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Festive Cranberry Moscow Mule for a Crowd

Festive Cranberry Moscow Mule for a Crowd - featured image
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A tart and spicy holiday cocktail made with cranberry juice, fresh lime, vodka, and ginger beer, perfect for serving a crowd. This easy make-ahead recipe lets you enjoy your own party instead of playing bartender all night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (475 ml) 100% cranberry juice (not cocktail)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) fresh lime juice (from about 8–10 limes)
  • 1 ½ cups (355 ml) mid-range vodka (e.g., Tito’s or Ketel One)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) simple syrup (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 4 cups (950 ml) chilled ginger beer (e.g., Fever-Tree or Q)
  • Ice (large cubes preferred)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)
  • 6–8 fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
  • 1–2 limes, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Juice your limes: Roll each lime on the counter with your palm before cutting to release more juice. Cut in half and juice until you have 1 cup. Strain through a fine mesh strainer to catch seeds and pulp. Set aside.
  2. Make the simple syrup if needed: Combine ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Let cool to room temperature. You’ll only need ¼ cup for this recipe; extra keeps in the fridge for a month.
  3. Mix the cocktail base: In a large pitcher or dispenser, combine the cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, vodka, and ¼ cup simple syrup. If using fresh grated ginger, add it now. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust: add more lime for tartness or more simple syrup for sweetness.
  4. Chill the base (optional but recommended): Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) before serving to keep the drink stronger and more flavorful.
  5. Prepare your garnishes: Wash the rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries. Slice one or two limes into thin rounds. Set aside.
  6. Add the ginger beer and ice: When ready to serve, pull the pitcher from the fridge. Add the chilled ginger beer and stir gently to preserve carbonation. Fill the pitcher with ice, or fill individual cups with ice and pour the mixture over it (preferred to keep the pitcher full-strength).
  7. Garnish and serve: Drop a handful of fresh cranberries into the pitcher. Add a few lime slices and rosemary sprigs. Pour into copper mugs or glasses filled with ice, and add a small rosemary sprig and a few cranberries to each glass.

Notes

Don’t skip fresh lime juice—bottled has a metallic flavor. The ginger beer matters more than the vodka; use a brand with real ginger like Fever-Tree or Q. For a stunning presentation, make an ice ring with cranberries, lime slices, and rosemary in a bundt pan. Always chill the ginger beer before adding to prevent flatness. The base (without ginger beer) can be made up to 24 hours ahead and actually tastes better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry moscow mule, holiday cocktail, party drink, cranberry cocktail, moscow mule for a crowd, Christmas drink, festive cocktail

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/festive-cranberry-moscow-mule-for-a-crowd/