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Perfect Rosemary Orange Cranberry Moscow Mule Pitcher

rosemary orange cranberry moscow mule pitcher - featured image
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This isn’t your average Moscow Mule. Fresh rosemary, tart cranberries, and bright orange are muddled together with vodka and spicy ginger beer for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing cocktail that comes together in minutes. It’s the perfect festive drink for holiday parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 large sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 2 large navel or blood oranges
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
  • 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) good quality vodka (such as Tito’s or Absolut)
  • 4 cups (32 ounces) spicy ginger beer (such as Fever-Tree or Q Mixers)
  • Ice (preferably a large ice block)
  • 2–3 tablespoons honey or simple syrup (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatics: Pick the leaves from 2 of the rosemary sprigs (about 1 tablespoon of leaves). Set aside the remaining 2-3 sprigs for garnish. Rinse the cranberries and pat them dry. Slice one of the oranges into thin rounds, then cut the rounds in half. Juice the second orange and set the juice aside.
  2. Muddle the base: Place the rosemary leaves and 1/2 cup of the cranberries into the bottom of a large pitcher. Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently press and twist the ingredients together for about 30 seconds, until the cranberries are broken open and the mixture is fragrant. Do not pulverize into a paste.
  3. Add the citrus: Pour the fresh lime juice and the reserved orange juice into the pitcher over the muddled mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Add the vodka: Pour in the vodka and stir again for about 15 seconds to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This base can be made up to 4 hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  5. Add the ice: Add a large ice block or a generous amount of ice cubes to the pitcher.
  6. Top with ginger beer: Slowly pour the ginger beer into the pitcher, pouring gently down the side to preserve carbonation. Stir once or twice very gently to combine.
  7. Garnish and serve: Float the orange slices and remaining whole cranberries on top. Tuck the reserved rosemary sprigs into the pitcher. Pour the cocktail into copper mugs or highball glasses filled with ice, making sure to get some cranberries and an orange slice into each glass.
  8. Taste and adjust: Take a small sip. If you want it sweeter, stir in 1 tablespoon of honey or simple syrup. If you want more spice, add an extra splash of ginger beer.

Notes

For the best results, chill the vodka, ginger beer, and pitcher for at least an hour before starting. Use a large ice block to prevent dilution. The base mixture (muddled cranberries, rosemary, citrus juices, and vodka) can be made up to 4 hours ahead. Do not add ginger beer until ready to serve to keep it fizzy. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them first. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the vodka and replace with extra ginger beer or club soda.

Nutrition

Keywords: Moscow Mule, cranberry mule, rosemary cocktail, holiday cocktail, pitcher drink, party drink, Thanksgiving cocktail, Christmas cocktail

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/perfect-rosemary-orange-cranberry-moscow-mule-pitcher/