Don’t you love how many variations there are of Moscow Mules? I love this classic cocktail and find this to be the best Moscow Mule recipe of all. You will adore Cranberry Moscow Mules by the Pitcher!
I’m thrilled my favorite vodka and ginger beer drink can be made by the batch, right in my favorite pitcher. Talk about easy for serving a group.
Sometimes Cranberry Moscow Mules are called Yule Mules – super fun for the holidays.
Cranberry Moscow Mules by the Pitcher Recipe
Howdy! Chef Alli Here. Let’s Get You Cookin’….Shall We? ?
So grab your favorite copper mugs, best pitcher, and and 4 ingredients to make the best batch of Cranberry Moscow Mule cocktails you’ll ever experience. So simple!
But that’s not all. Moscow Mules are a refreshing drink that you can enjoy any time of year.
We enjoy Cranberry Moscow Mules for the holidays since they have that beautiful tinge of pink, but who would turn down this beverage in the summer time? Not a soul, that’s who.
Big Batch Pitcher Cocktails are Always a Hit with Guests
We are not huge drinkers here at our house but we do enjoy a good cocktail from time to time. Our friends really go crazy for Pitcher Margaritas (featuring a secret ingredient!) as well as Skinny Pitcher Margaritas, too.
Since I’m always the barmaid for cocktails, I love pitcher drinks that can be made in one big batch….that way, I’m not stuck behind the bar making drinks one-by-one all night for everybody.
Being the barmaid all by yourself can be a lonely job, so take it from me and always opt for easy cocktail recipes that you can make by the batch for your gang.
To get your party started, it’s fun to place a pitcher of cocktails down in the middle of the table or the bar, along with any garnishes you want to add, plus copper mugs full of ice. Your guests get to create their own cocktail concoction and they love it.
Also, if you’re a super big fan of light and citrus-y pitcher drinks, you might also like Pitcher Mojitos, a delicious Cuban cocktail.
What to Love About this Pitcher Moscow Mule Recipe –
- You can make a “leaded” version or a “non-leaded” (skinny) version. It’s always good to have options, right??
- So very easy, fun, and fast. No more being stuck as the lonely (lowly?) barmaid for everyone.
- Copper mugs!
What Ingredients Do You Need to Make Cranberry Moscow Mules?
- Vodka
- Ginger beer (or diet ginger beer for making skinny mules)
- Lime juice
- Cranberry juice
- Garnishments, if desired – such as sliced limes, fresh rosemary sprigs, fresh cranberries, etc. (totally optional, but festive)
How to Make Cranberry Moscow Mules in 3 Easy Steps
- In a large pitcher, combine the ice, ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice.
- Let the beverage chill for a minute or so, then pour into ice-filled copper mugs.
- Garnish, if desired, with sliced limes, fresh rosemary sprigs and a sprinkling of fresh cranberries. Serve at once.
Tips for Making Delicious Moscow Mule Drinks in a Pitcher –
- Are Moscow Mules made in a big batch the same thing as Moscow Mule Punch?
- Can I use lime juice from a bottle instead of fresh lime juice?
- How do I know what type of vodka to purchase?
- I’m not familiar with ginger beer? What do I need to know?
- What if I don’t have copper mugs for serving Moscow Mule beverages?
As far as I can tell, Moscow Mules made in a pitcher are very similar to Moscow Mule Punch, though most recipes are made in a bigger batch since you’re likely trying to fill a punch bowl. Some folks also like to add a bit of sparkling soda (or club soda) to stretch the punch a bit further.
Fresh lime juice is always going to be your best bet for making almost any cocktail, but sometimes things just happen! I’ve used bottled lime juice plenty of times and it does work.
Most bottled lime juice is actually concentrate, so take care that you don’t add too much thinking it will be like freshly-squeezed lime juice. I’d use about half the amount listed in the recipe and add more if needed – always go by taste the first time.
