The cranberry mule is a festive twist on the classic Moscow mule. This refreshing cocktail combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zing of ginger beer and the warmth of vodka. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, it delivers a delightful balance of flavors that will impress your guests.
Photos of Cranberry Mule Recipe
While most of the ingredients for this cranberry mule are commonly found in your home, fresh cranberries and fresh rosemary might be exceptions. Fresh cranberries can be found in the produce section, often near the berries or seasonal fruits. Fresh rosemary is generally located in the herb section of the supermarket.
Ingredients For Cranberry Mule Recipe
fresh cranberries: Provide a tart and vibrant base for the syrup.
water: Used to help dissolve the sugar and extract the cranberry flavors.
white sugar: Sweetens the cranberry syrup and balances the tartness.
lime juice: Adds a refreshing citrus tang to the cocktail.
ice: Chills the drink and adds refreshing coolness.
ginger beer: Provides a spicy, fizzy element that complements the cranberry and lime.
vodka: The main alcoholic component, adding a smooth finish.
lime slices: Used for garnish and an extra touch of citrus.
fresh rosemary: Adds an aromatic, herbal note to the cocktail.
fresh cranberries: Used for garnish to enhance the visual appeal.
One reader, Griff Eldridge says:
The cranberry mule recipe is a delightful twist on a classic! The homemade cranberry syrup adds a refreshing tartness, perfectly balanced by the ginger beer and vodka. The rosemary and lime garnish elevate the presentation. A festive and flavorful drink that's perfect for any occasion!
Techniques for Mastering the Cranberry Mule Recipe
How to cook cranberries: Combine chopped cranberries, water, and sugar in a saucepan over very low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes until the cranberries have completely softened.
How to strain mixture: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, gently pressing the pulp to extract their liquid.
How to cool syrup: Let the syrup cool to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Cover and put in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before use.
How to assemble drink: Pour 1 tablespoon cooled cranberry syrup and ½ ounce lime juice into 2 copper mugs or collins glasses. Add ice. Pour in equal amounts of ginger beer and vodka to each.
How to garnish: Stir with a cocktail stirrer. Garnish with a lime wheel, rosemary sprig, and cranberries.
How To Make Cranberry Mule
This cranberry mule will put everyone into the holiday spirit with its blend of ginger beer, vodka, and fresh cranberries for refreshing booze.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupfresh cranberries,chopped
- ½cupwater
- ½cupwhite sugar
- 1ozlime juice,freshly squeezed
- ice,as needed
- 12ozginger beer,(1 bottle), such as Fentimans
- 4ozvodka
- 2sliceslime
- 2sprigsfresh rosemary
- 4fresh cranberries
Instructions
-
Combine chopped cranberries, water, and sugar in a saucepan over very low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes until the cranberries have completely softened.
-
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, gently pressing the pulp to extract their liquid. Let the syrup cool to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Cover and put in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before use.
-
Pour 1 tablespoon cooled cranberry syrup and ½ ounce lime juice into 2 copper mugs or collins glasses. Add ice. Pour in equal amounts of ginger beer and vodka to each.
-
Stir with a cocktail stirrer. Garnish with a lime wheel, rosemary sprig, and cranberries.
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Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
You can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh, if preferred.
Nutrition
- Calories: 422.56kcal
- Fat: 0.40g
- Saturated Fat: 0.15g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.07g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.09g
- Carbohydrates: 75.32g
- Fiber: 3.76g
- Sugar: 67.52g
- Protein: 0.51g
- Sodium: 18.29mg
- Calcium: 32.40mg
- Potassium: 112.24mg
- Iron: 0.88mg
- Vitamin A: 9.55µg
- Vitamin C: 15.49mg
Expert Technique Tip for Elevating Your Cranberry Mule
To achieve a smoother and more flavorful cranberry syrup, make sure to cook the cranberries over very low heat and stir frequently. This slow cooking process helps to break down the cranberries completely, ensuring that you extract the maximum amount of flavor and color. When straining the mixture, use a fine-mesh sieve and press gently but firmly to get as much liquid as possible without pushing through any solids. This will result in a clearer, more refined syrup for your cranberry mule.
Time-Saving Tips for Making a Cranberry Mule
Prepare cranberry syrup in advance: Make the cranberry syrup a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator to save time on the day of serving.
Use pre-chopped cranberries: Buy pre-chopped cranberries to skip the chopping step and speed up the cooking process.
Batch make the syrup: Double or triple the syrup recipe and store it for future use, reducing prep time for subsequent batches.
Pre-chill the glasses: Keep your copper mugs or collins glasses in the freezer so they are ready to use and keep your drink colder longer.
