Save Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule Mocktail is the drink I turn to when I want something festive and refreshing without the alcohol. Each sip bursts with tangy cranberry and sweet orange, with a fiery hit of ginger beer that wakes up your palate. Serve these in copper mugs and nobody will even notice they're mocktails. Perfect for brunches, parties, or just cooling off on a summer afternoon.
The first time I made this was for a New Year's Eve party and people kept asking for seconds. It just feels like a celebration in a glass.
Ingredients
- Cranberry juice unsweetened: brings a tart pop and gives that vibrant red color look for pure cranberry with no added sugar for the best balance
- Fresh orange juice: gives natural sweetness and citrus brightness squeeze oranges yourself for maximum flavor and aroma
- Fresh lime juice: sharpens and balances the sweetness choose juicy limes that feel heavy for their size
- Simple syrup optional: sweetener rounds everything out adjust to taste or skip for a tangier drink
- Ginger beer nonalcoholic: adds zippy spiciness and bubbly lift look for a ginger beer with a good bite and check labels for gluten free if needed
- Ice cubes: chills everything fast and keeps the mocktail crisp and refreshing use fresh ice for clear coldness
- Fresh orange slices cranberries and mint: make for pretty garnishes that also add aroma choose plump cranberries and perky mint sprigs
Instructions
- Prep the Glasses or Mugs:
- Fill two copper mugs or sturdy glasses all the way with fresh ice cubes This will chill the drink fast and keep it cold longer
- Mix the Juices and Sweetener:
- In a shaker or a large measuring cup stir together cranberry juice fresh orange juice fresh lime juice and simple syrup if using Stir really well so the flavors blend and the syrup dissolves fully
- Pour Over Ice:
- Divide the mixed juice between the two prepared mugs letting it cascade over the ice
- Top with Ginger Beer:
- Slowly pour ginger beer into each glass so it bubbles up and fills the mug Watch for fizz and pour gently to keep the carbonation lively
- Gently Stir:
- Use a long spoon to gently swirl the contents just once or twice This combines flavors without losing the signature tingle from the ginger beer
- Garnish for Flair:
- Tuck in a few orange slices and cranberries drop in a sprig of fresh mint and serve right away This elevates the aroma and makes the drink pop visually
Save Fresh cranberries are my favorite ingredient to toss in They look like jewels and seem to make every glass feel extra special I remember using frozen ones once in a pinch and they doubled as tiny chilled garnishes which my youngest niece got a kick out of
Storage Tips
This mocktail tastes best freshly made over ice but you can mix the juices and simple syrup up to one day ahead and keep chilled in the fridge Always add ginger beer right before serving to keep the fizz lively Leftover ginger beer keeps best in the fridge with a tight cap and can be used up to two days
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch out the cranberry juice for pomegranate or even tart cherry juice for a fun twist Blood orange juice makes a gorgeous color too Swap honey syrup for simple syrup if you prefer a floral sweetness If ginger beer is tricky to find try strong ginger ale and bump up the lime for edge
Serving Suggestions
Pair these mocktails with spicy roasted nuts crostini or light vegetarian appetizers They shine at brunch with fruit salad or alongside rich cheese boards For parties set up a DIY garnish bar with orange wheels mint and candied ginger so everyone can customize
Save This mocktail is a celebration in a copper mug from first sip to last. You'll love how easy it is to share its refreshing flavor with every guest.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use bottled cranberry and orange juice?
Yes, bottled juice works, but fresh juices deliver a brighter flavor and natural sweetness for best results.
- → How can I adjust sweetness?
Increase or decrease simple syrup according to taste. Omit it entirely for a tangier drink.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely, but confirm your ginger beer is certified gluten-free by checking product labels.
- → What glassware works best?
Copper mugs are traditional and keep the drink chilled, but any sturdy glass is suitable for serving.
- → How can I add a spicy kick?
Add a thin slice of fresh ginger to your mug before pouring the mixture, or use a spicier ginger beer.
- → Can I prepare this ahead?
Mix the juices in advance and chill. Add ginger beer, ice, and garnish just before serving for freshness.
- → What garnishes are recommended?
Orange slices, fresh cranberries, and mint sprigs elevate flavor and presentation for festive gatherings.