As the air turns crisp and the holiday season beckons, there’s no better time to indulge in a festive and delightful drink. Enter the Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule, a vibrant twist on the classic Moscow Mule that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering or simply looking to add a touch of holiday spirit to your evening, this cocktail is a must-try. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of crafting this flavorful libation, offer tips and tricks to perfect it, explore how to create a non-alcoholic version, and even discuss some alternatives to suit every palate.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 freshly squeezed navel orange
- 1/2 freshly squeezed lime
- Ginger beer
- Ice
- Fresh cranberries, orange, and lime slices for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Squeeze in Fresh Juices: Squeeze the juice of half of a navel orange into your cup. You can do this by cutting the orange into slices and muddling it in the cup itself or using a lemon squeezer. Then, squeeze half a lime. Once freshly squeezed you can then muddle the orange and lime slices in your cup to release more of the citrus essence into your drink. I love extra lime in my Moscow Mules so I always add more lime.
- Fill Your Copper Mug: Add ice into the cup as much or as little as you would like. I usually use about 4 cubes of ice. The chill is essential for a refreshing Moscow Mule. Pour in 2 oz of vodka and 2 oz of cranberry juice. The vodka is the backbone of the Moscow Mule, so choose one you enjoy. This mix of citrus and cranberry will create a burst of flavor.
- Stir It Up: Using a bar spoon, gently stir all the ingredients together to ensure they’re well combined.
- Top with Ginger Beer: Fill the copper mug with ginger beer, leaving some room at the top for garnishes.
- Garnish: Enhance the drink’s visual appeal by adding a few fresh cranberries and slices of lime and orange. For a truly festive touch, include a sprig of fresh rosemary.
- Serve and Enjoy: Give your Moscow Mule one final gentle stir. The combination of flavors, the effervescence of the ginger beer, and the visual appeal of the garnish create a stunning holiday drink that’s sure to impress.
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh citrus juice for the best flavor. It makes a significant difference in the overall taste.
- Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. I love extra lime in my Moscow Mules so I always add extra.
- The choice of ginger beer can significantly impact the final taste. Experiment with different brands and styles to discover your favorite.
Elevate Your Moscow Mule Experience with Copper Mugs
Copper mugs are the perfect and essential choice for serving Moscow Mules for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, they enhance the overall drinking experience by providing an exceptional tactile sensation. The cold metal of the mug instantly chills the cocktail, keeping it refreshing and perfectly icy. Moreover, the copper material is an excellent conductor of temperature, ensuring that the cocktail remains cool throughout your sipping pleasure. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of the copper mug is undeniably striking, elevating the visual presentation of the drink, and making it a showstopper at gatherings and events. All these factors combine to make copper mugs an indispensable part of enjoying a classic Moscow Mule.
Making it a Mocktail
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version of this delightful drink, simply omit the vodka and replace it with more cranberry and orange juice. You can also add a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale to mimic the fizziness of the original. The result is a refreshing and festive cranberry-orange mocktail that everyone can enjoy.
Alternatives to the Classic
Variety is the spice of life, and the Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule offers ample opportunities for creativity. Here are a few ideas to explore:
- Cranberry Moscow Mule: If you’re a cranberry lover, skip the orange juice and go all-in with cranberry juice. It’s tangy, tart, and utterly delicious.
- Orange Spice Mule: For a twist of warmth and spice, add a cinnamon stick or a dash of cinnamon to your Moscow Mule. It’s the perfect embodiment of cozy holiday vibes.
- Cranberry Orange Spritzer: Dilute the Moscow Mule with extra ginger beer and sparkling water to create a lighter, bubbly cranberry orange spritzer.
- The Moscow Mule Family Pitcher: Scale up the recipe to create a pitcher of Moscow Mules for a family gathering. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, and let everyone enjoy the holiday cheer together.
- Strawberry Moscow Mule: Here is a link to another Moscow Mule drink that I absolutely love!
This Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule is a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re raising a toast to Thanksgiving, enjoying a cozy evening by the fire, or hosting a festive gathering, this cocktail brings a burst of seasonal flavors to your glass. Cheers to creating holiday memories with this vibrant and flavorful libation.
Have fun with this cocktail. Feel free to share what you have done in the comments below or share a picture of you enjoying this delicious drink!
Bom apetite and enjoy!
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Crafting the Perfect Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule
Equipment
- Lemon Squeezer
- muddler
- copper mugs
- Double Jigger
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 freshly squeezed navel orange
- 1/2 freshly squeezed lime
- Ginger beer
- Ice
- Fresh cranberries orange, and lime slices for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprig optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Squeeze the juice of half of a navel orange into your cup. You can do this by cutting the orange into slices and muddling it in the cup itself or using a lemon squeezer. Then, squeeze half a lime. Once freshly squeezed you can then muddle the orange and lime slices in your cup to release more of the citrus essence into your drink. I love extra lime in my Moscow Mules so I always add more lime.
- Add ice into the cup as much or as little as you would like. I usually use about 4 cubes of ice. The chill is essential for a refreshing Moscow Mule. Pour in 2 oz of vodka and 2 oz of cranberry juice. The vodka is the backbone of the Moscow Mule, so choose one you enjoy. This mix of citrus and cranberry will create a burst of flavor.
- Using a bar spoon, gently stir all the ingredients together to ensure they're well combined.
- Fill the copper mug with ginger beer, leaving some room at the top for garnishes.
- Enhance the drink's visual appeal by adding a few fresh cranberries and slices of lime and orange. For a truly festive touch, include a sprig of fresh rosemary.
- Give your Moscow Mule one final gentle stir. The combination of flavors, the effervescence of the ginger beer, and the visual appeal of the garnish create a stunning holiday drink that's sure to impress.
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