Cranberry Orange Winter Mule
⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 0 minutes
This Cranberry Orange Winter Mule is everything I want in a cold-weather cocktail: cozy, citrusy, and just a little bit spicy. With tart cranberry juice, bright orange, a splash of vodka, and that classic gingery fizz, it’s a refreshing drink that still feels totally festive—perfect for sipping by the fire or clinking glasses at your next holiday party.
Sparkling cranberry orange mule served in a copper mug with fresh cranberries and an orange twist, dusted lightly with cinnamon
I first made this winter mule on a snowy night in December when I was craving something seasonal but still crisp and clean. I love the Moscow Mule in summer, so I thought—why not give it a winter makeover? Enter cranberry juice, orange bitters, and a little cinnamon magic. The result? A drink that tastes like holiday cheer without being heavy or overly sweet.
What I really love about this version is the balance. The tart cranberry and bright orange play beautifully with the spice of the ginger beer. If you like your drinks a bit sweeter, the simple syrup smooths it out, but you can totally leave it out if you prefer a sharper kick. The orange bitters are technically optional, but if you have them, use them—they add a deep, citrusy warmth that ties the whole thing together.
It also makes a gorgeous presentation. The cranberries float like little jewels, the orange slices add a splash of color, and a dusting of cinnamon makes it feel like you just unwrapped a cocktail gift. Plus, it’s dead easy to make—just shake, pour, and top with ginger beer. No fuss, all flavor.
Ingredients
🍽️ Servings: 1 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 180
1½ oz vodka
2 oz cranberry juice
1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
½ oz simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
2–3 dashes orange bitters (optional)
Ginger beer, to top
Ice cubes
Fresh cranberries and orange slices, for garnish
Ground cinnamon, for dusting
Steps
Step 1
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, cranberry juice, orange juice, simple syrup (if using), and bitters.
Step 2
Shake well until chilled.
Step 3
Fill a copper mug or glass with fresh ice cubes.
Step 4
Strain the cocktail into the prepared mug.
Step 5
Top with ginger beer until the glass is full.
Step 6
Garnish with fresh cranberries and a slice of orange. Lightly dust with ground cinnamon for a festive finish.
Make it your own!
🍊 Make it citrus-forward
Add a splash of blood orange juice for a deeper, richer citrus flavor.❄️ Turn it into a punch
Multiply the recipe and serve in a pitcher with floating orange slices and cranberries.🌿 Add herbal flair
Muddle fresh rosemary or thyme in the shaker for a woodsy winter twist.🍸 Try a spirit swap
Use spiced rum or gin instead of vodka for a different spin on the base.💨 Make it zero-proof
Skip the vodka and use a splash of cranberry seltzer for a festive mocktail version.
