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Festive Cranberry Moscow Mule Punch for a Crowd

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A stunning, easy-to-make cranberry Moscow mule punch perfect for holiday parties. This crowd-pleasing cocktail combines vodka, cranberry juice, fresh lime, and spicy ginger beer for a refreshing and festive drink that can be made ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups vodka (e.g., Tito’s or Ketel One)
  • 3 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, not cocktail)
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from about 4–6 limes)
  • 1/4 cup simple syrup (homemade or store-bought)
  • 4 cups ginger beer (e.g., Fever-Tree or Q Ginger Beer)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)
  • 2–3 limes, sliced into thin wheels (for garnish)
  • 4–6 fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
  • Ice (large cubes or a block)

Instructions

  1. Prepare garnishes: Wash and dry cranberries, slice limes into thin wheels, and rinse rosemary sprigs. Thread some cranberries onto cocktail picks for individual glass garnishes. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Juice the limes: Roll limes on the counter to release juice, then cut and squeeze to get 1/2 cup fresh lime juice. Strain if desired (leaving some pulp is fine).
  3. Make simple syrup (if using homemade): Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let cool to room temperature.
  4. Mix the punch base: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine vodka, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir well. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness if needed.
  5. Chill the base: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. This step is crucial for preventing dilution.
  6. Add ginger beer and ice: Just before serving, remove the base from the fridge. Add ginger beer and stir gently. Add large ice cubes or an ice block.
  7. Garnish and serve: Drop in fresh cranberries, arrange lime wheels and rosemary sprigs on top. For individual servings, fill copper mugs or glasses with ice, pour punch, and add a skewer of cranberries and a lime wheel.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, omit vodka and add 1 extra cup ginger beer and 1/2 cup more cranberry juice. For a spiced version, add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg to the base. For a bourbon mule, replace vodka with bourbon. Always add ginger beer just before serving to keep the fizz. Chill the base thoroughly to prevent dilution.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry Moscow mule, holiday punch, Christmas cocktail, New Year's Eve drink, party punch, cranberry ginger beer punch

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/festive-cranberry-moscow-mule-punch-for-a-crowd/