Chilling |
Garnish
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh cranberries | 1 tablespoon | Festive color |
| Lime wheel | 1 | Garnish |
| Rosemary sprig | 1 | Christmas tree look |
Kitchen Equipment
- Copper mug or highball glass
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Citrus juicer
- Pitcher for batches
Ingredient Tips
Ginger Beer, Not Ale
Ginger beer is spicier and stronger.
Fresh Lime
Bottled juice tastes flat.
Cranberry Juice
Use 100 percent juice for tartness or cocktail for sweetness.
Very Cold
Chill everything first.
Sugared Cranberries
Roll wet cranberries in sugar for a frosty look.
How to Make Christmas Moscow Mule
Step 1: Chill the Mug
Place the copper mug in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add Ice
Fill the mug with ice.
Step 3: Add Vodka
Pour in the vodka.
Step 4: Add Juices
Add the cranberry juice and lime juice.
Step 5: Top with Ginger Beer
Slowly pour in the ginger beer.
Step 6: Stir
Stir gently once to combine without losing the fizz.
Step 7: Garnish
Add fresh cranberries, a lime wheel, and a rosemary sprig.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Moscow Mule
Slap the Rosemary
Clap it between your hands to release the aroma.
Crushed Ice
It chills fast and looks frosty.
Stir Gently
Hard stirring kills the bubbles.
Batch Without Bubbles
Mix vodka and juices ahead; add ginger beer to order.
Line Copper Mugs
Use lined mugs for acidic drinks.
Delicious Variations
Mocktail Mule
Skip vodka and add more cranberry.
Pomegranate Mule
Use pomegranate juice.
Bourbon Mule
Swap vodka for bourbon.
Spiced Mule
Add cinnamon syrup.
Apple Cider Mule
Use cider instead of cranberry.
What to Serve with Christmas Moscow Mule
Serve at Christmas parties, holiday brunch, or New Year’s Eve.
Pair with appetizers, cheese boards, and salty snacks.
Storage Instructions
| Storage Method | How Long | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Batch Mix | 2 days | Refrigerator without ginger beer |
| Garnishes | 3 days | Refrigerator |
| Mixed Drink | Serve immediately | Loses fizz |
Keep the ginger beer cold and sealed until serving.
Freeze cranberries to use as ice cubes.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Mix the vodka, cranberry, and lime in a pitcher up to 2 days ahead.
Prep sugared cranberries and rosemary the day before.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ginger Ale Instead of Beer
Too sweet and mild.
Warm Ingredients
Flat, watery drink.
Over-Stirring
Lost bubbles.
Bottled Lime
Dull flavor.
Adding Ginger Beer Early
The batch goes flat.
Estimated Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Sodium | 15mg |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
Estimate per cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a Christmas Moscow mule?
A Christmas Moscow mule has vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and ginger beer, garnished with cranberries and rosemary.
Do I need a copper mug?
No, but a copper mug keeps the drink very cold and looks festive.
Can I make a Christmas Moscow mule ahead?
Mix the vodka and juices ahead, then add ginger beer when serving.
How do I make a non-alcoholic version?
Skip the vodka and use extra cranberry juice and ginger beer.
What is the best ginger beer for a mule?
A spicy ginger beer gives the best flavor.
Conclusion
A Christmas Moscow mule is crisp, tart, spicy, and festive. It is the easiest holiday cocktail to impress guests.
Grab your copper mugs and cheers to the season.
PrintChristmas Moscow Mule: Cranberry Vodka Ginger Beer Cocktail
Vodka, tart cranberry juice, fresh lime, and spicy ginger beer over ice in a frosty copper mug, garnished with cranberries, lime, and a rosemary sprig.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Cocktail:
2 oz vodka
2 oz cranberry juice
½ oz fresh lime juice
4 oz ginger beer, chilled
1 cup ice
Garnish:
1 tablespoon fresh cranberries
1 lime wheel
1 rosemary sprig
Instructions
Place the copper mug in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Fill the mug with ice.
Pour in the vodka.
Add the cranberry juice and lime juice.
Slowly pour in the ginger beer.
Stir gently once to combine without losing the fizz.
Add fresh cranberries, a lime wheel, and a rosemary sprig.
Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.
Notes
Use ginger beer.
Chill everything.
Add ginger beer last.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
