Sparkling Cranberry Rebel Mule Recipe | The Next Recipes

Add a festive twist to a classic cocktail with this Sparkling Cranberry Rebel Mule recipe! A quick and refreshing holiday drink from The Next Recipes — made with ginger beer, lime, and cranberry for the perfect balance of tangy, bubbly flavor.

Introduction

If you love a good Moscow Mule, get ready to meet its bold and bubbly cousin — the Sparkling Cranberry Rebel Mule. This drink is everything you want in a cocktail: crisp, slightly tart, and refreshingly effervescent, with a gorgeous ruby color that instantly screams celebration.

Perfect for the holidays, cozy gatherings, or any time you want to elevate your drink game, this cranberry mule recipe brings together classic ingredients — spicy ginger beer, fresh lime, and smooth vodka — with a festive twist of cranberry juice and sparkling water.

Whether you’re hosting a winter party, planning a romantic dinner, or just craving something special to sip by the fire, this easy homemade cocktail delivers the perfect blend of flavor and fizz.

Ingredients List

To make the perfect Sparkling Cranberry Rebel Mule, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients — most of which you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka (or your favorite clear spirit)
• 1 oz cranberry juice (100% juice preferred for best flavor)
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• 3 oz ginger beer (cold and spicy)
• 1 oz sparkling water or club soda
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
• Lime slices or wedges (for garnish)
• Mint leaves (optional, for freshness and color)

Optional Add-Ins:

• A splash of orange liqueur for depth
• Rosemary sprigs for aroma
• Sugared cranberries for a frosty, holiday look

This simple ingredient list proves that you don’t need a bar full of fancy mixers to create an unforgettable cranberry cocktail recipe.

Preparation Instructions

Creating this Sparkling Cranberry Rebel Mule is as easy as shake, pour, and sip. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly balanced and eye-catching drink:

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass

Traditionally, a Moscow Mule is served in a copper mug — not just for looks, but because it keeps your drink extra cold and enhances the sharpness of the ginger beer.
If you don’t have one, don’t worry — a chilled glass tumbler or mason jar works just as well.

Step 2: Add the Base

Fill your mug or glass with ice cubes.
Pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.

Step 3: Add the Fizz

Top the mixture with ginger beer and a splash of sparkling water (this gives it that “rebel” twist and lightens the sweetness for a more balanced flavor).

Step 4: Stir Gently

Give it a light stir — you want everything combined but still sparkling.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Add a few fresh cranberries, a lime wheel, and a mint sprig or rosemary stem. If you’re making this for a holiday party, top with sugared cranberries for an elegant, frosty finish.

Serve immediately, and enjoy the crisp fizz and festive tang of this sparkling cranberry cocktail.

Serving Suggestions

This Sparkling Cranberry Rebel Mule is one of those drinks that fits any occasion — from casual get-togethers to holiday dinners. Here are some ways to make the most of it:

• Holiday Party Favorite: Serve it in copper mugs lined up on a tray, garnished with sugared cranberries for a winter wonderland effect.
• Brunch Beverage: It pairs beautifully with breakfast dishes like Maple Pecan Pumpkin Donuts or Cranberry Apple Crisp from The Next Recipes.
• Romantic Dinner: The color and sparkle make it the perfect complement to date-night dishes like roasted salmon or creamy pasta.
• Non-Alcoholic Option: Skip the vodka and replace it with extra cranberry juice and ginger beer for a festive mocktail everyone can enjoy.

Sparkling Cranberry Rebel Mule

This Sparkling Cranberry Rebel Mule is a festive, fizzy twist on the classic Moscow Mule! Bursting with tangy cranberry flavor, zesty lime, and the refreshing kick of ginger beer, this cocktail (or mocktail!) is the ultimate holiday drink. It’s vibrant, bubbly, and easy to make in minutes — perfect for cozy nights or Christmas parties.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 4 minutes mins

Servings: 2 Servings

Course: cocktail, Drinks, holiday beverage

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Cocktail
• ½ cup cranberry juice unsweetened or sweetened to taste
• 2 oz vodka omit for mocktail
• 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
• ½ cup ginger beer chilled
• ¼ cup sparkling water or club soda
• Ice cubes
• For Garnish
• Fresh cranberries optional
• Lime wedges or slices
• Fresh mint leaves

Equipment

• 2 copper mugs or cocktail glasses
• Cocktail shaker or spoon
• Jigger or measuring cup
• Ice cubes

Method

 

1. Prepare the Glasses
2. Fill copper mugs or cocktail glasses with ice cubes.
3. Mix the Base
4. In a shaker or mixing glass, combine cranberry juice, vodka, and lime juice. Stir or shake lightly.
5. Add the Fizz
6. Pour the mixture into prepared mugs. Top with chilled ginger beer and a splash of sparkling water.
7. Garnish & Serve
8. Garnish with fresh cranberries, lime wedges, and mint. Serve immediately and enjoy the sparkle!

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka — it’s still delicious and refreshing!

Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.

Add frozen cranberries instead of ice for a gorgeous and festive touch.

If you like it sweeter, mix in ½ tsp honey or maple syrup.

Chill all ingredients beforehand for maximum fizz.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Refreshing: The cranberry-lime combo gives you that perfect holiday tang, balanced by ginger beer’s warmth.
• Quick to Make: Ready in less than five minutes — no fancy bartending skills needed.
• Beautiful Presentation: Its deep red hue and sparkling finish make it a showstopper at any event.
• Customizable: Adjust sweetness, fizz, or spice to match your taste.
• Versatile: Works just as well in summer as it does in the heart of winter.

If you’re looking for a holiday cocktail recipe that’s easy, elegant, and packed with personality, this is the one.

Tips & Variations

Here’s how to make your Cranberry Rebel Mule even more exciting:

• Make it spicy: Add a thin slice of fresh jalapeño or a dash of chili flakes for a bold twist.
• Sweeten it up: Mix in a bit of maple syrup or honey if you prefer a softer flavor.
• Make a pitcher: Combine vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice in a jug; just top with ginger beer and sparkling water before serving.
• Add herbs: Muddle mint or rosemary in the glass before adding ice for a refreshing herbal aroma.
• Garnish creatively: Freeze cranberries and mint leaves into ice cubes for a decorative touch.

FAQ

Conclusion and Call-to-Action

The Sparkling Cranberry Rebel Mule is a drink that captures the spirit of the season — bright, bold, and full of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes, you can craft a cocktail that looks sophisticated, tastes incredible, and keeps the festive energy flowing.

From its stunning red hue to the zesty lime and ginger kick, this cranberry mule recipe proves that a little creativity can turn a classic into something unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, hosting a party, or just enjoying a cozy night in, this drink adds a splash of sparkle to any occasion.

So go ahead — grab your copper mugs, shake up your bar skills, and make this Sparkling Cranberry Rebel Mule your new signature holiday cocktail.

For more festive drinks, creative cocktails, and cozy homemade recipes, visit The Next Recipes — your go-to destination for flavor inspiration all year long.