Kentucky Mule Cocktail
This Kentucky Mule Cocktail is crisp, refreshing and full of bold bourbon flavor. It combines smooth bourbon with fresh lime juice and spicy ginger beer, served ice cold in a copper mug, for a Kentucky twist on the classic Moscow mule.
A Kentucky mule gets its flavor from bourbon, fresh lime juice and spicy ginger beer, served over ice in a copper mug. The bourbon replaces the vodka in a classic Moscow mule and adds warmth, while the lime and ginger beer keep it crisp and fizzy. It works for casual get-togethers, summer evenings or a Kentucky Derby party.
If you like a drink with a little zing, our Mezcal Paloma Cocktail and Apple Cider Mimosa are worth a try too.
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Ingredients
A handful of ingredients come together in this crisp bourbon mule.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Ice Cubes: Keeps the drink cold from the first sip to the last.
- Kentucky Bourbon: Adds warmth and depth.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Brightens the drink and balances the bourbon.
- Ginger Beer: Adds fizz and a spicy kick. Ginger ale also works for a milder mule.
All you need is a Moscow Mule mug and a shot glass to measure the bourbon and lime juice.
Variations
- Sweeter Version: Add a splash of simple syrup if you prefer a slightly sweeter mule.
- Extra Citrus: Add a lime wedge or lime wheel for a brighter finish.
- Spicier Ginger Beer: Choose a ginger beer with extra spice for more kick.
- Rye Mule: Swap the bourbon for rye whiskey for a spicier, drier finish.
- Canadian Mule: Swap the bourbon for Canadian whisky and add a drop of pure maple syrup.
How to Make a Kentucky Mule Cocktail
This Kentucky mule comes together in a few quick steps.
Fill a copper mug about ¾ full of ice.
Pour in bourbon and lime juice.
Top off with about 4-5 ounces of ginger beer. Stir gently.
Garnish the Kentucky mule with fresh mint and serve right away.
Hint: Pour the ginger beer slowly down the side of the mug to keep it fizzy.
Recipe Tips
- Mug: Chill the copper mug first to keep the drink extra cold.
- Garnish: Slap the mint between your hands before adding it to release more aroma.
- Choose a Good Bourbon: A smooth bourbon you enjoy sipping makes a noticeable difference.
- Make It a Mocktail: Swap the bourbon for a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative and keep the lime juice and ginger beer.
For a fruitier cocktail, try our Hennessy Strawberry Lemonade.
More Cocktail Ideas
Serving Suggestions
- More Bourbon Cocktails: Bourbon Lemon Cocktail, Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail, Old Fashioned Hot Toddy, and Apple Cider Old Fashioned.
- More Mule Cocktails: Apple Cider Moscow Mule, or Watermelon Moscow Mule.
Kentucky Mule Cocktail Recipe FAQs
A Kentucky mule is made with bourbon, fresh lime juice and ginger beer, served over ice in a copper mug.
A Kentucky mule uses bourbon instead of vodka, which gives it a warmer, richer flavor. Both drinks use lime juice and ginger beer.
A smooth bourbon works best, since the lime and ginger beer let its flavor come through.
A Canadian mule swaps the bourbon for Canadian whisky and adds a drop of pure maple syrup, along with the lime juice and ginger beer.
Lemon-lime soda like Sprite can replace the ginger beer, but the drink will be sweeter and lose the ginger spice.
A copper mug is not required, but it keeps the drink colder and gives it that classic mule look.
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Kentucky Mule Cocktail
Equipment
- Moscow Mule Mug
- Shot Glass
Ingredients
- ice
- 2 ounces Bourbon
- ½ ounce lime juice freshly squeezed
- 4-5 ounces ginger beer
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug about ¾ full of ice.
- Pour in bourbon and lime juice.
- Top off with about 4-5 ounces of ginger beer. Stir gently.
- Garnish the Kentucky mule with fresh mint and serve right away.
Notes
- Mug: Chill the copper mug first to keep the drink extra cold.
- Garnish: Slap the mint between your hands before adding it to release more aroma.
- Choose a Good Bourbon: A smooth bourbon you enjoy sipping makes a noticeable difference.
- Make It a Mocktail: Swap the bourbon for a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative and keep the lime juice and ginger beer.
- Don't Rush: Pour the ginger beer slowly down the side of the mug to keep it fizzy.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below, I'd love to hear how it turned out for you!
The smoky bourbon and the spicy ginger brings such a balance to this cocktail. Perfect for the bourbon lovers in your life that like a little something extra!