This cranberry orange gin mule is a twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Made with gin instead of vodka and combined with refreshing cranberry juice and orange seltzer water, it's the perfect drink all year long!

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One time at a work holiday party, I had way too many Moscow Mules and my co-worker proceeded to call me Moscow Mule for like an entire year after that. That was my first time trying them and what can I say? I was hooked! I love the fun mugs they come in and how it totally makes a difference than if served in just a regular glass. This cocktail is so refreshing and delicious, I had to put my own twist on it.

Why are the Moscow Mule Mugs Important?

It keeps it cold and enhances all of the drinks’ wonderful flavors! If you don’t have the mugs at home you can easily pick up some at any kitchen or home goods store. Amazon also sells them in a bunch of different four packs for a very affordable price. I would highly recommend using a copper mug for this drink, but if you don’t feel like buying them go ahead and use a regular cocktail glass. 

Where Did the Moscow Mule Come From?

So apparently the Moscow Mule cocktail wasn’t invented in Russia after all. The mugs however were and one woman’s journey to America brought the copper mugs and eventually the cocktail itself to all our lives for centuries to come. The backstory is really quite interesting, if you want to know more I suggest you read this article by Moscow Copper Co.

Let’s make a refreshing year-round cocktail!

Ingredients in this Cranberry Orange Gin Mule

Gin: Traditional Moscow Mules are made with vodka, but since they are also made with ginger beer I thought it would be fun to give gin a try in this recipe!

Ginger Beer: A classic ingredient in a traditional Moscow Mule. Ginger beer is a non-alcoholic beverage that’s actually more like a soda than a beer. It’s ginger flavor profile is way more robust than a typical ginger ale, so it really packs a big punch in this drink! On that note, I wouldn’t recommend substituting ginger ale for ginger beer if you really want that ginger flavor to come through!

Orange Seltzer Water: Flavored seltzer water provides that orange flavor while also keeping this drink a bit lower calorie. We’re going half seltzer and half ginger beer instead of full ginger beer so this drink has a lighter and orangey feel!

Cranberry Juice: Just a splash of 100% cranberry juice. Avoid cranberry juice cocktails as they have a ton of added sugars that are just not necessary.

Lime: Just a squeeze of lime goes a long way in this recipe and really enhances the refreshing factor!

Optional Garnishes: Slice or peel of orange, fresh or frozen cranberries, and sprig of fresh rosemary help to make this drink extra pretty!

Kitchen Tools Needed for this Recipe

• Moscow mule mug or other cocktail class
• Cocktail shaker or large mason jar with a lid

Need More Cocktail Ideas?

Try my Aperol Spritz or my unFIGettable Martini!

 

How to Make this Cranberry Orange Gin Mule

Mixology Made Simple: Add the gin, cranberry juice, and lime to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake together a few times. Pour the gin, juice, and ice into a moscow mule mug. Stir in the seltzer water and ginger beer until combined. Garnish with optional cranberries, rosemary. and a slice of orange.