Substitute Ingredients For Cranberry Mule Recipe
fresh cranberries - Substitute with dried cranberries: Rehydrate them in water to mimic the texture of fresh cranberries.
water - Substitute with cranberry juice: Enhances the cranberry flavor in the syrup.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Adds a different layer of sweetness and a slight floral note.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor.
ice - Substitute with frozen cranberries: Keeps the drink cold and adds extra cranberry flavor as they thaw.
ginger beer - Substitute with ginger ale: Slightly less spicy but still provides the ginger flavor.
vodka - Substitute with white rum: Offers a different but complementary alcoholic base.
lime slices - Substitute with lemon slices: Provides a similar visual and flavor effect.
fresh rosemary - Substitute with fresh thyme: Adds a different herbal note that pairs well with the other ingredients.
fresh cranberries - Substitute with pomegranate seeds: Adds a similar tartness and visual appeal.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Cranberry Mule
Use high-quality glassware: Opt for elegant copper mugs or Collins glasses to enhance the visual appeal and traditional presentation of the cranberry mule.
Create a vibrant cranberry syrup: Ensure the cranberry syrup is a rich, deep red color by using fresh cranberries and cooking them down to a smooth consistency.
Perfect the ice: Use large, clear ice cubes to keep the drink cold without diluting the flavors. This also adds a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Layer the ingredients: Pour the cranberry syrup and lime juice first, followed by the vodka and ginger beer. This creates a beautiful gradient effect in the glass.
Garnish with precision: Place a perfectly sliced lime wheel on the rim of the glass. Add a fresh rosemary sprig and a few whole cranberries for a festive and aromatic touch.
Serve immediately: Ensure the drink is served ice-cold to maintain its refreshing quality. Present it on a clean, polished tray to add an extra layer of elegance.
Can You Store or Freeze a Cranberry Mule Cocktail?
To store leftover cranberry mule, pour the cocktail into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The ginger beer may lose some of its carbonation over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.
If you have extra cranberry syrup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can use it to make more cranberry mules or as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes.
To freeze the cranberry mule, pour the cocktail into a freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to drink, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
If you want to freeze the cranberry syrup separately, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. You can add the frozen cranberry syrup cubes directly to your cocktail for a quick and easy drink.
To make a large batch of cranberry mules for a party, prepare the cranberry syrup and lime juice mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, add ice, ginger beer, and vodka to the mixture and stir well. Garnish with lime wheels, rosemary sprigs, and cranberries before serving.
Fascinating Facts About the Origins of the Cranberry Mule
A fun fact about this cranberry mule recipe is that the cranberry syrup not only adds a festive touch but also provides a boost of antioxidants, making it a slightly healthier twist on the classic Moscow Mule.
Is Making Cranberry Mules at Home Cost-Effective?
When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of this cranberry mule recipe, it scores a solid 8 out of 10. The primary ingredients like fresh cranberries, lime, ginger beer, and vodka are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD, making it a budget-friendly yet festive option for gatherings.
Is the Cranberry Mule Cocktail Healthy or Unhealthy?
The cranberry mule recipe, while refreshing and festive, is not particularly healthy due to its high sugar content. The recipe calls for a significant amount of white sugar in the cranberry syrup, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues if consumed regularly. Additionally, the ginger beer used in the recipe is likely to contain added sugars, further increasing the overall sugar content of the drink.
However, the recipe does include some beneficial ingredients:
- Fresh cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
- Lime juice provides a good source of vitamin C and can help balance the sweetness of the drink
- Ginger beer, if made with real ginger, may offer some anti-inflammatory properties
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the cranberry syrup or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Use a sugar-free or low-sugar ginger beer to decrease the overall sugar content
- Increase the proportion of fresh lime juice to add more tartness and reduce the need for added sweeteners
- Serve the drink in smaller portions to control calorie and sugar intake
- Experiment with adding other healthy ingredients, such as fresh mint or a splash of unsweetened cranberry juice, to enhance the flavor profile without relying on sugar
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a more balanced and health-conscious version of the cranberry mule while still indulging in the festive flavors of the season.
Editor's Opinion: Why the Cranberry Mule is a Must-Try Cocktail
This cranberry mule recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Moscow mule, perfect for the holiday season. The homemade cranberry syrup adds a fresh, tart sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spicy ginger beer and crisp vodka. The rosemary sprig and fresh cranberries not only enhance the presentation but also add a subtle aromatic touch. The balance of flavors is well thought out, making it a refreshing and festive cocktail. Just ensure the cranberry syrup is well strained to avoid any pulp in the drink. Overall, it's a sophisticated and enjoyable beverage.
Enhance Your Cranberry Mule Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delightful Alternatives to the Classic Cranberry Mule Recipe
Why trust this Cranberry Mule Recipe:
This cranberry mule recipe is a delightful twist on the classic mule, combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zing of ginger beer. The homemade cranberry syrup ensures a rich, authentic flavor, while the vodka and lime juice balance the drink perfectly. Garnished with lime slices and fresh rosemary, it not only tastes amazing but looks stunning. Trust this recipe for a refreshing, festive cocktail that’s sure to impress.
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