Cranberry Apple Spice Mule

Early fall flavors were on my mind when this Cranberry Apple Spice Mule came together. I had apple cider chilling and a spoonful of cranberry sauce left after a weekend meal, and mixing them felt like a natural next step. The result was a drink that felt comforting but still bright enough to sip slowly.

This mule works well for casual get togethers, quiet evenings, or holiday tables where you want something simple that still feels thoughtful. It is easy to make, easy to enjoy, and fits right into cooler weather moments when cozy flavors matter most.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Apple Spice Mule

This drink brings comfort and brightness into the same glass. It keeps the classic mule structure people already enjoy while adding fruit and spice that feel timely and inviting. Even guests who do not usually reach for vodka drinks tend to enjoy this one.

• Combines tart cranberry with smooth apple cider
• Ginger beer keeps it light and refreshing
• Easy to make with pantry friendly ingredients
• Looks great served in a copper mug
• Works well for fall and winter gatherings
• Can be adjusted for sweeter or spicier tastes

Once you serve it, it quickly becomes part of the conversation. The flavors feel familiar, but the combination still surprises people in a good way.

Ingredients

The ingredients in this Cranberry Apple Spice Mule are simple, but they work together in a thoughtful way. Each one adds a layer without overpowering the others. Using good quality basics helps the drink taste clean and balanced.

• 2 ounces vodka
• 2 ounces apple cider
• 0.5 ounce cranberry sauce
• ginger beer to top
• 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
• cranberry for garnish
• lime wheel for garnish

Vodka keeps the base neutral so the fruit and spice can shine. Apple cider adds warmth and sweetness, while cranberry sauce brings tartness and body. Ginger beer lifts everything with spice and fizz, and the garnishes add aroma and visual appeal.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Because this drink relies on balance, choosing the right vodka helps keep things smooth. You do not need anything fancy, but clean and well made options work best. Substitutions are also easy if you want to experiment.

• Tito’s Handmade Vodka for a smooth, neutral base
• Ketel One for a crisp and polished finish
• Smirnoff No. 21 as a widely available option
• Apple flavored vodka for a stronger apple note
• Cranberry juice plus simple syrup if cranberry sauce is unavailable

If you like a slightly sweeter drink, flavored vodka can help. Just reduce the cranberry sauce slightly to keep the balance right.

Equipment and Glassware

You do not need much to pull this drink together, which makes it great for home bartending. A few basic tools are all it takes. The glassware plays a big role in the overall feel.

• Cocktail Shaker
• Copper Mug
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Bar Spoon

A copper mug keeps the drink colder longer and fits the mule style perfectly. If you do not have one, a sturdy rocks glass works just fine.

How to Make It

Making this Cranberry Apple Spice Mule is quick and straightforward. The key is shaking well to fully blend the cranberry sauce into the liquid. Once that is done, the rest comes together easily.

1. Add ice to a cocktail shaker, filling it about halfway.
2. Pour in the vodka, apple cider, and cranberry sauce.
3. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously until very cold.
4. Fill a copper mug halfway with ice.
5. Strain the mixture into the mug.
6. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
7. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, cranberry, and lime wheel.

If the drink feels too thick, add a splash more ginger beer. For extra brightness, squeeze the lime garnish lightly before dropping it in.

Pro Tips

These tips help the drink taste its best every time. Since cranberry sauce can vary in thickness and sweetness, small adjustments matter. Paying attention to these details keeps the drink balanced.

• Use smooth cranberry sauce for easier mixing
• Shake hard to fully break down the sauce
• Taste before topping to adjust sweetness
• Use chilled ginger beer for better fizz
• Stir gently to keep carbonation intact
• Lightly tap the cinnamon stick to release aroma
• Avoid overfilling with ice to prevent dilution

Once you have made it a few times, feel free to adjust ratios. That is often how personal favorites are created.

Variations

This mule is easy to customize depending on what you have or who you are serving. Small changes can shift the flavor without losing the core idea. These variations are a good place to start.

• Use spiced rum instead of vodka for a warmer profile
• Swap ginger beer for ginger ale for less spice
• Add a splash of orange juice for extra fruit
• Make it non alcoholic using apple cider and ginger beer only
• Add a pinch of ground cinnamon for more spice

Each version keeps the drink approachable while offering something a little different.

When to Serve and Pairings

This Cranberry Apple Spice Mule fits naturally into cooler weather moments. It feels cozy without being heavy, which makes it versatile. The flavors pair especially well with comfort food.

• Holiday gatherings and dinners
• Fall parties or game nights
• Casual evenings by the fire
• Weekend get togethers with friends

Serve it alongside roasted chicken, cheese boards, or spiced desserts. It also pairs nicely with other apple cider cocktails or classic mules.

Storage and Serving Notes

This drink is best served fresh, especially because of the ginger beer. If you want to prep ahead, you can mix the vodka, apple cider, and cranberry sauce and keep it chilled for a few hours. Shake again before serving to re blend.

Do not add ginger beer until right before serving. This keeps the carbonation lively and the drink tasting fresh.

FAQs

People often ask a few common questions when making this drink for the first time. These answers help clear things up and make the process smoother.

Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Yes, just make sure it is smooth and not overly chunky.

Is this drink very sweet?
It is balanced, but you can reduce cranberry sauce if you prefer it less sweet.

Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes, scale the base ingredients and top each glass with ginger beer as served.

Does it need to be served in a copper mug?
No, any sturdy glass works, but copper mugs keep it colder longer.

Can I skip the lime garnish?
You can, but a small squeeze adds brightness that helps balance the drink.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoyed this Cranberry Apple Spice Mule, there are plenty of other drinks with similar cozy vibes. These options keep the focus on seasonal flavors and easy prep.

• Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita
• Cranberry Bourbon Sour
• Pumpkin Spice White Russian
• Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash
• Bourbon Apple Cider Fizz