5-Minute Cranberry Moscow Mule with Fresh Rosemary Bliss

Name: 5-Minute Cranberry Moscow Mule with Fresh Rosemary Bliss
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 oz vodka; 1 oz cranberry juice; 1/2 oz lime juice; 4 oz ginger beer; 1 sprig fresh rosemary; Ice cubes

Author: lia

Published: September 7, 2025

Cranberry Moscow Mule with Fresh Rosemary

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Nothing says “holiday party” quite like the clink of ice in a copper mug and that first sip of a perfectly balanced Moscow Mule. But this Cranberry Moscow Mule with Fresh Rosemary? Oh, it’s my absolute favorite twist on the classic. The moment I first made these for our family’s Christmas Eve gathering, they disappeared faster than the cookies! The tart cranberry plays so nicely with the spicy ginger beer, while that fresh rosemary sprig makes every sip smell like winter magic. Trust me—it’s the cocktail that’ll have your guests asking, “Wait, what’s in this?” before immediately going back for seconds. Simple enough to whip up a big batch, yet special enough to feel like a true celebration in a glass.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Moscow Mule with Fresh Rosemary

This isn’t just another cocktail—it’s your new go-to for every celebration. Here’s why:

Lightning fast: From fridge to hand in under 5 minutes (perfect for when guests arrive unexpectedly!)
That wow factor: The ruby-red color against the copper mug with a fragrant rosemary sprig? Pure holiday magic.
Flavor fireworks: Sweet-tart cranberry dances with spicy ginger, while rosemary adds earthy sophistication—no one-note drinks here!
Seasonal superstar: Tastes like December, but I make these year-round because they’re that good.
Crowd-pleaser: Even my “I don’t like fancy cocktails” uncle asks for seconds.

Ingredients for Cranberry Moscow Mule with Fresh Rosemary

What makes this drink so special? The ingredients – simple, fresh, and measured with love. Here’s exactly what you’ll need (and a few insider tips I’ve picked up after making these for years):

2 oz vodka: Use your favorite brand – I keep it classic with a good Russian or Polish vodka. No need for anything fancy, but avoid the plastic bottle stuff.
1 oz cranberry juice: Get the unsweetened kind if you can find it. That tart punch is what makes this drink sing! Ocean Spray works fine in a pinch.
1/2 oz lime juice: Freshly squeezed, please – those little plastic limes don’t belong in this cocktail. About half a juicy lime does the trick.
4 oz ginger beer: Chilled is key! I’m partial to Fever-Tree’s spicy kick, but use whatever makes your taste buds happy.
1 sprig fresh rosemary: Whole, not chopped – we’re using it as a fragrant garnish, not an ingredient. Pick one about 3 inches long with lots of aromatic leaves.
Ice cubes: The more the merrier! Big, clear cubes melt slower and keep your drink cold without watering it down too fast.

See? Nothing complicated – just quality ingredients treated right. The rosemary especially makes all the difference – that herbal aroma floating up with each sip is half the experience!

Equipment You’ll Need

No fancy gadgets required here – just a few basics that probably already live in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll grab:

Copper mug: The classic Moscow Mule vessel (mine’s dented from one too many holiday toasts). No mug? A highball glass works in a pinch.
Jigger: That little hourglass-shaped measuring tool ensures perfect proportions every time. No jigger? A shot glass marked at 1oz and 2oz works too.
Bar spoon: Long handle = less splashing when you gently stir. But honestly? A regular teaspoon gets the job done.
Knife & cutting board: Just for slicing your lime in half – no fancy zesting needed here.

See? Even my brother-in-law who “doesn’t do cocktails” could assemble this lineup without breaking a sweat.

How to Make a Cranberry Moscow Mule with Fresh Rosemary

Alright, let’s get mixing! I promise this is easier than wrapping presents (and way more fun). Just follow these steps for cocktail magic:

Step 1: Prepare the Mug

First things first – grab that gorgeous copper mug! Fill it to the brim with ice cubes (about 1 minute of work). The metal gets frosty cold, which keeps your drink chilled without watering it down too fast. No copper mug? No worries – a sturdy highball glass works almost as well. Just pretend it’s a fancy “modern twist” and carry on!

Cranberry Moscow Mule with Fresh Rosemary - detail 1

Step 2: Mix the Liquids

Now the good stuff: pour in 2 oz vodka first – it’s the backbone of our cocktail. Next goes 1 oz cranberry juice (that beautiful ruby color!) followed by 1/2 oz fresh lime juice. Here’s my tip: stir gently just 3-4 times with a bar spoon. We’re combining the flavors, not beating eggs – over-mixing kills that perfect balance.

