Spiced Cranberry Thyme Moscow Mule Recipe
This Spiced Cranberry Thyme Moscow Mule is a festive twist on the classic cocktail, featuring a homemade spiced cranberry syrup infused with fresh thyme, ginger, and cardamom. Balanced with vodka, lime, and pomegranate juice, then topped with refreshing ginger beer, this drink offers a perfect blend of tartness and warmth, ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Spiced Cranberry Syrup
- 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
Cocktail
- 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
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Make the cranberry syrup: In a pot, combine 1/2 cup water, honey, fresh cranberries, sliced ginger, and cardamom pods. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Allow it to boil for about 5 minutes or until the cranberries begin to burst, releasing their juices. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh thyme sprigs. Let the syrup cool completely. Once cooled, remove the ginger slices, cardamom pods, and thyme sprigs. You can leave the cranberries in the syrup for added texture or strain them out, according to your preference.
- Prepare the cocktail glass: Fill a cocktail glass with ice to chill it while you prepare the drink.
- Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, fresh lime juice, pomegranate or cranberry juice, and 1 to 2 ounces of the prepared spiced cranberry syrup. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 1 minute to blend the flavors and chill the mixture.
- Assemble the drink: Strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice. Top off the drink with ginger beer to add a bubbly, spicy finish. Stir gently if desired.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with a sprig of thyme or fresh cranberries if you like, and serve immediately for a refreshing, spiced cocktail experience.
Notes
- The spiced cranberry syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Adjust the amount of syrup in the cocktail to suit your preferred sweetness and tartness level.
- Use a quality ginger beer for the best flavor and fizz.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit vodka and increase ginger beer and cranberry juice accordingly.
- Be careful to strain well if you prefer a smoother syrup without cranberry bits.
Keywords: Moscow Mule, Cranberry Cocktail, Spiced Drink, Holiday Cocktail, Thyme, Ginger, Vodka
