This Cranberry Mule Mocktail blends tangy cranberry simple syrup, zesty lime and orange juice, and spicy ginger beer for a refreshing, fizzy drink. Its vibrant red hue, festive garnishes, and perfect balance of sweet and tart make it ideal for any celebration.
This Cranberry Mule Mocktail combines the tangy sweetness of homemade cranberry simple syrup with the bright citrus notes of lime and orange juice, a refreshing and festive twist on the classic mule. Topped with fizzy ginger beer, this non-alcoholic drink is the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and spicy. Garnished with fresh cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, or a slice of orange, this vibrant red mocktail is delicious and stunningly festive, ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.
Some other great mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks that you can make with different homemade simple syrups are peach mocktail, raspberry mocktail, blackberry mocktail, apple cider mocktail, peach lemonade, bubbly strawberry cream soda, and blueberry matcha latte.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Vibrant: The bold red color and fresh garnishes like cranberries and rosemary make this mocktail a showstopper, perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
- Refreshing and Balanced Flavors: The combination of tart cranberry, zesty lime and orange juice, and spicy ginger beer creates a refreshing, well-rounded flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- Non-Alcoholic Crowd-Pleaser: This mocktail offers all the sophistication and flavor of a classic mule without alcohol, making it ideal for everyone, including those who prefer non-alcoholic options.
- Easy to Customize: Swap out ginger beer for soda water, add a splash of sparkling apple cider, or experiment with different garnishes to make it uniquely yours.
- Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is quick and easy to whip up, perfect for last-minute entertaining and planned events.
Ingredients
- Simple syrup: Homemade simple syrup is easy to make, and you can adjust it based on your preferences. The cranberry syrup I used for this recipe is prepared in under 20 minutes and with only three ingredients.
- Citrus: Use freshly squeezed citrus juice and not store-bought, as it will change the flavor.
- Ginger beer: Use high-quality ginger beer. I love the Fever-Tree brand.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use Different Simple Syrup: To have other flavor variations, try some of the other simple syrups like blackberry simple syrup, blueberry simple syrup, raspberry simple syrup, apple brown sugar syrup, peach simple syrup, blood orange simple syrup, or strawberry simple syrup. If you prefer classics, try this rich demerara syrup or brown sugar simple syrup.
- Lime Juice: Substitute with lemon juice for a brighter, slightly sweeter citrus note.
- Orange Juice: Use blood orange juice for a deeper, richer citrus flavor or grapefruit juice for a tangy twist.
- Spiced Cranberry Mule: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry simple syrup for warm, holiday-inspired flavors.
- Fruity Mule: Mix in a splash of pineapple juice or apple cider for a fruity twist.
- Herbal Mule: Muddle mint or basil in the drink for an herbaceous, fresh variation.
- Sparkling Cranberry Mule: Add a splash of sparkling water or tonic to make it extra fizzy.
- Frozen Mule: Blend the ingredients with ice for a refreshing frozen version, perfect for warmer months.
- Make a Cocktail: Add vodka, gin, or rum based on your preferences, or try some of these mule variations, like the London mule, the classic Moscow mule, the apple cider mule, or the fruity raspberry mule.
How to Make Cranberry Mule Mocktail
Step 1: If you haven’t already, prepare the cranberry simple syrup and let it cool before using. Also, place the copper mugs in a freezer for 5-10 minutes.
Step 2: Add cranberry syrup to a copper mug.
Step 3: Add freshly squeezed orange juice to a copper mug.
Step 4: Add freshly squeezed lime juice to a copper mug.
Step 5: Stir the mixture with a bar spoon or any long spoon.
Step 6: Add ice cubes and fruit like orange and lime slices.
Step 7: Top with ginger beer.
Step 8: Add garnish, like fresh cranberries and spices.
Pro Tip
Mix the mocktail prior to tasting it to guarantee all components are blended, and the syrup’s sweetness is well-balanced.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Perfect the Simple Syrup: Simmer the cranberry simple syrup to fully extract the flavor and vibrant red color from the cranberries. Strain the syrup thoroughly to achieve a smooth texture that is free of pulp or seeds.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lime and orange juice significantly difference flavor, providing a brighter and more natural taste than bottled versions.
