cranberry moscow mule and blackwatch plaid

hello friday, it’s good to see you. and it’s not just any friday. it’s black friday. i’m not certain if that makes a difference these days since retailers have been slashing prices all year. but there are some good sales to shop online. if you missed the opens in a new windowThanksgiving post, check it out as i shared a few of my favorites.

today, oscar and i are decking the Djalali halls. so i pulled on my Blackwatch plaid pants (old, opens in a new windowsimilar here), a traditional holiday pattern in honor of the occasion. plus, i whipped up a cranberry moscow mule that’s perfect for the holidays and sooooo refreshing.

pants (similar opens in a new windowhere, opens in a new windowhere, and opens in a new windowhere) | opens in a new window sweater | opens in a new windowshoes | opens in a new windowsimilar belt | opens in a new windowsimilar bracelet

opens in a new windowsimilar Christmas plates | opens in a new window copper mugs | opens in a new windowsimilar gold tray

Cranberry Moscow Mule

one of my favorite cocktails is a moscow mule. if you’re willing to add an extra step by making homemade cranberry syrup, then you’ll have a cocktail that’s sure to please. it’s as refreshing as it is delicious. it’s a must-make seasonal cocktail. but if you’re more interested in a cocktail, i picked up cranberry ginger sparkling water from Trader Joe’s.

the cranberry syrup is easy to make and takes about twenty minutes from start to finish.

5 from 2 votes

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Cranberry Moscow Mule

Course cocktail

Prep Time20minutes

Ingredients

Cranberry Moscow Mule

• 2ouncesvodka
• 1ouncecranberry syrup
• 1/2ouncefresh lime juice
• 6ouncesginger beer
• lime wedge, mint, and cranberries for garnish

Cranberry Syrup

• 1cupfresh cranberries
• 1/2cupwater
• 1/2cup sugar

Instructions

1. Combine the cranberries, water, and honey in a small saucepan and place over medium high heat. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the cranberries soften then fall apart.

2. Pour the syrup through fine mesh strainer, and press on the cranberries with a spatula to release as much syrup as possible. Set aside to cool. If the syrup thickens too much as it cools, add water, a tablespoon at a time, until the consistency resembles honey.

3. To make one cocktail, Combine the vodka, cranberry syrup, and lime juice in a copper mug. Stir to combine. Fill the mug halfway with crushed ice. Pour the ginger beer over the ice and stir one more. Top with additional crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of mint, lime wedge, and fresh cranberries. Serve immediately. See notes for making a large-batch moscow mule cocktail station.

Recipe Notes

The cranberry syrup makes enough for four cocktails (about half a cup of syrup).

Trader Joe’s is my go-to store that comes to the rescue when i’m short on time. these delicious appetizers are available in the frozen food section. they’re Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese and Caramelized Onions. i also keep on hand Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Spanokopita, Scallops Wrapped in Uncured Bacon, and Mini Quiche Duos. these delicious appetizers are true lifesavers and always a big hit!

today’s outfit is festive without going over the top. what’s easier to throw on than a opens in a new windowblack turtleneck from opens in a new windowTalbots and plaid pants ( opens in a new windowsimilar here) from opens in a new windowJ.Crew? the opens in a new windowlaceless black oxfords add a modern edge, and i brought in a little bling with my belt buckle ( opens in a new windowsimilar here) and bracelet ( opens in a new windowsimilar here).

all right, ladies, the holidays are here! let’s enjoy every minute. oscar and i wish you a lovely weekend.