CRANBERRY MAPLE MULE

With autumn in full swing and the holiday season just around the corner, it's the perfect time to whip up a fun holiday cocktail that really captures the vibe of this beautiful time of year. I’ve found this awesome cocktail from Bon Appétit that’s not only great for those crisp fall days but also fits right in with the cozy winter celebrations! The secret to taking this drink from good to amazing is the homemade spiced maple syrup. It's super easy to make and adds a ton of flavor. The warm, rich notes of maple mixed with a blend of spices create a perfect balance that complements the other ingredients in the drink.

You can totally make the spiced maple syrup up to three days ahead of when you’re planning to host your gathering. This makes things super convenient, so you can focus on having fun instead of stressing out in the kitchen at the last minute.

When it’s time to mix your cocktail, just throw all the ingredients together right before your guests arrive to keep everything fresh and lively. You can prep everything except the ginger beer ahead of time, which means you’ll have a beautifully crafted cocktail ready to go with just a splash of ginger beer added just before serving. That fizzy ginger beer gives the drink a refreshing kick that makes it even more enjoyable. You also have the option to leave it entirely alcoholic free which makes it perfect for hosting guests of all ages. Leave a bottle, or two, orf some spirit options and leave it up to your guests preferences!

As you gather with friends and family to celebrate the season, this holiday cocktail is sure to impress and warm everyone's hearts with every sip. The mix of flavors really embodies the spirit of autumn and winter, creating a memorable experience that everyone will love. So, as you gear up for the festivities, think about adding this spiced maple syrup cocktail to your lineup. It’s a fantastic way to toast the season!

INGREDIENTS

makes 6-8 servings

3 Cinnamon Sticks

3 Star Anise Pods

¾ cup Maple Syrup, pure

20 dashes Angostura Bitters

2 (12 oz) cans Ginger Beer

3 ½ cups Cranberry Juice Cocktail

¾ cup Lime Juice

pinch Kosher Salt

1 ½-2 cups Alcohol of Your Choice

Garnishes: rosemary sprigs, lime wheels, fresh or frozen cranberries

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Begin by making your spiced maple syrup. In a small pot, bring cinnamon sticks, star anise, and maple syrup to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. Stirring occasionally, cook for 6-8 minutes until darkened in color, thick, bubbles form, and smells fragrant.

3. Carefully and slowly add 1 cup of water to the pot and let the mixture come back to a boil. Stir occasionally and cook until the syrup dissolves. Set aside to cool.

4. Add all the ingredients, including the spices, to a large pitcher. Mix together until combined. Add ice and individually garnish with lime wheels, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs.

   
   

The spiced maple syrup can be made 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

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Begin by making your spiced maple syrup. In a small pot, bring cinnamon sticks, star anise, and maple syrup to a boil over medium-high heat.

Stirring occasionally, cook for 6-8 minutes until darkened in color, thick, bubbles form, and smells fragrant.

Carefully and slowly add 1 cup of water to the pot and let the mixture come back to a boil. Stir occasionally and cook until the syrup dissolves. Set aside to cool.

The spiced maple syrup can be made 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Add all the ingredients, including the spices, to a large pitcher. Mix together until combined. Add ice and individually garnish with lime wheels, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs.

I really love how versatile this drink is and how simple it makes hosting a crowd. Looks good, tastes better, and appeals to all different preferences.

Get into the holiday spirit with this Cranberry Maple Mule! Cheers!

If you plan on saving this recipe for later via Pinterest, feel free to use this image!

Please tag me if you end up making this recipe, I would LOVE to see how it turns out!!