It’s the last day to get things done before the holiday celebrations begin. And I bet it is going to be a busy one for many people. My final preparation before the festivities begin is to feature a Christmas-y cocktail in this space. This year’s Christmas cocktail offering is a variation of a Moscow Mule.

But first, a little background. Moscow Mule is a cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. This libation is popularly served in a copper mug, which takes on the cold temperature of the liquid and keeps it well chilled. Legend has it that in the early 1940s, a Russian immigrant selling copper mugs walked into numerous bars in LA before walking into the one where two friends were trying to come up with a drink to boost sales of their own products, vodka and ginger beer (which is not actually “beer”). The trio put their heads together and after a number of taste tests, came up with the correct proportions of fizzy ginger beer, smooth vodka, and a punch of lime, to be served in a copper mug that kept the drink cold and enhanced its flavor and aroma.

To make this Moscow Mule festive for the holidays, this version adds cranberry juice to the mix and is garnished with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge. The copper mug is optional!

Cranberry Moscow Mule

Cranberry Moscow Mule 

(adapted from spoonfulofflavor.com)

Total Time Required: 5 minutes, Makes: 1 cocktail

Ingredients: 

• 3 ounces ginger beer
• 3 ounces cranberry juice cocktail
• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 lime, cut in half
• cranberries for garnish
• lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

Add the ginger beer, cranberry juice, vodka, and the juice of 1/2 a lime to a chilled copper mug or rocks glass. Stir. Add ice. Garnish the drink with cranberries and a lime wedge.

Mix together the ginger beer, vodka, and cranberry juice.

Enjoy with good friends and loved ones!

Festive & fun for a very Merry Christmas!  ~Linda

Cranberry Moscow Mule (adapted from spoonfulofflavor.com) Total Time Required: 5 minutes, Makes: 1 cocktail

Ingredients: 

• 3 ounces ginger beer
• 3 ounces cranberry juice cocktail
• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 lime, cut in half
• cranberries and lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

Add the ginger beer, cranberry juice, vodka, and the juice of 1/2 a lime to a chilled copper mug or rocks glass. Stir. Add ice. Garnish the drink with cranberries and a lime wedge. Serve & enjoy!