Holiday Mules with Homemade Spiced Syrup

For the spiced simple syrup:
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Stir mixture. When syrup just bubbles, turn heat off and transfer syrup and spices to a jar to cool. Keep covered in the fridge until ready to use.

For the mules:
Fill a cocktail glass with crushed ice. Add vodka, simple syrup, and sparkling water or soda. Stir to combine with a cinnamon stick. Taste, and add more vodka or syrup to your preference. Garnish with oranges and fresh cranberries.

Notes:
1. I used raw sugar in these because it’s what I had on hand, but any kind of sugar is fine! Raw or brown sugar does yield a slightly deeper flavor, which I like with the ginger.
2. The quantities per drink above are approximate and don’t yield a very sweet drink. Add more of the simple syrup if you’d like!