Spiced Cranberry Mule

Winter calls for a cocktail that’s both refreshing and warming, and the Spiced Cranberry Mule is the perfect answer. By blending tart cranberries with the kick of ginger beer and a touch of seasonal spices, this cocktail brings festive flavors into every sip. Learn how to make this easy yet impressive drink that’s sure to become a holiday favorite.

Equipment

To craft the perfect Spiced Cranberry Mule, ensure you have the right tools on hand.

• Cocktail shaker: Essential for mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
• Copper mug: Maintains the cold temperature of the drink longer.
• Strainer: Helps separate the ice from the liquid when pouring.
• Muddler: Useful for crushing ingredients like cranberries or mint.
• Measuring jigger: Accurately measures liquid components.

Having these tools will help you mix and serve this refreshing cocktail efficiently.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Spiced Cranberry Mule:

• 2 oz vodka: Use spiced vodka for enhanced flavor.
• 3 oz ginger beer: Adds a refreshing fizz.
• 1.5 oz cranberry juice: Provides tartness.
• 1/2 oz lime juice: Freshly squeezed for zest.
• Cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves: For spicing the vodka.
• Ice: Keeps your drink chilled.
• Optional garnish: Fresh cranberries and mint leaves.

These ingredients combine to create a drink that balances spice with tang.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Spiced Cranberry Mule:

1. Infuse vodka: Add vodka and spices to a jar. Let sit for 24 hours.
2. Muddle: In your mug, crush cranberries and mint.
3. Mix: Add ice, spiced vodka, cranberry, and lime juice in a shaker.
4. Shake: Secure lid and shake well.
5. Pour: Strain into the mug. Top with ginger beer.
6. Garnish: Add fresh cranberries and mint.

Tasting Notes

The Spiced Cranberry Mule hits your palate with a medley of flavors.

Expect a sharp cranberry tartness blended with the warmth of spices. Ginger beer adds a bubbly finish. The aroma of cinnamon and cloves enriches the drinking experience. Mint provides a hint of herbal freshness. It’s a vibrant cocktail that will awaken your senses.

Enjoy the complex layers of taste.

Similar Cocktails

If you love the Spiced Cranberry Mule, explore these similar drinks:

• Cranberry Moscow Mule: Similar base with less spice.
• Christmas Moscow Mule: Incorporates elements of the holiday spirit.
• Rum Mule: Swaps vodka for rum, changing the flavor profile.

These cocktails share the basic mule elements while offering diverse twists.

History

The Moscow Mule has an intriguing past, linked to the rise of vodka in America.

Created in the 1940s by a partnership between a vodka producer and ginger beer maker, the drink gained popularity quickly. The copper mug became its signature symbol, enhancing the mule’s unique presentation. The Spiced Cranberry Mule is a modern twist, adding complexity with festive spices.

Quick Pro Tips

Elevate your Spiced Cranberry Mule with these insider tips:

• Adjust sweetness with simple syrup if desired.
• Chill your mug in the freezer for an extra cold drink.
• Experiment with spices like nutmeg for different undertones.
• Use fresh juice for the best flavors.

When to Serve

The Spiced Cranberry Mule shines in various settings.

It’s perfect for holiday parties, pairing well with festive dishes. Enjoy it as a refreshing summer cocktail, given its vibrant flavors. Serve it during cozy get-togethers by the fireplace. Anytime you wish to add a touch of elegance and complexity, this drink fits the bill.