- Choose the Right Ginger Beer: Opt for a high-quality ginger beer with a bold, spicy kick to complement the tangy cranberry and citrus notes. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Serve in Style: Chill your copper or glass mug beforehand to keep the drink extra cold and enhance the drinking experience. Garnish creatively with sugared cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, or an orange peel for a visually stunning presentation.
- Layer the Flavors: Add the cranberry syrup first, followed by the citrus juices, then top with ginger beer to preserve the carbonation and create a beautiful, layered effect.
- Make it Ahead: Prepare the cranberry syrup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a few weeks. This saves time and ensures you can assemble the mocktails quickly when needed.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of cranberry syrup or balancing it with a splash of soda water if it’s too sweet.
- Stir the Mocktail Before Enjoying: To ensure that all ingredients have been completely incorporated, stir the mocktail before you drink it; otherwise, it will be very sweet towards the bottom of the mug.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, ginger ale can be used as a milder, sweeter alternative to ginger beer, though it won’t have the same bold, spicy ginger flavor. This is perfect for those who prefer a less intense ginger kick.
Mix the cranberry syrup, lime juice, and orange juice in a pitcher beforehand. Keep it refrigerated, and add the ginger beer to individual servings just before serving to maintain its fizz.
Yes, adding vodka transforms the mocktail into a traditional Moscow Mule. Adjust the quantity to your preference. Some other options are gin or rum.
Garnish with sugared cranberries, a rosemary sprig, or a slice of orange to add visual appeal and seasonal charm. For a sparkling touch, use candied cranberries.
Related Mocktails
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Recipe
Cranberry Mule Mocktail
Equipment
- copper mug (or double old-fashioned glass)
- jigger
- bar spoon (or any long spoon)
- citrus squeezer
Ingredients
Cranberry Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup organic cane sugar
- 2 cups cranberries fresh or frozen
Cranberry Mule Mocktail
- ¾ oz cranberry simple syrup
- ½ oz orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 oz ginger beer
- 1 slice lime
- 2 slices orange
Instructions
Cranberry Simple Syrup
- Wash and prepare the cranberries, ensuring there are no spoiled ones.
- Add water, sugar, and cranberries to a medium-sized pot and heat on medium-high until the cranberries start to pop and burst.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and let simmer. The total cooking time is 12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 20 minutes.
- Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the syrup into a measuring bowl. Press the cooked cranberries slightly with a spoon to extract as much syrup as possible. Let cool completely.
- Transfer the cooled syrup into a jar or syrup dispenser using a small funnel. Seal and store in a fridge for up to 3-4 weeks.
Cranberry Mule Mocktail
- If you haven't already, prepare the cranberry syrup and let it cool before using. Also, place the copper mugs in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.
- Add cranberry syrup, orange juice, and lime juice to a chilled mug and stir with a long spoon.
- Add ice and fresh fruit, like orange and lime slices, to a mug.
- Top with ginger beer and add garnish, like fresh cranberries and spices.
- Stir before drinking. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lime and orange juice significantly impact the flavor, providing a brighter and more natural taste than bottled versions.
- Choose the Right Ginger Beer: Opt for a high-quality ginger beer with a bold, spicy kick to complement the tangy cranberry and citrus notes. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Serve in Style: Chill your copper or glass mug beforehand to keep the drink extra cold and enhance the drinking experience. Garnish creatively with sugared cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, or an orange peel for a visually stunning presentation.
- Make it Ahead: Prepare the cranberry syrup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a few weeks. This saves time and ensures you can assemble the mocktails quickly when needed.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of cranberry syrup or balancing it with a splash of soda water if it’s too sweet.
- Stir the Mocktail Before Enjoying: To ensure that all ingredients have been completely incorporated, stir the mocktail before you drink it; otherwise, it will be very sweet towards the bottom of the mug.
- Make a Cocktail: Add vodka, gin, or rum based on your preferences, or try some of these mule variations, like the London mule, the classic Moscow mule, the apple cider mule, or the fruity raspberry mule.
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