The Kentucky Mule is a bourbon-based variation of the classic Moscow Mule. It’s the perfect cocktail for those of us who prefer bourbon whiskey over vodka.
This variation is more flavorful than the original, combining sweet, smoky and spicy flavors. This cocktail using ginger beer and bourbon is bright and bubbly. It is easy to drink while still tasting distinctly boozy.
Related: Gin Mule Cocktail, Mexican Mule Cocktail, and 40 Fun Cocktails to Make at Home.
Ingredients in a Kentucky Mule:
- Ginger Beer
- Bourbon
- Lime
- Mint
How to Make a Kentucky Mule Cocktail:
The best way to serve a Kentucky Mule is in a copper mug. Fill your mug with ice. Squeeze the juice of half a lime over the ice. Add two ounces of bourbon. Top it off with ginger beer. Garnish with lime and mint leaves.
What is the Best Bourbon for a Kentucky Mule?
- This drink is well balanced with the flavor of the ginger beer. It is not important to use an expensive bourbon. We recommend choosing a mid-priced option.
- Some easy to find brands we enjoy are Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, and Basil Hayden’s.
- Look for locally made bourbons and bourbons made in Kentucky.
What is the Best Ginger Beer for a Kentucky Mule?
We did a blind taste test of many brands of ginger beer. Most taste similar and are very sweet and more zesty or spicy than regular ginger ale.
The brand that stood out to us as the most delicious was Fever-Tree with the most effervescent and unique flavor. Beyond that, I would recommend picking up what is available since most brands in this category are similar and very good.
Why is a Mule Served in a Copper Mug?
When an iced drink is served in a copper mug, the mug becomes icy and chilled. Drinking from a chilled copper mug is a joyful sensory experience and it adds to the experience of the cocktail.
It’s important to note that the mug must be 100% copper to turn ice cold. These mugs are fun to collect and come in different variations. They also make a great gift idea.
Serving Suggestions – Kentucky Mule Goes Great With:
The ideal place to enjoy a Kentucky Mule is a hot tub, an outdoor meal, or at a campfire. It’s an easy drink to create quickly to serve at parties. Here are a few other recipes it goes great with!
Other Bourbon Cocktails to Try:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a Kentucky Mule different from a Moscow Mule?
A Kentucky Mule uses bourbon for the spirit and a Moscow Mule uses vodka.
What are the different variations of a Moscow Mule?
When you substitute the vodka for bourbon, it is a Kentucky Mule. When you substitute vodka for gin it is a Gin Mule. When you substitute vodka for tequila, it is a Mexican Mule. When you substitute vodka for rum, it is a Dark and Stormy.
Where can I find copper mugs?
I love to collect unique serverware for cocktails. I found several nice copper mugs on Amazon. I will also buy them at flea markets anytime I spot a unique copper mug or cup.
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 slice lime
- 5 mint leaves
- 1 cup ginger beer
Instructions
- The best way to serve a Kentucky Mule is in a copper mug. Fill your mug with ice.
- Squeeze the juice of half a lime over the ice.
- Add two ounces of bourbon.
- Top it off with ginger beer.
- Garnish with lime and mint leaves.
Notes
- This drink is well balanced with the flavor of the ginger beer. It is not important to use an expensive bourbon. We recommend choosing a mid-priced option.
- Some easy to find brands we enjoy are Bulleit, Maker’s Mark and Basil Hayden’s.
- Look for locally made bourbons and bourbons made in Kentucky.
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
As I took my first sip of the Kentucky Mule cocktail, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. Memories of warm summer evenings spent on my grandparents’ porch flooded my mind, and I was transported back to a simpler time. The combination of the spicy ginger beer and the smooth bourbon was an unexpected but delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule. As I savored the flavors, I felt a renewed appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. Thank you for reminding me to slow down and enjoy the moment, one sip at a time!
Love a mule!
Do you have any mocktail suggestions that still give you the depth of Bourbon?
We enjoy Ritual Whiskey as an alternative. It’s one of the best we’ve tried!