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 bourbon cocktail that's perfect to make for a crowd. This version has an extra dash of ginger, for that extra kick.
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If you like quick, easy cocktails with a bite you're going to love this Kentucky Mule recipe. This bourbon mule is a refreshing drink that really delivers a punch - especially this version, which has an extra dash of ginger. So next time it's time for a homemade happy hour - make this 2-minute cocktail, and enjoy!
Why this is the best Kentucky Mule 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
- An extra kick from ginger shot or ginger juice
- No fancy bar equipment needed - not even a jigger, muddler or shaker
- Perfect for a big party - easy to prep ahead for a crowd
- A must for your Kentucky Derby party! A fun alternative to serve alongside your Mint Juleps.
What is a Kentucky Mule?
A Kentucky Mule is basically a Moscow Mule with bourbon. While the classic cocktail Moscow Mule consists of vodka, lime juice & ginger beer, in a Kentucky Mule we swap vodka for bourbon for a delicious twist. The combination of bourbon and ginger beer gives it a nice bite, while still being very refreshing.
You can also make it with other types of whiskey for a generic "whiskey mule" - basically a whiskey ginger beer cocktail.
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. Can be swapped for ginger ale, but this will make it a lot sweeter.
- Fresh lime juice - bottled juice will not be enough
- Ginger shot adds extra spiciniess, but can be skipped
- Lime slices or wedges for decorating
- Fresh mint can also be added 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 wedge of lime, and serve! Either in a traditional copper mug, or in a low glass, as shown here.
How to make it for a crowd
If you want to make this ahead of time for a party, that's very easy to do. I recommend serving it in a big punch bowl or a pitcher.
Mix together bourbon, lime juice and ginger shot (this you can do up to 24 hours ahead of time!) in the pitcher or punch bowl. Then, just before serving, add ginger beer. And you are ready to serve!
Tips & tricks
- 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
- Don't have ice? Use cold ingredients instead.
Recipe FAQ
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 mule 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.
Yes! I always serve mine in a cocktail glass, mostly because I don't own any copper mugs.
Variations of this recipe and different kinds of Mules
This recipe is easy to vary with whatever liquor 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 other Moscow Mule variations 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.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce ginger shot / ginger juice optional
- 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 / ginger juice, ½ lime, 4 ounces ginger beer, ice cubes, lime wedge
Notes
Ingredient notes & substitutions
- 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
Tips & tricks
- 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
- Don't have ice? Use cold ingredients instead
Nutrition
Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.
Cyn
Love the Kentucky Mule because Bourbon is the best. I usually go with a old fashion or Manhattan it’s a nice change. I have a question what’s a ginger shot? Also thanks for the other Mules I can’t wait to try it all.
Emmeline Kemperyd
Hi Cyn!
Ginger shot is the same as concentrated ginger juice.
/Emmeline
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!