Brighten your holiday gatherings with this festive Cranberry Mule Mocktail, a refreshing blend of tart cranberry juice and zesty ginger beer infused with warm Christmas spices. This non-alcoholic mule is easy to make, beautifully spiced, and perfect for celebrating the season in style!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Cranberry Juice: Adds tartness and deep color, giving a festive base to the mocktail.
- Orange Juice: Brings sweetness and bright citrus, balancing the cranberry’s tartness.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth, blending well with warm spices.
- Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Star Anise: Infuse cozy holiday spice, adding warmth and complexity.
- Ginger Beer: Provides a spicy, fizzy kick that completes the mule flavor profile.
- Orange and Lime Slices: Enhance freshness and offer a zesty garnish for visual appeal.
- Fresh Cranberries & Rosemary Sprigs: Optional festive garnishes, adding color and holiday flair.
Alternative Ingredients
- Orange Juice: Substitute with pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Swap with agave syrup or simple syrup for a milder sweetness.
- Fresh Ginger: Use ¼ tsp ground ginger if fresh ginger isn’t available.
- Star Anise: Replace with ½ tsp fennel seeds or a dash of allspice for similar warmth.
- Ginger Beer: Use sparkling water with a splash of ginger syrup for a lighter option.
Detailed Steps
Simmer the Spices: Keep the heat low to avoid boiling; a slow simmer helps the spices infuse without turning bitter. Stir occasionally to blend the flavors evenly.
Adjust the Sweetness: Cranberry juice can be quite tart, so feel free to adjust to taste here!
Strain and Cool the Mixture: If you want an extra-strong spiced flavor, let the mixture sit with the spices for a few extra minutes off the heat before straining.
Chill for Best Results: Chilling helps the flavors meld together even more. If you’re short on time, place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, but don’t let it freeze!
Prepare Your Glasses and Garnishes: Gently crush the rosemary in your hands to release its aroma before adding it to each glass; this will enhance the drink’s festive flavor.
Serve and Top with Ginger Beer: Pour the ginger beer slowly to preserve its fizz, especially if you want that bubbly mule kick.
Final Touches: For extra flavor, squeeze a little lime juice into the drink before adding the garnish—this brings out the ginger beer’s spice.
Expert Tips
Use Freshly Squeezed Juices: Whenever possible, opt for freshly squeezed orange juice to enhance the flavor. The freshness of the juice can elevate the taste and aroma.
Go for Unsweetened Cranberry Juice: Using 100% cranberry juice without added sugars gives you full control over sweetness. Adjust with honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener to achieve the perfect balance.
Make it a Batch Recipe: For parties, make a large batch of the spiced cranberry mixture in advance. Store it in the fridge, then just add ginger beer when ready to serve to keep it fizzy and fresh.
Experiment with Different Ginger Beers: Ginger beer can vary greatly in spice intensity and sweetness. Try different brands to find the one that complements the spices best—some are bolder while others are milder.
Add a Hint of Vanilla: A few drops of vanilla extract can add a soft warmth that pairs beautifully with the spices. Just a tiny splash is enough to add depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Use Crushed Ice for a Mule Twist: Crushed ice is traditional for mules and keeps the drink cool without diluting it as quickly. It also makes the drink look and feel more festive.
Infuse Longer for Bolder Flavor: If you love strong, spiced notes, let the cranberry juice sit with the spices longer, even overnight in the fridge. This gives a more robust flavor profile, especially if you enjoy the warmth of cinnamon and cloves.
FAQs
Yes! You can prepare the spiced cranberry mixture up to two days ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and add ginger beer right before serving to maintain its fizz.
Absolutely! For an alcoholic version, add vodka or rum to taste when mixing with ginger beer.
You can use ginger ale for a milder flavor or sparkling water with a splash of ginger syrup if you prefer less sweetness.
Taste as you go! Add honey, maple syrup, or even agave syrup in small amounts until you reach your preferred level of sweetness.
Copper mugs give it a classic mule feel and help keep the drink cold, but any glass will work. Mason jars or clear tumblers also add a nice rustic touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cranberry Mule Mocktail alongside festive appetizers like brie and cranberry crostini, spiced mixed nuts, or a charcuterie board with seasonal fruits and cheeses. These pairings will complement the warm spices and fruity flavors, creating a delicious, holiday-ready spread.
Storage Suggestions
For storage, keep any leftover spiced cranberry mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply add ginger beer and ice to refresh the drink.
You’ll also enjoy:
Cranberry Mule Mocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice for rich flavor)
- 1/2 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup water
- 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger sliced
- 1 star anise (optional for extra spice)
- ginger beer for topping
- Orange and lime slices for garnish
- fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and a cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, water, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon stick, cloves, ginger slices, and star anise (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat and let the flavors meld for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally1 1/2 cups cranberry juice, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup water, 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 cinnamon stick, 4-5 whole cloves, 1 inch piece fresh ginger, 1 star anise
- Remove from heat and strain out the spices. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge until cold.
- Fill each copper mug or glass halfway with the chilled spiced cranberry mixture. Top with ginger beer for a fizzy mule finish.
- Add a slice of orange, a squeeze of lime, a few fresh cranberries, a rosemary sprig, and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Notes
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of the cranberry mixture to your liking by adding more honey or maple syrup.
- Ginger Beer: Choose a ginger beer with the spice level you prefer—some are milder, while others are more intense.
- Make Ahead: The spiced cranberry mixture can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add ginger beer just before serving.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes about 4 servings, but you can easily scale it up or down to suit your needs.
- Garnish Options: Try adding sugared cranberries, extra cinnamon sticks, or a twist of orange peel for a festive touch.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
Not a fan of cranberries but this was very good!