Cranberry Mule

Name: Cranberry Mule
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: Makes 1 drink
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar; 8 ounces frozen cranberries (2 cups); 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest; 2 ounces vodka, chilled; 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice, plus 3 thinly sliced lime rounds, for garnish; 4 ounces ginger beer (1/2 cup), chilled

Recipe photo courtesy of Emily Kate Roemer

The classic Moscow Mule cocktail becomes holiday party-ready with the addition of homemade cranberry simple syrup.

1 hour 45 mins 15 mins Makes 1 drink

Total Time Prep Yield

Ingredients

For the Whole-Berry Cranberry Simple Syrup

1/2 cup sugar
8 ounces frozen cranberries (2 cups)
1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest

For the cocktail

2 ounces vodka, chilled
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice, plus 3 thinly sliced lime rounds, for garnish
4 ounces ginger beer (1/2 cup), chilled

Directions

1. Make the Whole-Berry Cranberry Simple Syrup: Stir together sugar, cranberries, lime zest, and 2 tablespoons water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high, stirring constantly, until cranberries just start to burst, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool completely. Refrigerate, covered, until cold, at least 1 hour and up to 1 week.
2. Make the cocktail: Fill a 12-ounce glass with ice cubes. Stir in vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, and 3 tablespoons cranberries and syrup from Whole-Berry Cranberry Simple Syrup. Garnish with lime rounds.