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Easy Cranberry Moscow Mule Pitcher Recipe with Rosemary

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A quick and festive cranberry Moscow mule made in a pitcher with muddled frozen cranberries and fresh rosemary. Perfect for holiday gatherings and entertaining, this cocktail comes together in minutes and serves 6-8 people.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups frozen cranberries
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
  • 1 cup vodka (recommended: Tito’s or Absolut)
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
  • 1/2 cup cranberry juice cocktail
  • 4 cups ginger beer (recommended: Fever-Tree or Reed’s)
  • 1/4 cup simple syrup, or to taste
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
  • Lime wheels or wedges for garnish
  • Extra frozen cranberries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Muddle the cranberries and rosemary: Add the 2 cups of frozen cranberries and 4 rosemary sprigs to your pitcher. Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, press down firmly and twist to crush the cranberries and release the rosemary oils. You want the cranberries to be broken open but not completely pulverized—about 10-15 good presses should do it.
  2. Add the vodka, lime juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup: Pour in 1 cup vodka, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 1/2 cup cranberry juice cocktail, and 1/4 cup simple syrup. Stir everything together with a long spoon until the simple syrup is fully incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  3. Chill the base (optional but recommended): If not serving right away, cover the pitcher and refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
  4. Add the ginger beer just before serving: When ready to serve, pour in 4 cups of ginger beer. Stir gently to combine without losing carbonation.
  5. Fill glasses with ice and pour: Fill copper mugs or highball glasses with ice. Give the pitcher one last gentle stir, then pour the mixture over the ice, ensuring each glass gets some muddled cranberry bits.
  6. Garnish and serve: Top each glass with a fresh rosemary sprig, a lime wheel, and a few extra frozen cranberries. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t muddle too aggressively or you’ll break the cranberry seeds, which can add a bitter note. Gentle, firm pressure is all you need. Add ginger beer at the very last minute to keep it carbonated. For a make-ahead option, muddle the cranberries and rosemary and mix in the vodka, lime juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup up to 4 hours ahead; add ginger beer and ice right before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry moscow mule, pitcher cocktail, holiday cocktail, rosemary cocktail, easy cocktail recipe, entertaining drink

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/easy-cranberry-moscow-mule-pitcher-recipe-with-rosemary/