Cranberry Apple Mule Recipe

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Cranberry Apple Mule

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Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Equipment needed: Cocktail shaker, jigger (or measuring cup), bar spoon, copper mug (optional)

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz vodka preferably a smooth one
• 1 oz cranberry juice unsweetened or lightly sweetened
• 1 oz apple cider or apple juice
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• Ginger beer to top off
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries and apple slices for garnish
• Mint leaves optional for garnish

Instructions

 

• Method:
• Prepare Your Copper Mug
• While not necessary, serving this in a traditional copper mug keeps the drink cool longer and enhances the flavors. If you don’t have one, any glass will do.
• Fill the Mug with Ice
• Start by adding a handful of ice cubes to your mug or glass. You want it nice and cold!
• Add the Vodka, Cranberry Juice, and Apple Cider
• Using a jigger, measure out 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of cranberry juice, and 1 oz of apple cider. Pour each directly into the mug over the ice. This combo gives the drink its tart yet sweet profile.
• Squeeze in the Lime Juice
• Fresh lime juice is key! Squeeze half a lime (about 1/2 oz) and add it to the mix. It brightens up the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Top Off with Ginger Beer
• Ginger beer adds a fizzy, spicy kick that elevates the flavors. Pour ginger beer until your mug is full, usually around 4-5 oz. Be gentle while pouring to keep the fizz!
• Stir Gently
• Use a bar spoon to give the drink a gentle stir. You want the ingredients mixed without losing too much of the ginger beer's fizz.
• Garnish and Serve
• For a fun and festive look, garnish with a few fresh cranberries, a slice or two of apple, and a sprig of mint. Not only do these add a visual appeal, but they also complement the flavors beautifully.
• Variations & Substitutions:
• Non-Alcoholic Version:
• If you're looking to make this for everyone, simply replace the vodka with more cranberry juice or apple cider. You’ll still get a tasty, fall-inspired mocktail.
• Dietary Adjustments:
• Low-Calorie Option: Use diet ginger beer and swap regular apple cider for light apple juice to cut down on calories.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Opt for unsweetened cranberry juice and low-sugar apple cider if you're watching your sugar intake.
• Gluten-Free: Always ensure the ginger beer you're using is gluten-free (most are, but it's good to check).
• Spice It Up:
• Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth, perfect for cold nights.

If you’re in the mood for a refreshing cocktail that’s packed with fall flavors, the Cranberry Apple Mule is perfect. From my own personal experience, this drink balances the tartness of cranberry with the sweetness of apple, all wrapped up with that signature ginger beer zing. Let me show you how I make it, step-by-step, so you can enjoy this crowd-pleaser at home.

Notes on What to Expect:

From my overall experience, you can expect a bright, fizzy drink with a balance of tart cranberry and sweet apple. The ginger beer provides a zesty bite, and the lime keeps it fresh and citrusy. The cranberry and apple flavors blend harmoniously, making this drink a fantastic choice for autumn gatherings or just cozy evenings at home.

Quick Meal Facts:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: None
• Time to stand: None
• Total time: 5 minutes
• Ease of cooking: Super easy
• Servings: 1 serving
• Calories: Approx. 180 calories per serving
• Cost of ingredients: Moderate ($5-$7 per serving)
• Equipment needed: Cocktail shaker, jigger (or measuring cup), bar spoon, copper mug (optional)
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #Cranberry Apple Mule here

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka (preferably a smooth one)
• 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
• 1 oz apple cider (or apple juice)
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• Ginger beer (to top off)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries and apple slices (for garnish)
• Mint leaves (optional for garnish)
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #Cranberry Apple Mule here

Method:

1. Prepare Your Copper Mug
   While not necessary, serving this in a traditional copper mug keeps the drink cool longer and enhances the flavors. If you don’t have one, any glass will do.
2. Fill the Mug with Ice
   Start by adding a handful of ice cubes to your mug or glass. You want it nice and cold!
3. Add the Vodka, Cranberry Juice, and Apple Cider
   Using a jigger, measure out 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of cranberry juice, and 1 oz of apple cider. Pour each directly into the mug over the ice. This combo gives the drink its tart yet sweet profile.
4. Squeeze in the Lime Juice
   Fresh lime juice is key! Squeeze half a lime (about 1/2 oz) and add it to the mix. It brightens up the flavors and balances the sweetness.
5. Top Off with Ginger Beer
   Ginger beer adds a fizzy, spicy kick that elevates the flavors. Pour ginger beer until your mug is full, usually around 4-5 oz. Be gentle while pouring to keep the fizz!
6. Stir Gently
   Use a bar spoon to give the drink a gentle stir. You want the ingredients mixed without losing too much of the ginger beer’s fizz.
7. Garnish and Serve
   For a fun and festive look, garnish with a few fresh cranberries, a slice or two of apple, and a sprig of mint. Not only do these add a visual appeal, but they also complement the flavors beautifully.

Variations & Substitutions:

• Non-Alcoholic Version:
  If you’re looking to make this for everyone, simply replace the vodka with more cranberry juice or apple cider. You’ll still get a tasty, fall-inspired mocktail.
• Dietary Adjustments:
  • Low-Calorie Option: Use diet ginger beer and swap regular apple cider for light apple juice to cut down on calories.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Opt for unsweetened cranberry juice and low-sugar apple cider if you’re watching your sugar intake.
  • Gluten-Free: Always ensure the ginger beer you’re using is gluten-free (most are, but it’s good to check).
• Spice It Up:
  Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth, perfect for cold nights.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #Cranberry Apple Mule here

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 180
• Carbs: 25g
• Sugars: 22g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Alcohol content: Approx. 15-20% ABV (depending on the vodka used)

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Too Sweet:
  If your cocktail is too sweet, squeeze in more lime juice or add extra cranberry juice to balance the flavors.
• Too Tart:
  If it’s too tart, try adding a splash of simple syrup or more apple cider to mellow the tang.
• Flat Ginger Beer:
  Always use freshly opened ginger beer for that perfect fizz. If it’s flat, the drink can taste lackluster.

Versatility with Food Pairings:

The Cranberry Apple Mule pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, particularly turkey or pork. It also works great with cheese platters or even savory snacks like sliders or nachos. The drink’s tartness cuts through rich dishes, making it a versatile option for meals or parties.

Now that you know how I make this delightful Cranberry Apple Mule, you can try your own variations and make it your go-to cocktail for the season! Enjoy.