As for vodka for making Cranberry Mules, I usually buy a vodka that’s mid-priced. I enjoy Tito’s vodka though sometimes it’s a bit pricey so I often buy Skyy vodka in the big blue bottle – it makes a delicious cocktail.
Ginger Beer – To Each Their Own!
Everybody has their own opinions about ginger beer. I’ve tried lots of different brands but usually wind up using Gosling’s ginger beer from Walmart since I’m already there for other things.
I love Moscow Mules made with the regular Gosling’s ginger beer (of course) but often wind up using the diet Gosling’s ginger beer when I’m TRYING to be good. The diet Gosling’s ginger beer still make a very tasty Moscow Mule, trust me.
Because I’m a fan of all things beer, and all things ginger, I love to drink ginger beer straight up over ice for a refreshing beverage in the summer. You may too!
Do NOT stress about copper mugs for making and serving Moscow Mules. I didn’t have any until I spied them on sale at Target one day. Use your favorite high ball glass or even a wine glass – nobody is going to care, truly.
Copper mugs do make a nicely chilled Moscow Mule, I will say that. I was surprised at how much that contributed to the experience of a really chilled toddy. That said, I do believe the copper mugs are a good investment. Be sure they don’t land in the dish washer – always hand wash copper mugs.
More Favorite Cocktail Recipes to Enjoy –
- Raspberry Lemonade Sangria
- Instant Pot Apple Pie Moonshine
- Salsa Bloody Mary Cocktails
- Easy Holiday Sangria for a Crowd
- The Best Bourbon Cocktails – 3 Easy Favorites
Printable Recipe for Cranberry Moscow Mules by the Pitcher
Cranberry Moscow Mules by the Pitcher
Ingredients
- 4 cups ice
- 4 cups ginger beer
- 3 cups vodka
- 1 cup Ocean Spray cranberry juice (or your favorite brand)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- fresh rosemary sprigs sliced limes and fresh cranberries for garnish if desired
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the ice, ginger beer, vodka, cranberry juice and lime juice.
- Once the ingredients are a bit chilled, pour into ice-filled copper mugs.
- Garnish, if desired, and serve.
Notes
- As far as I can tell, Moscow Mules made in a pitcher are very similar to Moscow Mule Punch, though most recipes are made in a bigger batch since you’re likely trying to fill a punch bowl. Some folks also like to add a bit of sparkling soda (or club soda) to stretch the punch a bit further.
- Fresh lime juice is always going to be your best bet for making almost any cocktail, but sometimes things just happen! I’ve used bottled lime juice plenty of times and it does work.
- Most bottled lime juice is actually concentrate, so take care that you don’t add too much thinking it will be like freshly-squeezed lime juice. I’d use about half the amount listed in the recipe and add more if needed – always go by taste the first time.
- As for vodka for making Cranberry Mules, I usually buy a vodka that’s mid-priced. I enjoy Tito’s vodka though sometimes it’s a bit pricey so I often buy Skyy vodka in the big blue bottle – it makes a delicious cocktail.
- Everybody has their own opinions about ginger beer. I’ve tried lots of different brands but usually wind up using Gosling’s ginger beer from Walmart since I’m already there for other things.
- I love Moscow Mules made with the regular Gosling’s ginger beer (of course) but often wind up using the diet Gosling’s ginger beer when I’m TRYING to be good. The diet Gosling’s ginger beer still make a very tasty Moscow Mule, trust me.
- Because I’m a fan of all things beer, and all things ginger, I love to drink ginger beer straight up over ice for a refreshing beverage in the summer. You may too!
- Do NOT stress about copper mugs for making and serving Moscow Mules. I didn’t have any until I spied them on sale at Target one day. Use your favorite high ball glass or even a wine glass – nobody is going to care, truly.
- Copper mugs do make a nicely chilled Moscow Mule, I will say that. I was surprised at how much that contributed to the experience of a really chilled toddy. That said, I do believe the copper mugs are a good investment. Be sure they don’t land in the dish washer – always hand wash copper mugs.
Nutrition
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Let’s Get You Cookin’,
Chef Alli
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