Cranberry Harvest Mule cocktail – Delicious and surprising!

I can’t wait to share one of my favorite fall drinks with you! The Cranberry Harvest Mule is my go-to cocktail when I’m hosting autumn gatherings.

It’s the perfect blend of tart cranberry, spicy ginger beer and smooth vodka that’ll wake up your taste buds.

This recipe works perfectly for holiday parties, and your guests will be asking for seconds.

Want to know my secret for getting that perfect balance of flavors without watering it down?

Recommended Tools

Creating the perfect Cranberry Harvest Mule is easy when you have the right tools on hand. These kitchen essentials will help you mix, muddle and serve this festive cocktail with professional flair so your guests will be impressed every time.

• Copper Mugs
  

  Traditional vessels that keep Moscow Mules ice-cold while adding that classic presentation.

• Muddler
  

  Essential for crushing the cranberries and lime to release their flavors properly.

• Jigger
  

  Ensures you measure the perfect amount of vodka and ginger beer for balanced flavor.

• Bar Spoon
  

  Long-handled spoon that makes stirring ingredients together much easier.

• Citrus Juicer
  

  Helps extract every drop of lime juice without seeds falling into your cocktail.

• Cutting Board
  

  Provides a clean surface for slicing limes and preparing garnishes.

• Sharp Knife
  

  Makes quick work of slicing limes and preparing fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish.

Instructions

1. Begin this autumnal cocktail by filling a copper mug with plenty of crushed ice. The copper not only serves as a traditional vessel for mules but also helps maintain the drink’s refreshing temperature longer than glass alternatives.

Make sure to fill the mug generously with ice to ensure proper dilution and temperature.

2. Pour the vodka directly over the ice, using a jigger for precise measurement. The vodka forms the spirited foundation of this seasonal mule, providing a clean canvas for the other flavors to shine through.

Choose a quality vodka that’s smooth and neutral in flavor to allow the cranberry and ginger notes to take center stage.

3. Add the cranberry juice to the mug, which introduces both the signature crimson color and tart flavor profile to the cocktail. The cranberry juice balances the bite of the ginger beer while offering a seasonal nod to fall’s harvest bounty.

Fresh cranberry juice provides the best flavor, but a good quality store-bought version will also work wonderfully.

4. Squeeze the juice from half a lime directly into the mixture, adding crucial brightness and acidity to balance the sweetness. The lime helps to amplify the tartness of the cranberry while cutting through the richness of the ginger beer.

Be sure to squeeze with the cut side facing up to prevent seeds from falling into your cocktail.

5. Pour in the ginger beer, which provides the characteristic spicy effervescence that defines a mule cocktail. The carbonation should be added last to preserve the maximum amount of fizz in your finished drink.

Pour slowly down the side of the mug to minimize foam and maintain the bubbly texture.

6. Gently stir the mixture with a bar spoon to combine all ingredients without diminishing the carbonation. A proper stir ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the drink while maintaining the refreshing fizzy quality.

Aim for about 3-4 rotations around the mug, being careful not to agitate the mixture too vigorously.

7. Garnish your Cranberry Harvest Mule with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge to enhance both visual appeal and aromatic elements. The fresh cranberries provide a beautiful pop of color while offering a snackable treat once they’ve soaked up some of the cocktail.

The lime wedge can be perched on the rim for guests to squeeze in additional citrus if desired.

Pro Tip: Chill your copper mug in the freezer for 15 minutes before making the cocktail to keep your drink colder longer and enhance the crisp, refreshing quality of the ginger beer.

Substitutions & Variations

Customizing your Cranberry Harvest Mule allows you to explore new flavor dimensions while maintaining its festive essence.

• Apple Cider Mule: Replace cranberry juice with apple cider and garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices for an autumnal twist that highlights orchard flavors.
• Spiced Winter Mule: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg and 2-3 whole cloves to the shaker for a warming holiday version that pairs beautifully with winter celebrations.
• Maple Harvest Mule: Substitute maple syrup for simple syrup and add a dash of bourbon along with the vodka for a rich, sophisticated variation with caramel undertones.
• Berry Medley Mule: Use a combination of cranberry, blackberry and raspberry juices with a handful of fresh berries as garnish for a complex, fruity profile that adds visual appeal.
• Non-Alcoholic Harvest Sparkler: Skip the vodka and double the ginger beer, adding a splash of sparkling water and extra lime for a festive mocktail everyone can enjoy.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

Ever wondered how to make the most of your Cranberry Harvest Mule ingredients when the party’s over?

I’ve got you covered! Store leftover cranberry syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Already mixed your cocktail? Unfortunately, it won’t keep well—those bubbles from the ginger beer will fizzle out.

Pro tip: freeze extra cranberries for your next batch!

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