Drinks

Spiced Cranberry Thyme Moscow Mule Recipe

ByClara Bennett November 16, 2025November 16, 2025

Introduction

This Spiced Cranberry Thyme Moscow Mule is a festive twist on the classic cocktail. It combines tangy cranberry syrup infused with warming spices and fresh thyme, balanced with vodka and topped with crisp ginger beer for a refreshing, seasonal drink.

A tall bronze cup filled with crushed ice with a few red berries and dark liquid underneath, topped with two star anise pieces and fresh green herb sprigs resting on the ice. The bronze cup shows small droplets of water on its surface. The background has dim warm lights and blurred round red berries on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup water
2 cups fresh cranberries
2 fresh thyme sprigs
1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
1 tablespoon cardamom pods
2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka
Juice from 1/2 of a lime
1/4 cup pomegranate or cranberry juice
1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) spiced cranberry syrup
Ginger beer, for topping

Instructions

Step 1: To make the cranberry syrup, combine 1/2 cup water, honey, cranberries, sliced ginger, and cardamom pods in a pot. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 5 minutes or until the cranberries start to burst. Remove from heat and stir in the thyme sprigs. Let the mixture cool, then remove the ginger, cardamom, and thyme. You can leave the cranberries in or strain them out, based on your preference.
Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, lime juice, pomegranate or cranberry juice, and 1-2 ounces of the spiced cranberry syrup. Shake well for about one minute until combined and chilled.
Step 3: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and gently stir to mix. Garnish with a thyme sprig or fresh cranberries if desired. Enjoy your festive Moscow Mule!

Tips & Variations

For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka and increase ginger beer for extra spice and fizz.
Adjust the amount of spiced cranberry syrup to control sweetness and flavor depth.
Try substituting cardamom pods with cinnamon sticks or star anise for a different spice profile.

Storage

Store any leftover spiced cranberry syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before using. Prepared cocktails are best enjoyed fresh, but the syrup can be made ahead to speed up cocktail assembly.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a pot filled with a foamy, bubbling mixture containing whole and slightly crushed red cranberries, floating fresh green herb sprigs, and a single dark brown star anise in the center. The liquid has a light pinkish-brown color with frothy bubbles on the surface, giving a rich and textured look. The pot’s edge is visible with a slightly worn and used metallic finish. The background consists of a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the spiced cranberry syrup ahead of time?

Yes, the syrup can be prepared up to a week in advance and refrigerated. This makes it easy to mix cocktails quickly when you’re ready.

What type of ginger beer works best?

Choose a ginger beer with a good balance of spice and sweetness. Less sweet options work well to complement the tart cranberry syrup without overpowering the drink.