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This Kentucky Mule is the best bourbon whiskey version of the classic Moscow Mule cocktail. Made with lime, ginger & bourbon, it's a quick & easy cocktail that's perfect to make for a crowd. This version has an extra dash of ginger, for that extra kick.
I don't drink a lot of cocktails - I'm too much of a wine girl for that. But when I do - you know that either it's gonna be an Aperol Spritz, or it's gonna have bourbon.
Bourbon just makes everything more fun. Be it in a Jack & Coke, a summery Lynchburg Lemonade or here, in a spicy and refreshing Kentucky Mule drink. If there's alcohol, I want it to taste like it - and bourbon definitely handles that.
Why you will love this recipe
- It's quick with very short prep time
- It's easy to make - just mix and top with ginger beer
- Refreshing with a kick from ginger & bourbon
- No fancy bar equipment needed - not even a muddler or shaker
- Perfect for a big party - easy to prep ahead for a crowd
What you need to make it
All you need to make this Kentucky Mule recipe is:
- Bourbon (especially a Kentucky Bourbon, like Jim Beam or Maker's Mark) - or another type of whiskey
- Ginger beer - sweeter or drier, depending on your taste
- Lime juice needs to be fresh squeezed - no bottled juice here
- Ginger shot adds extra spiciniess, but can be skipped
- Lime slices or wedges for decorating
How to make it
- Pour bourbon, lime juice and ginger shot in a glass and stir
- Add ice cubes and fill up with ginger beer
- Garnish with a lime wedge, and serve! Either in a traditional copper mug, or in a low glass, as shown here.
Tips & tricks
- Make it for a crowd - mix bourbon, lime juice and ginger shot in a pitcher or punch bowl. Then, just before serving, pour in glasses, add ice cubes, and top with ginger beer.
- For an extra kick - rub the rim with a slice of ginger
- Make it non-alcoholic by just skipping the bourbon - the ginger still provides a nice kick
Recipe FAQ
A Kentucky Mule is a classic cocktail that's a variation on the classic Moscow Mule. While a Moscow Mule consists of vodka, lime juice & ginger beer, in a Kentucky Mule we swap vodka for bourbon.
You can also make it with other types of whiskey (just don't tell Kentucky).
No one really knows why Mule cocktails came to be known as "Mules", but one common explanation is that it's because the ginger delivers a "kick" - just like a mule might.
Legend has it the inventor of the Moscow Mule (the original Mule cocktail) had a girlfriend who owned a copper-making company. And so when he created this new cocktail, it was served in a copper mug.
Two commonly cited reasons for Mules still being served in copper mugs are that it keeps it cold and might enhance both the fizziness and flavor of the drink.
I think, more likely, it's because it's a fun way to serve a cocktail, and it helps it stand out.
Variations of this recipe and different kinds of Mules
This recipe is easy to vary with whatever liqueur you have at home. Just replace the bourbon with any of the following:
- Vodka for a classic Moscow Mule
- Tequila for a Mexican Mule
- Irish whisky for an Irish Mule
- Cachaca for a Brazilian Mule
- Sangsom (Thai "whiskey", really a rum) for a Thai Mule
- Brännvin (strong Swedish liqueuer) for a Swedish Mule
- Or skip the alcohol to make a Teheran Mule
Or try something else that's lurking in the back of your liqueur cabinet for your own unique twist! Come up with a new mule recipe you love? Let me know in the comments below and I'll include it in the list!
More quick & easy cocktail recipes
Love quick, easy, delicious cocktails - like this Kentucky Mule? Then I think you will love these!
Did you love this recipe? Rate it five stars!
...and let me know what you loved about it in the comments.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce ginger shot
- ½ lime juiced
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- ice cubes optional
- lime wedge optional
Instructions
- Pour bourbon, ginger shot and lime juice into a glass and mix. Add in a few ice cubes if desired and top with ginger beer. Decorate with a lime wedge and serve immediately!2 ounces bourbon, 1 ounce ginger shot, ½ lime, 4 ounces ginger beer, ice cubes, lime wedge
Notes
Ingredient notes & substitutions
- Bourbon can be swapped for another type of whiskey
- Lime juice should really be fresh for the best results - no bottle here
- Ginger shot can be skipped
Tips & tricks
- Make it for a crowd - mix bourbon, lime juice and ginger shot in a pitcher or punch bowl. Then, just before serving, pour in glasses, add ice cubes, and top with ginger beer.
- For an extra kick - rub the rim with a slice of ginger
- Make it non-alcoholic by just skipping the bourbon - the ginger still provides a nice kick
Nutrition
Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.
Elsie S. Stewart
I tried this recipe and it's really good. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to try the recipe.
Kristie
Hello! I wish to say that this post is awesome, great written and comme with approximately all important infos.
I’d like to look extrda posts like this! 🙂
Jacquelyn
One of my favorites! I can’t get enough of these on Sunday Funday! My girlfriends have been screaming for more.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
This sounds delicious - I love the sound of that extra dash of ginger!
Renee | The Good Hearted Woman
My husband loves bourbon, and this Mule is perfect for him! So refreshing and delicious!
Patty at Spoonabilities
This truly is a refreshing drink and love that kick from the ginger! So tasty it's hard to limit myself to one 😉
Andrea Metlika
Bourbon fan here. Can't wait to try this cocktail out! It sounds fabulous!