Recipe: Cranberry Mule Mocktail
Cranberry and ginger are a classic flavor pairing, making this sparkling mocktail a refreshing choice for holiday gatherings, celebrations, or any time you want a festive drink without the added sugar found in many traditional beverages. Fresh mint and lime add bright flavor, while muddled cranberries provide a beautiful pop of color and a hint of tartness.
This mocktail relies on 100% cranberry juice and a touch of pure maple syrup for sweetness, and ginger-flavored seltzer water for a light, refreshing fizz. The result is a bright, festive drink that’s perfect for celebrations throughout the season.
Cranberry Mule Mocktail
Serves 1
Ingredients:
- 4-5 fresh or frozen (thawed) cranberries, plus more for garnish
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- ¼ tsp maple syrup
- 2 oz 100% cranberry juice, unsweetened
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 4-6 oz ginger-flavored seltzer water
- Ice
Garnish (optional):
- Frozen or fresh cranberries
- Lime wheel
- Mint sprig
Directions:
- In a mule mug or glass, gently muddle the fresh cranberries, mint leaves, and maple syrup, just until the cranberries burst and the mint becomes fragrant. Avoid over-muddling the mint, which can make it taste bitter.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour in the cranberry juice and fresh lime juice.
- Top with the ginger seltzer water to fill the rest of the mug/glass and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wheel, cranberries, and a sprig of mint.
Tips:
- Using 100% cranberry juice instead of cranberry juice cocktail helps keep added sugar lower while still delivering bright cranberry flavor. Ginger-flavored seltzer adds a refreshing sparkle without the added sugar of ginger beer.
- Ginger-flavored seltzer waters vary in flavor. Start with 4 oz for a bolder cranberry flavor or 6 oz for a lighter, more bubbly drink. This recipe was developed using Wegmans store-brand Ginger Seltzer Water, but any unsweetened ginger-flavored sparkling water would work well. Other options include Spindrift Ginger Lime Mule, Nixie Lime & Ginger, Good & Gather Cranberry Ginger, Polar Ginger Lime Mule, and 365 Ginger Sparkling Water.