Step 3: Add Ginger Beer

Time for the star player! Slowly pour 4 oz ginger beer down the side of the mug (about 30 seconds). This preserves those lively bubbles we love. I tilt the mug slightly and let the ginger beer cascade in like a fizzy waterfall. Hear that happy hiss? That’s the sound of success.

Step 4: Garnish with Rosemary

The finishing touch: take your fresh rosemary sprig and lightly slap it between your palms (releases those amazing oils). Nestle it artfully over the rim so every sip starts with that herbal aroma. Pro tip: rotate the sprig so the leaves point toward the drinker – it’s all about the presentation!

Cranberry Moscow Mule with Fresh Rosemary - detail 2

There you have it – in less time than it takes to untangle Christmas lights, you’ve created a holiday masterpiece in a mug. Now raise it high, toast to good times, and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Moscow Mule with Fresh Rosemary

After making these cocktails for every holiday gathering since 2016 (yes, I keep count!), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:

Squeeze it fresh: Bottled lime juice can’t compete with the bright zing of real citrus. Roll your limes on the counter first to get every last drop!
Pre-chill everything: I stash my copper mugs in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving – that frosty chill makes the first sip magical.
Ginger beer matters: Craving more kick? Try Reed’s Extra Ginger. Want it mellower? Q Mixers is beautifully balanced.
Rosemary hack: Gently muddle just the tip of your rosemary sprig before garnishing to release more fragrance without overpowering.
Ice, ice baby: Big, clear cubes melt slower than crushed ice – your drink stays cold longer without getting watery.

These little touches transform a good cocktail into an “Oh WOW, what is this?” moment!

Cranberry Moscow Mule with Fresh Rosemary Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic, try these fun twists (I’ve taste-tested them all at our New Year’s Eve experiments!):

Pomegranate Passion: Swap cranberry juice for equal parts pomegranate – deeper color, richer tartness that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate desserts
Herb Switch-Up: Use fresh thyme instead of rosemary for a lighter, lemony aroma that sings in springtime versions
Bourbon Beauty: Replace vodka with bourbon (start with 1.5 oz) for a caramel-kissed autumn variation – just add an extra rosemary sprig to balance the sweetness

The best part? Each version keeps that signature Moscow Mule fizz we all crave!

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Moscow Mule with Fresh Rosemary deserves equally show-stopping company! I love serving them with spicy buffalo chicken dip—the heat plays off the cool, tart drink perfectly. A festive cheese board with sharp cheddar and candied nuts makes another great partner. For holiday parties, I put out a tray of these mules alongside mini pecan pies—the rosemary’s earthiness cuts through the sweetness beautifully. Just remember: these babies are best the moment they’re made, so mix, garnish, and hand them off while that ginger beer’s still dancing!

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no dietitian, but here’s the scoop on what’s in your Cranberry Moscow Mule with Fresh Rosemary (because we all have that one friend who asks!):

Calories: About 180 per serving – less than a slice of pumpkin pie!
Sugar: Roughly 12g (mostly from the cranberry juice & ginger beer)
Carbs: Around 15g total

Just remember – these are estimates that can change based on your specific ingredients. Using sugar-free cranberry juice? Different ginger beer brand? Those numbers will dance around a bit. But honestly? When that rosemary aroma hits your nose and those first fizzy sips hit your tongue, I promise you won’t be thinking about numbers!

FAQ About Cranberry Moscow Mule with Fresh Rosemary

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the ones I hear most often when serving these beauties at parties:

Can I use dried rosemary?

Please don’t! Dried rosemary lacks the aromatic oils that make this cocktail special. Fresh sprigs release fragrance with every sip – it’s half the experience!

How do I make it sweeter?

Easy fix! Add 1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved). Start small – you can always add more if needed.

Can I batch-make this?

Absolutely! Mix vodka, juices, and simple syrup in a pitcher. But wait to add ginger beer and rosemary until serving – that keeps the fizz and fragrance perfect.

What if I can’t find copper mugs?

No sweat! Highball glasses work fine (and show off that gorgeous cranberry color). Just chill them first for that signature frosty Moscow Mule feel.

How long does the rosemary garnish last?

About 20-30 minutes before it starts wilting. For longer parties, keep extra sprigs in water and garnish fresh as needed – takes seconds!